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  • African and Caribbean literary voices to take centre stage at Jamaica Book Festival’s literary exchange

    African and Caribbean literary voices to take centre stage at Jamaica Book Festival’s literary exchange

    KINGSTON, Jamaica — The Jamaica Book Festival is poised to make literary history this Saturday, February 28, with the grand finale of its inaugural Africa Caribbean Literary Exchange. The event will transform the Confucius Institute at the University of the West Indies, Mona, into a vibrant cultural hub from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm, marking a significant milestone in transatlantic literary dialogue.

    This groundbreaking gathering features an extraordinary delegation of internationally acclaimed authors and cultural visionaries from both Africa and the Caribbean. The distinguished roster includes Namina Forna, the Sierra Leonean-American New York Times bestselling author renowned for her Gilded Ones series that challenges patriarchal structures through feminist fantasy narratives.

    The African literary representation is further strengthened by Troy Onyango, the award-winning Kenyan writer and founding editor of the influential Lolwe literary magazine, alongside Ghanaian-born moderator and cultural analyst Alexandra Antwi-Boasiako. Together, they bring decades of combined experience in shaping contemporary African literary landscapes.

    Festival director Latoya West-Blackwood emphasized the historical significance of this exchange, stating: “This initiative transcends conventional literary gatherings. It represents a profound reconnection of shared histories, the establishment of new creative partnerships, and the creation of intentional spaces for direct engagement between African and Caribbean voices. The festival invites public participation in these transformative dialogues.”

    The day’s extensive programming includes keynote addresses, stimulating panel discussions, hands-on workshops, author reading sessions, and specialized children’s storytelling activities. The event will also feature a bustling vendor marketplace celebrating literary entrepreneurship and creative commerce.

    Caribbean literary excellence is prominently showcased through contributions from Paulette A Ramsay, Research Fellow and Chief Operating Officer at the PJ Patterson Institute for Africa Caribbean Advocacy; Trinidad and Tobago multidisciplinary creative Jeunanne Alkins; and Jamaican award-winning novelist Nicole Dennis-Benn, author of the critically acclaimed works ‘Patsy’ and ‘Here Comes the Sun’.

    Programming themes will address crucial topics including publishing pathways across Africa and the Caribbean, developing sustainable Black arts ecosystems, linguistic diversity within diaspora communities, and the growing global impact of contemporary African and Caribbean narratives. The morning sessions will commence with Odiyo’s “Books for Breakfast” audio lounge experience.

    Designed as an intergenerational gathering, the exchange incorporates dedicated children’s programming and a curated vendor village featuring literary works, artisan merchandise, and creative products from local entrepreneurs, ensuring comprehensive community engagement.

  • Market Bag: Burgerman takes shop-off challenge as prices continue to fall at ‘Curry’

    Market Bag: Burgerman takes shop-off challenge as prices continue to fall at ‘Curry’

    KINGSTON, Jamaica – Consumers in Jamaica are witnessing favorable market conditions as produce prices at Coronation Market demonstrate a sustained downward trajectory this week. Tomato prices have plummeted to remarkable lows of just $30 per pound, while staple vegetables like cabbage and pumpkin are now available for approximately $100.

    The encouraging price trends have been officially confirmed by Corey Bailey, a data collection officer with Jamaica’s Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Mining. Bailey emphasized that current market conditions present an exceptional opportunity for consumers to maximize their purchasing power.

    “The market prices are exhibiting very positive trends across most categories,” Bailey stated. “We’ve observed substantial decreases in several product lines while others maintain price stability. Root vegetables including sweet potato and dasheen have held steady at the $300-$350 range. The overall market environment currently favors consumers seeking value.”

    In related market activities, the Jamaica Observer’s Market Bag series concluded its season with a special shopping challenge. Burgerman, a prominent radio personality from Edge 105 FM, transitioned from the studio to the vibrant atmosphere of ‘Curry’ market for a high-stakes purchasing competition with host Carlysia Ramdeen.

    The finale episode challenged both participants to demonstrate exceptional budgetary efficiency, testing their ability to maximize value for every dollar spent. The competitive segment featured Burgerman promising an impressive performance, while Ramdeen remained equally determined to claim victory.

    Viewers can experience the complete market shopping challenge through the Jamaica Observer’s digital media platforms, where the new episode of Market Bag is now available for streaming.

  • Jamaican insurance agent Tona-Lee Lewis Wright making waves in US

    Jamaican insurance agent Tona-Lee Lewis Wright making waves in US

    Tona-Lee Lewis Wright has achieved an extraordinary milestone in the American insurance sector, ascending from her origins in Manchester, Jamaica to become the highest-performing agent among over 6,000 professionals nationwide. Her remarkable journey exemplifies strategic innovation, unwavering resilience, and demonstrable excellence in the competitive financial services industry.

