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  • A fitting musical farewell

    A fitting musical farewell

    Jamaica’s National Indoor Sports Centre in St Andrew transformed into a vibrant celebration of life on Wednesday, honoring reggae luminary Jimmy Cliff in a memorial service radiating the same optimism that defined his legendary career. The three-hour tribute united politicians, musicians, and fans worldwide in a profound farewell to the singer-songwriter who passed away on November 24 at age 81.

    Prime Minister Dr Andrew Holness and Opposition Leader Mark Golding delivered heartfelt eulogies, emphasizing Cliff’s enduring humility despite global fame. Holness reflected on the artist’s birth name James Chambers and his unwavering connection to rural Jamaican roots, noting how anthems like ‘Many Rivers To Cross’ and ‘You Can Get It If You Really Want’ transcended entertainment to become “affirmations of dignity, resilience, and belief in possibility.”

    Golding highlighted Cliff’s groundbreaking role in the seminal film ‘The Harder They Come,’ recognizing how his “natural, authentic, and convincing” performance as Ivan introduced Jamaican culture to international audiences and ensured the film’s timeless legacy.

    The emotional core emerged through family tributes, with widow Latifa Chambers and children Aken and Lilty expressing the artist’s profound love for humanity and homeland. Lilty joined musicians Chris McDonald and Dwight Richards in a moving performance of ‘Moving On,’ showcasing the musical dynasty Cliff nurtured.

    Musical tributes spanned Cliff’s extensive catalog, from Tony Rebel’s powerful rendition of ‘Vietnam’ to Tessanne Chin’s soaring interpretation of ‘I Can See Clearly Now’ from the Cool Runnings soundtrack. The National Dance Theatre Company and Tivoli Dance Troupe transformed classics into choreographic art, while Richie Spice, Beenie Man, and Nadine Sutherland contributed celebratory performances.

    The service concluded with Prime Minister Holness presenting the Chambers family with an official Jamaican flag, symbolizing the nation’s gratitude for the Somerton-born boy who became a global ambassador of reggae music and Jamaican culture.

  • Support us!

    Support us!

    Jamaica’s prestigious coffee sector is navigating a complex recovery path as government initiatives face scrutiny from growers who argue that current support levels remain insufficient. The Jamaica Agricultural Commodities Regulatory Authority (JACRA) recently distributed 5,000 bags of fertilizer valued at $35 million to coffee farmers, representing part of a broader $120 million intervention package jointly funded by the agency and the national government.

    This assistance falls under the Coffee Crop Resuscitation and Establishment Programme (CREP), a five-year strategy designed to establish nurseries and facilitate widespread replanting across both Blue Mountain and High Mountain coffee regions. JACRA’s acting director general Wayne Hunter confirmed the readiness of 10,000 seedlings for High Mountain varieties and an additional 15,000 planting materials for Blue Mountain cultivation, scheduled for distribution during the April planting season.

    Despite these measures, Jamaica Coffee Growers Association President Donald Salmon expressed concerns about the pace and scale of support. “While we appreciate what we get from the Government… I don’t want to sound greedy, but we need much more. It is significant assistance, but the farmers are really hurting,” Salmon stated during the handover ceremony.

    The industry has endured consecutive challenges from extreme weather events, including a devastating blow from Category 5 Hurricane Melissa on October 28. Preliminary estimates from Jamaica Coffee Exporters Association Chairman Norman Grant indicate losses reaching $1 billion, with accumulated deficits totaling $2.5 billion.

    Agriculture Minister Floyd Green acknowledged the need for urgent CREP reforms, noting that the program required enhancement even before the hurricane’s impact. The government has allocated approximately $100 million specifically for coffee sector recovery, with focused attention on providing farming materials identified as critical needs by growers.

    Minister Green revealed innovative approaches to addressing infrastructure challenges, stating: “The coffee roads require, in my view, a separate program.” The ministry is collaborating with the National Works Agency to develop cost estimates for specialized road rehabilitation in coffee-growing regions, recognizing the unique engineering demands of the mountainous terrain.

    Salmon advocated for additional measures including revived insurance schemes for climate-vulnerable farmers and technological modernization of farming practices. He emphasized the global reputation of Jamaican coffee while highlighting structural challenges: “The farmers who produce 80% are either squatters, have no land title, are very small and capital starved.”

