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  • REWIND 2025 REWIND

    REWIND 2025 REWIND

    The year 2025 marked a monumental period for Jamaica’s entertainment industry, characterized by an unprecedented global renaissance of dancehall music that cemented the island’s status as a cultural powerhouse. This resurgence propelled both legendary and emerging artists to international stardom, creating a narrative of spectacular highs juxtaposed with profound losses.

    The year commenced with a historic event as thousands of fans gathered at the National Stadium for Vybz Kartel’s first live performance in thirteen years following his August 2024 prison release. The star-studded ‘Freedom Street’ concert featured reunions with his protégés and appearances by Bounty Killer, Spice, and Busta Rhymes. Kartel’s remarkable comeback culminated in his official coronation as ‘King of Dancehall’ at Reggae Sumfest in July, an event that drew record-breaking crowds despite a brief stampede during the celebrations.

    Simultaneously, veteran artist Mavado made his long-awaited return to Jamaica in October after resolving legal matters that had kept him abroad since 2018. His homecoming, captured in viral social media moments, was set to be celebrated with a major concert until Hurricane Melissa forced its postponement.

    The industry celebrated significant milestones, most notably Sizzla Kalonji’s 30-year anniversary in music. His ‘Rise to the Occasion’ concert at Sabina Park featured groundbreaking inclusivity with sign language interpreters and performances by Etana, Spragga Benz, and Christopher Martin. Prime Minister Andrew Holness personally acknowledged Sizzla’s inspirational impact, while other artists including Aidonia, D’Angel, and Elephant Man also marked career anniversaries.

    Beyond musical achievements, the industry faced challenges including the unfortunate incident involving Miss Jamaica Universe Dr. Gabrielle Henry, who sustained serious injuries after falling during pageant preliminaries in Thailand.

    The late October arrival of Hurricane Melissa brought devastating economic losses, but prompted an extraordinary response from the entertainment community. Artists including Spice, Masicka, Sean Paul, Vybz Kartel, Mavado, Shaggy, Shenseea, and Buju Banton mobilized relief efforts through their foundations and participated in charity events like the I Love Jamaica Telethon and Jamaica Strong Benefit concert. They distributed essential supplies, assisted with cleanup, and provided emotional support to affected communities.

    The December ‘war season’ ignited a musical clash between Masicka and Tommy Lee Sparta, whose lyrical exchange dominated social media and streaming platforms. While tensions stemmed from debates about dancehall hierarchy following Kartel’s coronation, both artists maintained musical integrity, providing entertainment that lifted spirits post-hurricane.

    2025 also brought solemn moments as the industry mourned the passing of iconic figures: Danny English (54, diabetes), Determine (52, stomach cancer), Cocoa Tea (65, lymphoma and pneumonia), Munair Zacca (79, lung disorder), and reggae pioneer Jimmy Cliff (81). Their contributions were honored nationally, with Jimmy Cliff receiving an official funeral at the National Indoor Sports Centre.

    Through triumphs and tragedies, Jamaica’s entertainment industry demonstrated remarkable resilience, unity, and philanthropic spirit, solidifying its global influence while honoring its rich legacy.

  • Legacy Isle bounces back with dominant win in ‘Chris’ Armond Memorial Sprint

    Legacy Isle bounces back with dominant win in ‘Chris’ Armond Memorial Sprint

    In a breathtaking display of speed and supremacy, Legacy Isle (Shackleford — Queenameina) captured the $2-million Christopher ‘Chris’ Armond Memorial Sprint with a record-shattering performance at Caymanas Park on December 27, 2025. Under the expert guidance of trainer Rohan Crichton and jockey Raddesh ‘Sneaky Fox’ Roman, the bay thoroughbred decimated a field of five competitors, crossing the finish line a staggering 12 lengths ahead of his nearest rival.

    The Graded Stakes/Open Allowance event, contested over 5½ furlongs (1,100m) for three-year-olds and upward, witnessed Legacy Isle’s triumphant return to form following a second-place finish behind Rideallday in the prestigious US$300,000 Mouttet Mile just three weeks prior. Breaking sharply from the gate, Legacy Isle engaged in a brief tussle for the early lead with Pack Plays (Dane Nelson) before asserting his dominance heading into the half-mile turn.