    Following nearly ten years of distinguished service within Jamaica’s insurance landscape, Wright embarked on a transformative career move by relocating to the United States to broaden her professional horizons. She aligned herself with Leaders Financial Group, a premier agency operating within one of the nation’s most recognized final expense insurance organizations.

    Demonstrating exceptional prowess, Wright shattered a six-decade-old production record within merely two years of joining the company. Her unprecedented performance culminated in generating exceeding $584,000 in annual premium production for 2025 alone, securing her the top rank across the entire organization.

    This achievement was formally recognized through the presentation of a commemorative plaque and an honorary painting. Wright’s methodology transcends mere salesmanship; she is renowned for developing and implementing refined field efficiency strategies that significantly enhance agent productivity and streamline client acquisition processes throughout her agency.

    Beyond her personal production metrics, Wright dedicates substantial effort to mentoring and training incoming agents, thereby fostering collective organizational growth. As a licensed insurance professional authorized in multiple U.S. states, she has gained admission into elite industry circles, including the prestigious Million Dollar Round Table and the Court of the Table—honors reserved for the globe’s most exceptional insurance producers.

    “I pursued migration to elevate my passion to an international platform,” Wright stated. “The pillars of my success are consistency, adaptability, and a perpetual willingness to unlearn and relearn.”

    Widely regarded as the benchmark for production excellence in final expense insurance, Wright embodies the dual role of top-tier producer and dedicated industry educator. Her work has substantively benefited thousands of families across diverse markets, reinforcing her dedication to professional superiority and client service.

    As an illustrious representative of Jamaica on the global stage, she remains fervently committed to elevating professional standards within the insurance industry while motivating aspiring professionals with a global outlook. Wright champions a philosophy of relentless perseverance, often citing: “Success is not final. Failure is not fatal: it is the courage to continue that counts.”

  • Love March Movement leader condemns alleged attacks during prayer vigil in Kingston

    Love March Movement leader condemns alleged attacks during prayer vigil in Kingston

    KINGSTON, Jamaica—A prominent Christian youth organization has reported escalating hostilities against its members during an ongoing prayer vigil outside a medical facility in Kingston. Dr. Daniel Thomas, president of the Love March Movement, detailed a series of physical assaults and threats targeting his team near the Ivy Green Medical Centre, where they have been conducting peaceful demonstrations as part of the international ’40 Days for Life’ campaign.

    According to Dr. Thomas, the incidents began on February 19 and have involved projectiles including water, stones, gravel, and glass bottles being hurled at participants from individuals associated with or near the medical facility. The activists maintain a 12-hour daily presence at the site, where they engage in prayer and outreach to women considering abortion procedures.

    ‘Our team has endured significant abuse and threats from persons inside the Ivy Green Medical Centre,’ Thomas stated in an interview with Observer Online. He described personally evading a thrown bucket of soapy water before being targeted with rocks and gravel from an upper floor of the building, accompanied by verbal abuse.

    The organization has filed at least four formal reports with local law enforcement regarding the incidents. Thomas acknowledged police responsiveness but noted delayed response times of approximately one hour, during which activists continued to face physical danger. He expressed concern that their constitutional rights to peaceful assembly and free speech were not being fully protected.

    In a contrasting statement, the Cross Roads police division indicated they had not received any formal complaints from the Christian group at the time of inquiry.

    Despite the hostilities, Thomas reported that their outreach efforts have yielded positive results, with three women reportedly choosing to continue their pregnancies after engaging with the group last week. This brings the campaign’s total to 36 such interventions since its inception.

    The Love March Movement emphasizes its comprehensive support system for women in crisis pregnancies, offering practical assistance including medical referrals, employment assistance, grocery support, and help escaping violent situations. Their 40-day vigil, which began February 18 and continues through March 29, aligns with the international campaign’s focus on prayer, fasting, and peaceful advocacy against abortion practices.

  • Bleu & Bougie to honour late consul general to New York

    Bleu & Bougie to honour late consul general to New York

    The Jamaican diaspora community in New York has posthumously honored former Consul General Alison Roach-Wilson for her exceptional diplomatic service and community leadership. Roach-Wilson, who passed away in November at age 62 following a battle with breast cancer, served as Jamaica’s top diplomat to New York since 2019 until her untimely death.

    On March 1, the Bleu & Bougie event series organizers paid tribute to Roach-Wilson’s legacy during a special ceremony at New Rochelle’s Greentree Country Club. The organization established the Alison Roach-Wilson Legacy Award, which was presented to her husband Omar and their three children—Brian, Patrick, and Vanessa—in recognition of her profound impact on the Jamaican community.