    The association president concluded with a stark reminder of the industry’s foundation: “Without the coffee growers and the farmers there’s no JACRA for coffee. No exporter. So support us.”

  • Cold shoulder

    Cold shoulder

    A groundbreaking initiative in Jamaica designed to rehabilitate young offenders is encountering substantial obstacles, with pervasive social stigma and administrative failures creating significant barriers to successful reintegration. The Jamaicans for Justice (JFJ) rights advocacy group, in its recent report ‘A Civil Society Review of the Diversion and Alternative Measures for Children in Conflict with the Law in Jamaica,’ reveals that children completing the Ministry of Justice’s Child Diversion Programme face severe stigmatization when attempting to return to their educational institutions.

    The program, operational since January 2020 under the progressive Child Diversion Act of 2018, aims to divert juveniles from traditional criminal justice pathways through alternative interventions. However, the very institutions meant to support these youth are frequently contributing to their marginalization. Schools and peers routinely label participants as ‘delinquents,’ particularly those whose original offenses involved sexual activity under age 16 or assault, resulting in profound social exclusion that undermines the program’s rehabilitative objectives.

    Beyond social stigma, the JFJ identifies critical systemic failures impairing the program’s effectiveness. Parental disengagement and bureaucratic delays in issuing completion certificates create additional hurdles for school re-enrollment. The absence of comprehensive reoffending data further complicates assessment of long-term outcomes, while a concerning 13% of participants either fail to complete or are returned to referral sites.

    Statistics reveal sobering completion rates: of 1,517 referrals between 2020 and January 2024, only 690 children (45%) successfully finished the program. Non-compliance reasons range from inability to locate children and court withdrawals to parental non-support and conflicting school commitments.

    The JFJ emphasizes that even frontline personnel demonstrate inadequate awareness of the program’s provisions, with only 48% of police and school resource officers familiar with the Child Diversion Act. Many continue relying on informal cautioning rather than formal diversion referrals, despite the program’s demonstrated rehabilitative benefits.

    While acknowledging the program’s significant potential for addressing juvenile delinquency and reducing recidivism, the JFJ calls for urgent interventions: enhanced inter-ministerial coordination between Justice and Education ministries, comprehensive training for school administrators, partnership with NGOs for community-based mentorship, and resolution of critical shortages in mental health professionals and social workers.

    Contextualizing the urgency, Jamaica Constabulary Force data shows children aged 12-17 were implicated in 875 major crimes from 2018-2021, with 710 arrested for serious offenses including murder, shooting incidents, and sexual assaults in the 2022-2024 period. Sexual offenses alone accounted for over half of the 730 felonies committed by juveniles during this timeframe.

  • UNDERDOGS NO MORE

    UNDERDOGS NO MORE

    In a stunning display of athletic prowess and strategic execution, Jamaica’s national basketball team has emerged as an unexpected powerhouse in the FIBA Americas World Cup Qualifiers. Under the leadership of American coach Rick Turner, a former NBA executive appointed in December 2019, the Jamaican squad has transformed from international underdogs to legitimate contenders on the global basketball stage.

    The breakthrough moment arrived during their opening group games against Puerto Rico, where the ‘Jamrockers’ secured consecutive victories despite being the lowest-ranked team in their group and missing Miami Heat star Norman Powell. These remarkable wins in San Juan propelled Jamaica to four points, tying them with basketball powerhouse Canada at the top of their qualifying group standings. The top three teams from each group will advance to the final qualification round.

    Turner revealed to the Jamaica Observer that these victories represent more than just statistical achievements: “These two games showed us that we belong and that the things we’ve been doing weren’t just pie-in-the-sky wishes but were things that as a staff and organization we believed in.” The coach emphasized that while Jamaican athletes naturally possess confidence, these wins provided crucial validation of their competitive capabilities at the international level.

    The team’s journey has been anything but straightforward. Turner’s initial years were hampered by the COVID-19 pandemic, creating what he described as a “purgatory” situation where Jamaica couldn’t improve its ranking without playing games, but couldn’t qualify for games without a better ranking. Their current qualification opportunity emerged through what Turner characterizes as “sort of lucky” circumstances, when FIBA unexpectedly notified the Jamaica Basketball Association of their eligibility for pre-qualifiers just hours after Turner and association president Paulton Gordon had discussed their frustrating predicament.