    Once seizing control, the race transformed into a solo exhibition. Legacy Isle accelerated effortlessly into the straight, unleashing a powerful surge that left the competition trailing. His final time of 1:04.2 (23.1 x 46.0 x 57.4) established a new Stakes record, cementing his status as a sprinter of exceptional caliber. Desert of Malibu (Dane Dawkins) secured second position, with California Crown (Tevin Foster) completing the top three.

    This decisive victory capped an outstanding 2025 campaign for Legacy Isle, concluding the year with six wins from ten starts and amassing over $14 million in Stakes earnings. Jockey Raddesh Roman attributed the effortless win to intimate knowledge of his mount’s capabilities, stating, ‘I know this horse very well… I just try to get a clean break, relax him as much as possible, and save him for the home stretch. He is a very nice horse.’ The performance not only demonstrated Legacy Isle’s recovery but also his formidable potential for the upcoming racing season.

  • DaCosta secures fourth-consecutive trainers’ championship in thrilling finish

    DaCosta secures fourth-consecutive trainers’ championship in thrilling finish

    In a dramatic conclusion to Jamaica’s horse racing season, Jason DaCosta secured his fourth consecutive trainers’ championship despite facing a formidable challenge from rival Anthony Nunes. The championship hung in the balance during the prestigious US$300,000 Mouttet Mile on December 6, where Nunes needed only a victory to overtake DaCosta’s nearly $15 million lead.

    The race unfolded with unexpected results: DaCosta’s horse Funcaandun captured third place, earning $4 million, while Nunes’ contenders Nautical Star and Tiz Tok failed to deliver strong performances. This outcome expanded DaCosta’s post-race advantage to $11 million, ultimately securing his championship victory by a final margin of $6,142,250.

    Reflecting on his hard-fought victory, DaCosta expressed gratitude to his supporters: ‘I’m feeling good. It was a lot of hard work, it was a tough year, but I’m glad I got it done. I have to give thanks to all the owners who supported me and my crew, my team, everybody who worked hard all year.’

    The final statistics revealed DaCosta’s exceptional season performance: 75 winners, 64 second-place finishes, and 56 third-place results from 460 starts, accumulating $83,980,350 in stakes. Nunes concluded with 72 winners, 63 seconds, and 58 thirds from 466 starts, earning $77,838,100.

    Despite his victory, DaCosta raised concerns about the championship format, questioning whether a single race should determine an entire season’s outcome. ‘I don’t think it is fair. I mean, it is too large of a gap. One race can erase an entire year’s work,’ he stated, suggesting promoters consider eliminating such high-stakes races from championship calculations.

    This fourth consecutive title solidifies DaCosta’s dominance in Jamaican horse racing, extending his winning streak through 2022, 2023, 2024, and now 2025, establishing him as one of the nation’s most accomplished trainers.

  • We Jammin dominates Wayne DaCosta Jamaica Two-Year-Old Stakes

    We Jammin dominates Wayne DaCosta Jamaica Two-Year-Old Stakes

    In a spectacular display of equine prowess, the chestnut colt We Jammin delivered a commanding performance to seize the $4-million Wayne DaCosta Jamaica Two-Year-Old Stakes on December 26, 2025. Trained by Peter-John Parsard and expertly ridden by jockey Omar Walker, the promising two-year-old dominated the one-mile Futurity contest at 1,600 meters, crossing the finish line with an impressive six-length margin in a time of 1:42.2.

    Parsard expressed no surprise at the emphatic victory, revealing his longstanding confidence in the colt’s exceptional abilities. “The horse is a very talented horse; he has a lot of heart and a lot of fight,” Parsard stated, referencing We Jammin’s previous maiden win at seven furlongs despite being short of work and running without Lasix medication.

    The victory strategy unfolded perfectly as We Jammin broke well at the start, settling behind Salute The Don (ridden by Dane Dawkins) for most of the race. As the field entered the final stretch, Walker positioned his mount for a decisive move, overtaking the leader with a powerful surge that secured an uncontested victory. Salute The Don maintained second position, followed by Fernando (ridden by Dane Nelson) in third.

    Parsard credited owner Paul Lumsden’s dedication to the sport, noting: “He has been in racing for so long and he has put so much into it—heart, sweat, blood, money, everything.” The trainer also highlighted the colt’s significant improvement since his debut and expressed optimism for the 2026 racing season.

