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  • Denham Town police and inmates clash after ‘faeces, urine thrown at cops’

    Denham Town police and inmates clash after ‘faeces, urine thrown at cops’

    A violent confrontation erupted at the Denham Town Police lock-up in Kingston, Jamaica, on Wednesday morning, resulting in multiple injuries among both law enforcement personnel and detainees. The incident unfolded approximately at 9:30 a.m. when a team of four officers entered a cell to confiscate contraband items. Without warning, they were ambushed by a group of inmates who launched a coordinated assault.

    The attackers utilized improvised and unsanitary weapons, hurling a repulsive mixture of human feces, urine, and water at the officers. Faced with this aggressive and unprovoked attack, the police unit responded by deploying what official reports describe as ‘appropriate less-lethal force’ to subdue the assailants and ensure their own safety.

    The ensuing melee left the four initially targeted officers and an unspecified number of prisoners with injuries requiring immediate medical attention. All injured individuals were promptly transported to the Kingston Public Hospital for emergency treatment. As of the latest reports, the specific nature and severity of the injuries sustained remain undisclosed, with authorities withholding details on the current condition of those hospitalized. An investigation into the precise triggers and the full sequence of events is likely underway.

  • Trinidad schoolboy shot dead by bullet meant for father – police

    Trinidad schoolboy shot dead by bullet meant for father – police

    PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad – A fatal shooting in the La Horquetta community late Monday culminated in a devastating outcome when a stray bullet, originally aimed at a targeted individual, claimed the life of an innocent adolescent. According to official reports from the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service, the incident unfolded outside the family residence where 16-year-old Ezekiel Moore, a student at Malabar Secondary School, was spending time with his father.

    The sequence of events began when the father received a phone call and moved outdoors to continue the conversation. Shortly thereafter, two assailants emerged on the pavement adjacent to the property and initiated a gunfire assault. As the targeted father attempted to retreat to safety, multiple rounds were discharged in his direction.

    In a tragic turn, one projectile ricocheted off an unspecified surface and struck the teenager, inflicting critical injuries from which he succumbed. The violent episode triggered panic among local residents, who sought immediate shelter from the gunfire.

    The father sustained non-fatal injuries during the attack and was transported to a medical facility for treatment. He was subsequently released following care.

    This homicide marks the nation’s 46th murder recorded this year, surpassing the total of 44 documented during the corresponding timeframe in the previous year. The incident has reignited public concern regarding street violence and firearm-related crime across Trinidad and Tobago.

  • Bad Bunny to star in movie about Puerto Rico

    Bad Bunny to star in movie about Puerto Rico

    Following his historic Grammy wins and record-breaking Super Bowl performance, global music phenomenon Bad Bunny is poised to conquer cinema with a leading role in “Porto Rico,” an ambitious historical drama announced Wednesday. The film will be directed by acclaimed rapper and activist Rene “Residente” Perez Joglar, marking his directorial debut with a project described as a Caribbean western hybrid.

    The cinematic endeavor boasts an extraordinary ensemble cast including Academy Award winners Javier Bardem and Alejandro Gonzalez Inarritu as producer, alongside Hollywood heavyweights Viggo Mortensen and Edward Norton, who also serves as producer. The film centers on the true story of 19th-century revolutionary Jose Maldonado Roman, known by his codename “Aguila Blanca” (White Eagle), who led anti-colonial resistance movements in Puerto Rico.

    Residente, the Grammy-winning founder of Calle 13, expressed profound personal connection to the project: “Since childhood, I’ve envisioned creating a film about my homeland. Puerto Rico’s authentic history has perpetually been shrouded in controversy. This production stands as a powerful reaffirmation of our identity—presented with the intensity and honesty our legacy warrants.”

    The production promises to blend historical authenticity with lyrical storytelling, fusing “historical scope with visceral, lyrical approach and gripping narrative inspired by true events” according to official statements. Residente shared historical photographs on social media while acknowledging the creative team assembled for this landmark undertaking.