    Despite their current success, Turner maintains a pragmatic perspective: “We did win two games in Puerto Rico that we probably weren’t the favorites for, but the road now just seems even more difficult.” The coach highlighted challenging upcoming fixtures against The Bahamas (February 26) and Canada (March 1), noting that their opponents will be fighting with increased desperation as qualification hopes hang in the balance.

    Turner credits the team’s rapid development to the extraordinary commitment of players who have compressed years of development into intensive training camps. “Our players were focused from the time they landed in San Juan, knowing what the job was and knowing the importance of putting their best foot forward against a team that was really, really good,” he noted, praising their ability to absorb complex strategies within limited preparation time.

    The Jamaican basketball program’s dramatic evolution under Turner’s leadership represents one of international sports’ most compelling turnaround stories, demonstrating how strategic vision, player dedication, and fortunate timing can converge to create athletic excellence against all odds.

  • CHRISTMAS @ One Park

    CHRISTMAS @ One Park

    This holiday season, One Park Restaurant and Lounge invites patrons to indulge in an exquisite culinary celebration with the launch of its specially curated Christmas menu. Under the creative direction of Head Chef Judah Ellis, the establishment presents three distinct gourmet offerings designed to deliver both festive joy and robust flavors for discerning meat enthusiasts.

    The gastronomic experience commences with the King’s Christmas Roast, a majestic dish centered around premium Wagyu striploin. This centerpiece is accompanied by an innovative truffle brioche pudding and elevated with a distinctive guava red wine jus, served alongside tender broccolini.

    Following this royal offering is the Jerk Duck A L’Orange Royal, which reimagines a classic dish through a Caribbean lens. The crispy jerk duck receives a sophisticated tamarind orange glaze enhancement, complemented by sweet potato fondant and finished with artisanal cacao nibs for textural contrast.

    Completing the triumvirate of holiday specialties is the Crown Jewel Lamb Rack. This creation features herb-crusted lamb elevated by a sorrel mint demi-glaze, accompanied by breadfruit gratin and aromatic rosemary accents.

    Beyond the culinary offerings, the beverage program presents two signature cocktails crafted for the season. The Hibiscus Spritz offers floral notes while the Very Merry Fizz provides effervescent celebration in a glass. These carefully conceived libations provide perfect complements to Chef Ellis’s holiday creations, ensuring a comprehensive festive dining experience at One Park Restaurant and Lounge.

  • Boost for bars

    Boost for bars

    In a landmark private sector collaboration, Jamaica’s premier beverage manufacturers Red Stripe and J Wray & Nephew Limited have formed a strategic alliance to accelerate recovery of community bars devastated by Hurricane Melissa. The joint initiative, formally launched in St Elizabeth this Wednesday, specifically targets bar proprietors in the most severely impacted parishes whose operations were crippled by the Category 5 storm.

    The comprehensive support program provides eligible establishments with specially curated ‘restart packs’ containing both alcoholic and non-alcoholic products from the companies’ portfolios. These emergency supply packages enable bar owners to rapidly restock inventory and participate in the crucial Christmas trading season, offering vital relief to those who suffered substantial product losses during the hurricane.

    Daniel Caron, Managing Director for Jamaica and the Caribbean at J Wray & Nephew Limited, articulated the broader vision behind the partnership: ‘Hurricane Melissa’s destruction transcends corporate interests—it has devastated families, livelihoods, and communities throughout Jamaica. This collaboration embodies renewed community spirit and constitutes an integral component of our national recovery commitment. By facilitating the reopening of community bars, we’re empowering small entrepreneurs during this critical juncture.’

    Caron revealed this initiative represents merely the initial phase of a long-term commitment: ‘Through our Community Bar Network, we will continue exploring additional support mechanisms for bar operators. In early 2026, we plan to collaborate with stakeholders to reconstruct iconic community bars and deliver further assistance to an industry that forms an essential part of Jamaica’s informal entertainment and economic ecosystem.’