    Jockey Walker echoed the confidence in the champion colt, stating: “I know this horse inside and outside. He stays forever; he is a very good horse. As long as he keeps sound and nothing goes wrong with him, he is going to be a tough nut to crack.”

    With this victory marking his second win from two starts, We Jammin has firmly established himself as a leading contender for the Champion Two-Year-Old title, signaling the emergence of a potentially dominant force in Jamaican horse racing.

  • Fortuna Belle the top pick in Security Department Trophy

    Fortuna Belle the top pick in Security Department Trophy

    Caymanas Park prepares to host the prestigious $1.25-million Security Department Trophy this weekend, featuring an elite field of eleven thoroughbreds competing over the challenging 5-furlong straight course. The Overnight Allowance contest for three-year-olds and upward highlights Saturday’s nine-race card, drawing particular attention to several standout performers based on recent form and training patterns.

    Among the top contenders, Zulu Warrior demonstrates remarkable consistency with consecutive second-place finishes in his previous outings. The five-year-old chestnut horse, sired by Soul Warrior out of Lookatmenow, appears perfectly suited to the distance and is expected to mount a serious challenge for the championship title.

    Fortuna Belle (USA) presents another compelling case for victory following an impressive third-place debut behind California Crown at 5.5 furlongs last November. The dark bay/brown mare, descended from Uncaptured and Double Seven, has shown exceptional training form and possesses the pedigree to potentially lead the field.

    Champion Bubbler (USA) merits consideration despite a disappointing performance in the Mouttet Mile. The seven-year-old bay mare has since dropped in class and demonstrated significant improvement during training sessions, positioning herself as a legitimate threat for top honors.

    Norblar brings proven experience at this distance, having secured third place behind Mighty Gully in previous competition. The six-year-old bay horse continues to show competitive form and should deliver another solid performance.

    Another One emerges as an interesting prospect following his recent victory at identical distance, clocking an impressive 58.3 seconds. The four-year-old bay colt represents a genuine contender based on his demonstrated speed capabilities.

    The remaining field includes several runners facing significant challenges: Laban struggles with inconsistent form, Major Danger (USA) seeks to break a ten-race winless streak, while A Gift From Ben, Divine Force (USA), Smart Trick, and Cookie Day N Night appear unlikely to challenge the established favorites based on current assessments.

  • SHOWDOWN OVER KINGSTON’S SKYLINE

    SHOWDOWN OVER KINGSTON’S SKYLINE

    Jamaica’s National Environment and Planning Agency (NEPA) has significantly intensified its regulatory oversight, rejecting seven multi-storey residential proposals throughout 2025 amid growing concerns about excessive urban density and environmental compliance. This represents a notable increase from the five refusals recorded in 2024, with the majority concentrated in Kingston and St. Andrew where land scarcity continues to drive developers toward increasingly intensive projects.

    The agency’s decisions reveal a pattern of rejecting developments that exceed established planning thresholds rather than merely addressing procedural deficiencies. In Kingston 6, NEPA dismissed two high-density housing proposals containing 78 and 82 units respectively at Dillsbury Avenue locations, declaring them ‘premature and overintensive’ for the Jack’s Hill area. The agency determined that both projects surpassed approved density levels and plot area ratios for the locale.

    Critical examination of refusal notices indicates NEPA’s heightened focus on substantive planning violations including excessive densities, inadequate sewage treatment solutions, and unsuitable site conditions. A Russell Heights development was rejected for proposing 50 habitable rooms per acre where only 30 were permitted, while a Barbican Heights project faced refusal due to steep slopes and unstable limestone formations that rendered the site inappropriate for intensive construction.

    Wastewater management emerged as a decisive factor in multiple rejections. Proposals in Arlene Gardens and Pigeon Valley were refused primarily due to absent or inadequate sewage treatment plans, with NEPA warning of potential environmental and public health risks. A Westmoreland project met similar resistance on sewage-related grounds.

    This regulatory hardening occurs against a backdrop of significant legal challenges that have exposed weaknesses in Jamaica’s development approval framework. The protracted legal battle over the Birdsucker Drive apartment complex resulted in the Supreme Court overturning permits granted by both NEPA and the Kingston and St. Andrew Municipal Corporation (KSAMC) in 2020, though the Court of Appeal partially reversed this decision in June 2025. The case prompted KSAMC to implement procedural reforms aimed at preventing future legal challenges and ensuring proper community consultation.