    Bad Bunny’s involvement marks a significant career evolution for the 31-year-old reggaeton superstar, fresh from winning three Grammys for his entirely Spanish-language album “DeBI Tirar Mas Fotos” and performing for over 120 million viewers during the Super Bowl halftime show—a celebration of Puerto Rican culture that drew criticism from former President Donald Trump over its Spanish lyrics.

    While the artist (born Benito Antonio Martinez Ocasio) has previously appeared in supporting roles in “Bullet Train” alongside Brad Pitt and “Caught Stealing” with Austin Butler, “Porto Rico” represents his first leading role in a major cinematic production.

    Norton praised the creative partnership: “Everyone recognizes Rene as a poetic master of language and rhythm. Now audiences will witness his visionary visual storytelling. Uniting him with Bad Bunny to articulate Puerto Rico’s foundational narrative will be like a flame discovering the dynamite that’s been awaiting ignition.” Residente specifically sought a lead who “feels Puerto Rico as profoundly as I do and exhibits equal pride when singing our authentic anthem.”

  • Arsenal blow two-goal lead in damaging Wolves draw

    Arsenal blow two-goal lead in damaging Wolves draw

    WOLVERHAMPTON, United Kingdom — Arsenal’s Premier League championship aspirations encountered a severe setback on Wednesday evening after surrendering a two-goal advantage to bottom-placed Wolverhampton Wanderers, culminating in a dramatic stoppage-time equalizer that concluded a tumultuous 2-2 draw at Molineux Stadium.

    Under Mikel Arteta’s leadership, the Gunners initially demonstrated commanding form with Bukayo Saka breaking the deadlock merely five minutes into the match. The England international, operating in an uncharacteristic number 10 role, connected masterfully with Declan Rice’s precision cross to execute a clinical header past goalkeeper José Sá. This marked Saka’s first goal across all competitions since December, ending his most prolonged scoring drought as an Arsenal player.

    The visitors reinforced their dominance in the 56th minute when defender Piero Hincapié unleashed a ferocious strike into the top corner after receiving Gabriel Magalhaes’s incisive through pass. Although initially flagged for offside, the goal was validated following a Video Assistant Referee (VAR) review.

    However, Arsenal’s structural integrity disintegrated during the final quarter-hour. Wolverhampton’s Hugo Bueno ignited hopes of an improbable comeback with a spectacular curling effort from the edge of the penalty area—his maiden Premier League goal—in the 86th minute.

    The climax arrived during injury time when catastrophic miscommunication between goalkeeper David Raya and center-back Gabriel Magalhaes resulted in Tom Edozie’s shot deflecting off Riccardo Calafiori into his own net. The calamitous conclusion left Arteta and his squad visibly stunned, mirroring their recent 1-1 draw against Brentford where they similarly failed to preserve a lead.

    This collapse extends Arsenal’s concerning pattern of squandering advantages in critical moments, having secured only two victories in their previous seven league matches. The result provides significant momentum to defending champions Manchester City, who now trail by merely five points with an additional game in hand and a pivotal head-to-head encounter scheduled for April.

    Compounding Arteta’s tactical concerns, Saka was substituted during the second half with a suspected knee injury—a potentially devastating development given his recent contract extension establishing him as the club’s highest-earning player.

    The performance exposed psychological vulnerabilities within the squad as they pursue their first league title since 2004, demonstrating palpable nervousness during the match’s closing stages that suggests mounting pressure in the championship race.

  • Machel Montano becomes all-time record holder of Road March titles

    Machel Montano becomes all-time record holder of Road March titles

    PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad—Carnival history was rewritten this week as legendary calypso and soca performer Machel Montano achieved an unprecedented milestone in Trinidad and Tobago’s cultural landscape. The iconic artist secured his record-breaking 12th Road March title following the conclusion of the 2026 Carnival celebrations, establishing himself as the most decorated musician in the competition’s history.