    Jerry McDonald, founder and CEO of Bleu & Bougie, characterized Roach-Wilson as the embodiment of excellence, purpose, and meaningful impact. ‘The CG was not only a diplomat but a servant of Jamaica who uplifted the diaspora at every level,’ McDonald stated. ‘She represented Jamaica with grace and an unwavering commitment to community.’

    Born in St. Catherine, Jamaica, Roach-Wilson migrated to the United States as a teenager, attending Erasmus High School and the American Business Institute in New York. Before her diplomatic appointment, she built an impressive corporate career, serving as vice president and associate director at Bear Stearns, director of finance at Greylock Capital Management, and as president and CEO of The Alison Roach Group, LLC. She also demonstrated entrepreneurial vision by founding Cyberlock Solutions, a cybersecurity company.

    In a fitting capstone to her distinguished career, Roach-Wilson received Jamaica’s Order of Distinction (Commander class)—the nation’s sixth-highest honor—just one month before her passing. The newly created award ensures that her legacy of service and dedication to the Jamaican diaspora will continue to be recognized and celebrated.

  • Reel 2 Reel’s I Like To Move it featuring Trinidadian The Mad Stuntman is platinum in the UK

    Reel 2 Reel’s I Like To Move it featuring Trinidadian The Mad Stuntman is platinum in the UK

    The iconic 1990s dance track ‘I Like To Move It’ by Reel 2 Reel featuring The Mad Stuntman has achieved platinum certification in the United Kingdom. The British Phonographic Industry awarded this prestigious recognition on Friday after the song surpassed 600,000 units in combined sales and streaming equivalents.

    Originally released during the golden era of house and techno music, the track became a defining anthem of the decade. It achieved remarkable international success, topping music charts in multiple European nations including Belgium, France, and the Netherlands, while also reaching number one in Zimbabwe. The song secured top-10 placements across numerous countries including Australia, Austria, Canada, Germany, Ireland, Spain, and Switzerland.

    In the United States, the track reached #89 on the Billboard Hot 100 and achieved an impressive #8 position on Billboard’s Dance Music Club Play chart. In its home market, the song peaked at #5 on the UK Singles chart.

    The vocalist behind the hit, The Mad Stuntman (born Mark Quashie), contributed to subsequent Reel 2 Reel chart successes including ‘Can You Feel It?’ and ‘Conway,’ both of which entered both the UK Singles chart and Billboard Dance chart. Now 60 years old, Quashie resides in New York.

    This UK platinum award adds to the song’s existing international certifications, having previously earned gold status in Australia, France, Germany, and the Netherlands, while achieving platinum recognition in New Zealand.

  • Bill Clinton denies wrongdoing at grilling on Epstein ties

    Bill Clinton denies wrongdoing at grilling on Epstein ties

    Former President Bill Clinton appeared before a congressional committee investigating Jeffrey Epstein connections on Friday, firmly denying any knowledge of the financier’s criminal activities while Democrats intensified calls for similar scrutiny of Donald Trump’s Epstein ties.

    In his opening statement shared publicly, Clinton asserted he severed all connections with Epstein well before the financier’s 2008 conviction for sex offenses. “I saw nothing, and I did nothing wrong,” Clinton declared to the House committee conducting the deposition behind closed doors in Chappaqua, New York.

    The proceedings revealed sharp political divisions, with Republican committee chair James Comer vowing to ask “lots of questions” about Clinton’s documented associations with Epstein, including 27 flights on Epstein’s private plane and 17 White House visits during Clinton’s presidency. Republican representative Anna Paulina Luna noted Clinton’s cooperative demeanor during questioning.

    Democrats countered that the investigation unfairly targeted political opponents rather than pursuing legitimate oversight. Committee member Suhas Subramanyam stated, “Let’s be real, we are talking to the wrong president,” emphasizing that Clinton answered all questions while Trump should face similar scrutiny.

    Clinton indirectly referenced Trump in his statement, noting that “no person is above the law, even presidents — especially presidents.” Trump responded with sympathy for Clinton, telling reporters he disliked seeing him deposed while maintaining skepticism about the investigation’s validity.

    The deposition followed Hillary Clinton’s testimony on Thursday, where the former secretary of state challenged lawmakers to question Trump “directly under oath about the tens of thousands of times he shows up in the Epstein files.” Both Clintons had initially resisted subpoenas but complied after Republicans threatened contempt of Congress charges.

    Notably, Bill Clinton acknowledged extensive interactions with Epstein through Clinton Foundation humanitarian work but denied visiting Epstein’s Caribbean island or having any awareness of his criminal activities. “Not only would I not have flown on his plane if I had any inkling of what he was doing — I would have turned him in,” Clinton stated.