    NEPA’s stringent approach extends beyond residential projects. The agency refused a commercial subdivision in St. Catherine for violating agricultural zoning regulations and rejected a slaughterhouse operation in St. Elizabeth due to inadequate effluent treatment and odor control measures, citing environmental safety concerns.

  • Money Market impressive in Boxing Day Sprint

    Money Market impressive in Boxing Day Sprint

    In a spectacular display of racing prowess, the Gary Subratie-trained thoroughbred Money Market captured the prestigious $1.25-million Boxing Day Sprint on December 26, 2025, at a Jamaican racetrack. Ridden by jockey Dane Dawkins, the four-year-old bay gelding demonstrated exceptional tactical intelligence and finishing speed to claim victory by 2¼ lengths.

    The triumph marked a remarkable comeback for Money Market, who had previously finished as runner-up to the highly-rated foreign contender Of A Revolution in the Bruceontheloose Sprint just three weeks earlier. The horse’s training team implemented a revised racing strategy that proved decisive in both performances.

    Executing a perfectly timed race plan, Money Market was held off the pace during the early stages, conserving energy behind frontrunners Commander Z, A Gift From Ben, Huntsman, and Supremasi down the backstretch. Approaching the critical half-mile turn, Dawkins initiated his move, expertly navigating through the field to secure third position.

    The winning moment arrived in the final stretch when Money Market unleashed a devastating acceleration, powering past his rivals to cross the finish line in a commanding time of 1:20.0 for the 6½-furlong (1,300m) Overnight Allowance contest. Supremasi, piloted by Dane Nelson, secured second place, while Huntsman with Jaheim Anderson completed the top three positions.

    Trainer Gary Subratie expressed particular satisfaction with the strategic execution, noting: ‘Dane knows that horse inside out. We’ve modified his running approach to conserve energy for the final stretch, and the results have been extraordinary.’ The victory represents Money Market’s second win from twelve starts this season, signaling his emergence as a formidable contender in sprint events.

    Bred by Successful Native out of the Dance Master mare Soca Dancer, Money Market has demonstrated consistent improvement throughout the racing season, with his Boxing Day performance standing as a career highlight.

  • MSJ’s Abdulah slams PNM, UNC

    MSJ’s Abdulah slams PNM, UNC

    In a sharply critical New Year’s address, Movement for Social Justice (MSJ) political leader David Abdulah delivered a sweeping condemnation of Trinidad and Tobago’s two dominant political parties, accusing both the ruling United National Congress (UNC) and opposition People’s National Movement (PNM) of fundamental governance failures.

    Abdulah characterized 2025 as a historically significant year marked by consequential elections in both Trinidad and Tobago and the United States. He expressed deep concern about the international political climate, particularly referencing Donald Trump’s return to power and the subsequent Project 2025 initiative, which he described as promoting “an ultra right-wing agenda rooted in white supremacy and the aggressive rewriting of historical narratives through executive overreach.”

    The MSJ leader elaborated on global implications, stating this agenda represents “imperialism on steroids” characterized by resource exploitation tactics, unilateral tariff impositions contravening WTO regulations, visa revocation threats, illegal sanctions, and the resurgence of gunboat diplomacy.

    Domestically, Abdulah presented a detailed electoral analysis, noting that the PNM suffered a catastrophic collapse in public support during the April general election. The party’s vote count plummeted by over 100,000 ballots from 322,180 in 2020 to merely 220,160 in 2025. He attributed this dramatic rejection to the PNM’s alleged arrogance in governance, its adherence to neoliberal economic policies that disproportionately favored the wealthy, and specific controversial actions including the closure of Petrotrin refinery and mass worker retrenchments.

    While acknowledging the UNC’s electoral victory under Kamla Persad-Bissessar’s leadership, Abdulah highlighted concerning democratic metrics. Despite securing 26 of 41 parliamentary seats (68% representation), the UNC coalition garnered only 350,734 votes representing approximately 30% of electoral support amid a record-low 54% voter turnout—the poorest participation rate since the 1971 ‘No Vote’ campaign.