    Montano’s winning composition ‘Encore’ propelled him past the legendary late Lord Kitchener (Alwyn Roberts), with whom he had been tied after his 2025 victory. The achievement represents a monumental moment in Caribbean musical heritage, showcasing Montano’s enduring influence across generations.

    Trinidad and Tobago’s Culture Minister Michelle Benjamin celebrated the historic accomplishment in an official statement, noting: “This historic milestone is a testament to his consistency, talent, and undeniable impact on our Carnival culture. Year after year, he continues to raise the bar and unite the nation through music.”

    During the two-day judging period, Montano’s triumphant track was performed 171 times across various carnival stages. He outperformed formidable competitors including Aaron ‘Voice’ St Louis, the youngest-ever International Soca Monarch winner, whose composition ‘Cyah Behave’ received 127 plays. Veteran artist Bunji Garlin secured third position with ‘Still a Road Man,’ played 97 times.

    In parallel developments, the mas band ‘Lost Tribe’ from the Tribe Carnival Group claimed dual honors as both Large Band of the Year and overall Band of the Year. Their winning presentation ‘Island Circus’ emerged victorious despite recent controversy surrounding the distribution of adult-themed items in their masquerader packages, which had drawn criticism from Roman Catholic Archbishop Jason Gordon.

    The prestigious band competition saw Trinidad All Stars Steel Orchestra secure second place with ‘Sailors Ashore in Japan,’ while Paparazzi Carnival captured third position with their presentation ‘Elope: Destination I Do.’ These achievements highlight the continuing evolution and diverse creative expressions within Trinidad’s world-renowned carnival traditions.

  • Jamaica boosts coastal disaster assessment skills through TNC workshop

    Jamaica boosts coastal disaster assessment skills through TNC workshop

    KINGSTON, Jamaica—In a significant capacity-building initiative, The Nature Conservancy (TNC) convened over 60 government officials and environmental specialists for a comprehensive science workshop on February 9-10. The event, held at the Jamaica Pegasus Hotel, focused on leveraging geospatial data for detecting changes in vulnerable coastal ecosystems.

    The intensive two-day program addressed the critical need for advanced monitoring tools as Caribbean nations face increasing frequency and intensity of extreme weather events. Participants engaged with cutting-edge remote sensing methodologies using PlanetScope and Sentinel-2 satellite imagery to evaluate hurricane impacts on marine and coastal environments.

    Under the guidance of Dr. Steve Schill, TNC’s Caribbean Lead Scientist, and other technical experts, the workshop blended theoretical foundations with practical applications. Day one established core remote sensing principles, including assessment requirements and software options ranging from proprietary to open-source platforms. Attendees gained proficiency in field data collection techniques and learned to access satellite imagery from both public and private sources.

    The training featured demonstrations of cloud-based analytical tools, notably Google Earth Engine, showcasing how integration of satellite data with field observations enables rapid, precise change detection. “Remote sensing allows hurricane impact assessment within days, while drones can map damage once weather conditions stabilize,” Dr. Schill explained.

    Day two progressed to hands-on image processing using industry-standard software including ArcGIS Pro and QGIS. Non-governmental organization representatives additionally trained with Kobo Toolbox and Google Earth Pro, analyzing sample datasets to evaluate ecological changes in mangrove forests, seagrass beds, and sandy shorelines. These practical sessions were specifically designed to enhance skills applicable to both immediate post-disaster evaluations and sustained coastal monitoring efforts.

    Donna Blake, TNC Jamaica’s Program Director, emphasized the critical importance of reliable environmental data: “Timely information is essential for transforming post-disaster assessments into informed policy and investment decisions. Building technical capacity ensures our restoration efforts remain evidence-based and aligned with national resilience objectives.”

    This capacity-building initiative ultimately strengthens Jamaica’s ability to monitor and report on climate commitments related to coastal ecosystems while significantly improving the efficiency and accuracy of environmental assessments following major disturbances.