    Red Stripe’s Managing Director Daaf van Tilburg emphasized the multifaceted significance of community bars across the island: ‘These establishments represent Jamaica’s most extensive network of small businesses—they’re social hubs where communities connect, celebrate milestones, and provide mutual support during challenging times. They also serve as economic anchors, sustaining employment for bar staff, suppliers, farmers, vendors, and numerous other micro-enterprises.’

    Tilburg stressed the human-centric approach to recovery: ‘This partnership’s significance lies in restoring not merely commercial inventory but the socioeconomic heartbeat of affected parishes. Reopening these spaces means revitalizing employment, cultural institutions, and normalcy for thousands of Jamaicans. This unified effort demonstrates our proud commitment to national recovery.’

    With approximately 10,000 community bars nationwide—each directly employing three to five individuals while indirectly supporting extensive micro-enterprise networks—their recovery constitutes a crucial component in restoring economic activity and social cohesion in Melissa-affected regions. This pioneering collaboration establishes a powerful precedent for private sector involvement in national disaster recovery efforts, focusing on the grassroots establishments that form the fabric of Jamaican social and economic life.

  • No piecemeal work

    No piecemeal work

    Jamaican authorities are adopting a meticulously planned, science-based strategy for the restoration of Black River and other coastal communities ravaged by Hurricane Melissa. Floyd Green, Government Minister and Member of Parliament for St Elizabeth South Western, has outlined a dual-phase approach that prioritizes both immediate stabilization and long-term, sustainable redevelopment.

    The immediate short-term response, slated for the next three months, focuses on extensive cleaning operations and the provisional re-establishment of critical services. This includes deploying a field hospital to the site of the severely damaged Black River Hospital, with plans to restore the main ward by January to significantly increase treatment capacity. Temporary structures for essential government entities like the municipal corporation and tax office are also being prioritized to restore basic administrative functions.

    However, the cornerstone of the government’s strategy is a comprehensive, data-driven study to guide the permanent reconstruction. The recently announced National Reconstruction and Resilience Authority (NARA) will spearhead this process, conducting expert analyses to determine the most resilient and sustainable future for these vulnerable towns. Minister Green emphasized that rebuilding will not be ‘anecdotal’ or ‘piecemeal.’ Key government buildings—including the destroyed courthouse, municipal corporation, and tax office—may be permanently relocated to safer areas based on the study’s findings.

    Beyond infrastructure, the vision for Black River includes a cultural renaissance that leverages its rich heritage. Green expressed a desire to transform the town into a cultural destination, with the restoration of historical buildings—such as those from the era when it was the first town with electricity—into interactive spaces that immerse visitors in its unique history.

    Economic recovery is already underway, with successful clean-up efforts allowing businesses like pharmacies, supermarkets, and a KFC to reopen, a critical step in restoring employment for thousands of residents. The second phase of cleaning, managed by the Urban Development Corporation, will involve the complete removal and proper disposal of debris from the town. Expressing unwavering optimism, Green concluded that Black River will ultimately ’emerge better’ from this catastrophe, rebuilt as a more resilient and vibrant community.

  • STATEMENT: Dominica Hotel and Tourism Association on the increased site user fees

    STATEMENT: Dominica Hotel and Tourism Association on the increased site user fees

    The Dominican Hotel and Tourism Association (DHTA) has issued a stark warning regarding recent policy decisions that threaten to undermine the Caribbean nation’s carefully cultivated tourism model. Representing hotels, tour operators, transportation providers, and thousands of industry workers, the association expresses deep concern over the government’s departure from previously agreed-upon funding mechanisms.

    For years, both governmental and private sectors have acknowledged critical funding shortfalls in destination marketing and natural site maintenance. This financial gap has directly impacted Dominica’s competitiveness and visitor experience quality. In response, the DHTA had supported implementing a visitor levy under specific conditions: a $20 fee collected through IATA systems, establishment of a jointly managed tourism fund, and elimination of individual site fees in favor of a unified ‘One National Park’ concept.

    However, the recently announced budget measures diverge significantly from these agreements. The government has implemented a $30 levy (50% higher than proposed), maintained cruise head taxes at current levels instead of increasing them to $12.50, introduced substantially higher site pass fees, and made no mention of the jointly managed fund structure. Most concerning is the 300% increase in site fees, creating an additional $272 financial burden for a typical family of four—a 566% overall increase when combined with the new levy.