    The opposition leader criticized the new government for exhibiting concerning tendencies reminiscent of its predecessor, citing Prime Minister Persad-Bissessar’s characterization of Trinidad as “a lawless dump” and abrupt reversals of longstanding foreign policy positions. While acknowledging some positive developments including stakeholder consultations on scrap iron regulations, refinery restart committees, and settled wage negotiations, Abdulah noted troubling patterns of insufficient consultation with maxi-taxi associations and Carnival stakeholders, and what he termed “a new manifestation of prime ministerial power.”

    Abdulah concluded that neither major party demonstrates capacity for the fundamental transformation required—a shift from top-down governance to participatory democracy and economic reconstruction that benefits all citizens rather than select elites. He called for emergence of a new mass movement capable of challenging the status quo, citing growing civic engagement around peace vigils, Palestinian solidarity, and global liberation movements as promising indicators of potential change.

  • Old Hilarians’ Association announces new executive for 2025–2027

    Old Hilarians’ Association announces new executive for 2025–2027

    The Old Hilarians’ Association of Bishop Anstey High School has ushered in a transformative era with the inauguration of its newly constituted executive committee for the 2025-2027 term. This development, announced on December 31, signals a revitalized commitment to strengthening alumni connections and institutional legacy.

    The freshly appointed leadership team comprises dedicated volunteers from the alumni community who bring diverse expertise and unwavering passion to their roles. This executive body embodies the enduring Hilarian tradition of service, united by a shared vision to reinvigorate the association’s programs and outreach initiatives.

    Key priorities for the new term include rebuilding organizational momentum, enhancing communication channels among graduates, and creating meaningful engagement opportunities for both past and present students. The executive has pledged to foster collaborative efforts that facilitate reconnection and contribution from the broader alumni network.

    A central component of their strategy involves implementing robust mentorship programs and advocacy initiatives designed to support current students. This intergenerational approach aims to bridge historical legacy with contemporary educational needs while maintaining the institution’s proud traditions.

    The association emphasizes that all executive services remain entirely voluntary, motivated by profound gratitude and responsibility toward the school community. This leadership transition represents both continuity and transformation—honoring historical foundations while adapting to modern alumni aspirations.

    The association encourages all graduates to actively participate in this renewal process, contributing to the development of a dynamic and impactful alumni body that strengthens institutional bonds across generations.

  • PM, TTPS celebrate success ‘restoring peace’: Murders fall to 10-year low

    PM, TTPS celebrate success ‘restoring peace’: Murders fall to 10-year low

    Trinidad and Tobago has achieved a remarkable breakthrough in public safety, recording a 42% reduction in homicides for 2025 with 369 murders compared to 626 the previous year. This represents the nation’s lowest murder rate since 2014 and one of the most significant crime reductions globally this year.

    The Trinidad and Tobago Police Service (TTPS) implemented comprehensive strategies including evidence-based policing, intelligence-led operations, and technology-driven solutions. Under the state of emergency declared on July 18, officers conducted 12,574 operations, targeted 3,723 priority offenders, and performed over 82,000 searches while seizing 673 illegal firearms and more than three tonnes of marijuana.

    Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar publicly commended Commissioner of Police Allister Guevarro and the TTPS, stating: “I promised that my government would act decisively to reduce crime, and we have delivered on that commitment. Their relentless work, discipline, and determination have been critical in lowering both the murder rate and serious crime across Trinidad and Tobago.”

    The crime reduction extended beyond homicides, with serious reported crimes dropping by 8%, violent crimes decreasing by 15%, larceny of motor vehicles falling by 21%, and fatal road traffic accidents declining by 22%. Police also improved detection rates significantly, with murder investigations increasing from 15% to 20% solved cases and serious crimes moving from 29% to 36% detection rates.

    Deputy Commissioner of Police Junior Benjamin attributed success to strategic leadership and enhanced community partnerships: “The results were not something that came by accident but through strategic direction. We recognized that we’ve done a lot in terms of community partnership where officers are bonding more with the public and creating greater atmosphere of trust.”

    As the state of emergency approaches its conclusion in January, authorities are implementing new legislation and training programs to maintain security gains. These include leveraging the Administration of Justice Act to streamline judicial processes and training officers to utilize expanded warrant authorities for faster response to criminal activity.