  • A1 Pelico creates buzz With ‘Mil A Day’ single

    A1 Pelico creates buzz With ‘Mil A Day’ single

    KINGSTON, Jamaica—Jamaican dancehall performer A1 Pelico has commenced the new year with remarkable momentum, positioning himself for substantial career advancement. The artist’s latest single, ‘Mil A Day,’ has generated seismic waves across airwaves and digital platforms, signaling his ascending trajectory in the music industry.

    Despite widespread social media speculation regarding the song’s inspiration, A1 Pelico clarified that the track isn’t targeted at any specific individual. “I’m not directing words at anyone in particular—I’m simply expressing what I witness and hear in the streets,” the artist explained. The single’s infectious rhythm and relatable lyrics have propelled it to viral status, dominating radio rotations and internet playlists simultaneously.

    Born Junior Shaw in the Riverton City community, the artist revealed his origins in inner-city Kingston, where he experienced financial hardships and physical challenges common among urban youth. Music became his therapeutic outlet and escape mechanism during difficult times. He described how immersing himself in the works of influential artists helped shape his aspirations and creative vision.

    “Growing up in the garrison environment shapes your perspective differently. You develop heightened awareness and appreciate simplicity more profoundly than average youth,” A1 Pelico reflected. “Music was my stress relief during formative years, which explains why composition comes naturally to me now. I always aspired to achieve the lifestyle portrayed in the songs of my predecessors. While I haven’t fully realized that dream yet, I’m undoubtedly progressing toward it.”

    The artist’s current momentum extends beyond local recognition, with international radio stations and social media influencers amplifying his reach through their platforms. This global exposure coincides with A1 Pelico’s intensive studio sessions, where he’s developing multiple new singles to capitalize on his burgeoning popularity.

  • Phoenix Awards to go national

    Phoenix Awards to go national

    KINGSTON, Jamaica—A groundbreaking national initiative is poised to transform Jamaica’s cultural landscape with the establishment of the Phoenix Awards. This first-of-its-kind ceremony, scheduled for March 30 at the Phillip Sherlock Creative Arts Centre, will honor professionals across the entire spectrum of creative industries through an unprecedented 48 award categories.

    Conceived by playwright David Tulloch, the awards represent a comprehensive celebration of Jamaica’s artistic community, recognizing not only performers but the complete ecosystem behind cultural productions. The extensive categories span traditional disciplines like acting, poetry, dance, and music while also acknowledging often-overlooked contributors including writers, producers, production teams, and even concessionaires who enhance the audience experience.

    Tulloch emphasized the organic evolution of what began as a local project into a national movement. ‘The transition to a national platform emerged through extensive dialogue with industry colleagues who expressed a powerful desire for unity within our cultural community,’ Tulloch explained. ‘I consistently heard professionals calling for an inclusive event that would properly recognize the full breadth and depth of our creative sector.’

    The development process became a collaborative effort, with Tulloch bringing diverse stakeholders together to create a platform that balances comprehensive representation with public re-engagement in cultural activities. This community-driven approach distinguishes the Phoenix Awards from traditional recognition programs by breaking down silos between artistic disciplines and emphasizing their interconnected roles in storytelling and cultural preservation.

    The addition of unconventional categories—such as best concessionaires—reflects the awards’ innovative philosophy that cultural experiences extend beyond the stage or screen to encompass all elements that contribute to audience enjoyment and participation.

  • Eight skiers missing in California avalanche found dead

    Eight skiers missing in California avalanche found dead

    A catastrophic avalanche in California’s Sierra Nevada mountains has resulted in one of the deadliest winter sports disasters in recent memory, with eight confirmed fatalities and one skier still unaccounted for as rescue operations continue under perilous conditions.

    The tragedy unfolded Tuesday when an avalanche struck a backcountry skiing expedition near Castle Peak in the Tahoe region. The group, comprising eleven clients and four guides from Blackbird Mountain Guides, had been lodging at the Frog Lake huts since Sunday and were returning to base when the disaster occurred.