    The economic impact is already materializing, with over 10,000 pre-booked room nights for 2026 facing significant losses under the new fee structure. Small and medium properties report unbudgeted adjustments exceeding EC$10,000, while tour operators struggle with mid-cycle changes to contracts typically set 12-18 months in advance.

    The association highlights a critical equity issue: cruise visitors represent 80% of arrivals but contribute less than 10% of tourism GDP, while stayover visitors—who spend fifty times more per capita—bear nearly the entire financial burden of site maintenance and marketing. This imbalance contradicts Dominica’s longstanding tourism master plans emphasizing high-yield, low-volume, nature-based tourism.

    The DHTA reaffirms its commitment to collaborative solutions that protect Dominica’s unique brand as the world’s premier nature destination while ensuring fair contribution across all tourism segments and upholding environmental stewardship principles.

  • Danielle Veira is PM Friday’s press secretary

    Danielle Veira is PM Friday’s press secretary

    Prime Minister Godwin Friday has selected Danielle Veira, a multifaceted media professional with diverse experience across multiple industries, to serve as his official Press Secretary. The appointment marks a significant addition to the administrative communications team following the New Democratic Party’s electoral victory on November 27.

    Veira brings an extensive background that spans singing, songwriting, announcing, advertising creation, and real estate to her new role. Her longstanding affiliation with the ruling party includes hosting the NDP’s media programming and presiding over several party press conferences during the pre-election period. In the critical year leading to the party’s successful campaign, she collaborated closely with Lavern King, the NDP Public Relations Officer who has since been appointed to the Senate.

    Expressing her gratitude for the appointment, Veira stated to iWitness News: “It is a great honour to be appointed by the Prime Minister as Press Secretary. I am fully committed to supporting the Government in carrying out its mandate to deliver for all Vincentians.” She further emphasized her dedication to the role, adding: “I look forward to serving in this role with energy and conviction, and to upholding the responsibilities of the office with clarity and commitment.”

    The position of press secretary to the Prime Minister of St. Vincent and the Grenadines has been held by several notable figures throughout history. Glenn Jackson, a journalist, became the first appointee to this role shortly after Prime Minister Ralph Gonsalves assumed office in March 2001. Jackson served until his tragic death on March 6, 2006.

    His successor, Hans King—another journalist and former educator—held the position until February 1, 2019, when he resigned to assume leadership as general manager of National Properties Ltd., a state-owned enterprise. King was later confirmed permanently in this corporate role and reportedly resigned following the November general election.

    The interim period saw Sehon Marshall appointed to the press secretary position on May 1, 2019. Marshall brought diplomatic experience from his previous role as counsellor at SVG’s Permanent Mission to the United Nations and deputy consul general at the New York Consulate. Most recently, comedian and former radio announcer Shevrell McMillan served as press officer to Gonsalves until the Unity Labour Party’s electoral defeat.

  • Dominica announces expanded flight options for regional, US and UK connectivity

    Dominica announces expanded flight options for regional, US and UK connectivity

    The Commonwealth of Dominica has unveiled a strategic aviation expansion set to dramatically enhance its international connectivity for the 2025–2026 winter season. This initiative, jointly announced by the Ministry of Tourism and the Discover Dominica Authority (DDA), represents a significant upgrade to the island’s airlift capacity, targeting key markets in the Caribbean, the United States, and the United Kingdom.

    The enhanced flight network is designed to facilitate smoother and more frequent travel to the ‘Nature Isle,’ a move that directly addresses previous logistical challenges for tourists. The expansion includes increased flight frequencies on existing routes and the introduction of new services from major international hubs. This development is a cornerstone of the government’s broader economic strategy, which positions tourism as a primary driver of sustainable development.

    Analysts project that the improved accessibility will catalyze a substantial uptick in visitor arrivals, providing a considerable boost to the local hospitality sector, including hotels, tour operators, and ancillary services. The government emphasizes that this infrastructural advancement is a direct response to growing global interest in eco-tourism and destination weddings, for which Dominica is increasingly renowned. This calculated investment in air transport is expected to solidify the island’s competitive stance within the regional tourism market and foster long-term economic resilience.