    Nevada County Sheriff Shannan Moon described the ongoing rescue efforts as severely hampered by ‘extreme weather conditions that make movement virtually impossible,’ with gale-force winds and heavy snowfall creating near-zero visibility. Initial rescue teams successfully located six survivors, two of whom required hospitalization, but subsequent searches have yielded no further survivors.

    Over forty first responders, including specialized ski rescue teams from Boreal Mountain Ski Resort and Tahoe Donner’s Alder Creek Adventure Center, have been deployed despite the dangerous conditions. The operation has gained statewide attention, with California Governor Gavin Newsom receiving briefings on the situation.

    The incident occurs amid historically severe winter conditions in the Sierra Nevada range. Sugar Bowl Resort reported 67 inches of accumulation in the past week alone, with 30 inches falling between Tuesday and Wednesday. The National Weather Service has issued warnings for additional snowfall potentially reaching eight feet at higher elevations, accompanied by wind gusts up to 55 mph.

    Local authorities including Placer County Sheriff Wayne Woo have issued urgent pleas for the public to avoid mountain travel, emphasizing the ‘treacherous’ conditions. The Colorado Avalanche Information Center notes this incident contributes to a concerning pattern, with six avalanche-related fatalities recorded across the United States this season, including a previous incident at Castle Peak in January.

    Backcountry skiing, while popular among adventure enthusiasts, carries inherent risks that are dramatically amplified during severe weather events. As rescue operations continue, the winter sports community faces sobering reminders of nature’s unpredictable power and the critical importance of heeding weather advisories.

  • Jesse Royal joins lineup for Essential Notes seminar at UWI

    Jesse Royal joins lineup for Essential Notes seminar at UWI

    KINGSTON, Jamaica—The University of the West Indies will host an exceptional educational opportunity for aspiring music professionals on Wednesday, March 12, featuring two-time Grammy-nominated reggae phenomenon Jesse Royal as keynote panelist. The complimentary seminar, titled Essential Notes–The Seminar, will convene at 6:00 pm in Lecture Theatre N1, offering unprecedented access to industry expertise.

    Royal will be joined by an elite assembly of music industry pioneers including Gary Burke, prominent European music executive; Natalie Prosper, Grammy and Oscar Award-winning music executive; and A.S. Morris, professionally recognized as Notnice, a Grammy-winning producer. This distinguished panel represents decades of collective experience across international music markets.

    The initiative is the brainchild of Demonie Wilson, known professionally as Squidell, an accomplished artist manager, A&R representative, and published author. Wilson has designed the program to bridge critical knowledge gaps within Jamaica’s vibrant creative ecosystem.

    Essential Notes represents a strategic investment in cultural infrastructure, focusing on the intersection of artistic expression and commercial sustainability. The program aims to empower students and emerging creatives with practical frameworks for navigating the complex dynamics of the global music industry while preserving cultural authenticity.

    Jesse Royal, celebrated for his socially conscious lyricism and philanthropic initiatives, emphasized the seminar’s vital role in nurturing Jamaica’s abundant talent pool. “Initiatives that actively stimulate the business dimension of our creative sector deserve wholehearted embrace,” Royal stated. “While Jamaica overflowswith raw talent, we must concurrently develop structures that cultivate emerging artists and generate new opportunities within this fertile creative landscape.”

    Wilson highlighted the fundamental principle of accessibility governing the initiative: “At its core, Essential Notes is about democratizing access—access to expertise, lived experience, and transparent dialogue about industry realities. By maintaining free admission and featuring influential voices like Jesse Royal, we ensure that knowledge transfer occurs directly between established industry architects and the next generation of cultural innovators.”

    The seminar will incorporate interactive discussions, reflective exercises, and actionable guidance for artists and music professionals seeking to deepen their understanding of both the artistic and commercial dimensions of the music industry.