    The proceedings occurred amid heightened security in Chappaqua, with dozens of journalists and Secret Service personnel surrounding the Clinton residence. Both Clintons criticized the closed-door format, with Bill Clinton comparing it to a “kangaroo court” and advocating for televised sessions.

    Epstein died in a New York jail cell in 2019 while awaiting trial on sex trafficking charges, with his death officially ruled a suicide though surrounded by persistent conspiracy theories.

  • Regional countries to send humanitarian aid to Cuba

    Regional countries to send humanitarian aid to Cuba

    BASSETERRE, St Kitts – Concluding their four-day annual gathering, leaders of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) have unanimously agreed to dispatch humanitarian assistance to Cuba while establishing a specialized committee to redefine diplomatic relations with the United States.

    The summit, chaired by St Kitts and Nevis Prime Minister Dr. Terrance Drew, addressed multiple regional challenges including Cuba’s escalating humanitarian crisis. While specific details of the aid package remain undetermined, Dr. Drew confirmed the collective commitment to support the Cuban people while maintaining regional stability. The Caribbean leaders acknowledged their unique position as historical partners to both Cuba and the United States.

    In a significant diplomatic move, CARICOM will form a three-member committee to develop a new Cooperation Framework with the United States. This initiative follows discussions with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who emphasized the Biden administration’s objective to strengthen traditional relationships within the Western Hemisphere.

    The Haiti crisis received substantial attention with the endorsement of Kenya’s leadership role in the UN-authorized Gang Suppression Force (GSF). The Eminent Persons Group, chaired by former St Lucian Prime Minister Dr. Kenny Anthony, presented comprehensive assessments of Haiti’s security and humanitarian situation.

    Additional summit outcomes included:
    – Advancements in the CARICOM Single Market and Economy (CSME) with expanded free movement provisions for aviation personnel
    – Establishment of a prime ministerial committee to review governance and financing structures within CARICOM
    – Reinforcement of support for Belize’s territorial integrity in ongoing border disputes with Guatemala and Honduras
    – Strong endorsement of the judicial process regarding the Guyana-Venezuela border controversy at the International Court of Justice
    – Mandate for the Reparations Committee to refine the CARICOM Ten-Point Plan for upcoming Commonwealth meetings

    Dr. Drew characterized the summit as ‘a conference of action’ that produced tangible outcomes addressing the most critical issues affecting the Caribbean community.

  • Jamaica Medical Foundation donates cash for tetanus medication

    Jamaica Medical Foundation donates cash for tetanus medication

    In response to the devastation caused by Hurricane Melissa, the Jamaica Medical Foundation (JMF) has allocated a substantial donation of $500,000 specifically for the procurement of tetanus medication. The health outreach organization, which operates as an initiative of the insurance sector, identified a critical gap in post-disaster healthcare as victims faced not only property and agricultural losses but also severe medical shortages.

    A primary concern highlighted by JMF was the elevated risk of tetanus infection, commonly known as ‘lock jaw,’ resulting from injuries sustained in hazardous conditions following the hurricane. Loose zinc sheets and exposed nails in debris created a dangerous environment for residents, necessitating immediate preventive healthcare measures.

    The National Health Fund (NHF) has been entrusted with managing the acquisition and distribution logistics for these essential medications. Leveraging its established network, which includes mobile pharmacy units, the NHF will ensure that even the most remote affected communities receive the crucial tetanus treatments.

    JMF Chairman Orville Johnson publicly praised NHF CEO Everton Anderson and his team for their exceptional efforts in delivering critical medications to hurricane victims, acknowledging their pivotal role in the relief operation.

  • Small business operators meet with JPS

    Small business operators meet with JPS

    In a pivotal move to confront the severe energy challenges stifling Jamaica’s entrepreneurial sector, the Small Business Association of Jamaica (SBAJ) engaged in high-level talks with the Jamaica Public Service Company (JPS) this Thursday. The meeting, spearheaded by SBAJ President Garnett Reid, centered on developing actionable strategies to alleviate the financial and operational pressures on micro and small enterprises.

    The SBAJ delegation presented a comprehensive overview of the sector’s critical pain points. These included the burdensome fixed generation costs exacerbated by the constraints of a small demand market, which disproportionately affect smaller operations. The association also highlighted the sector’s acute vulnerability to external shocks, particularly hurricanes, under the current regulated pass-through model that allows costs to be directly transferred to consumers. This model, coupled with limited financial reserves typical of micro-businesses, creates a precarious situation for survival post-disaster.

    Further concerns emphasized were the persistent issues surrounding the reliability of the national electricity grid and the significant strain imposed by recent tariff increases. The delegation, which included key figures such as Chairman of Trustees Reginald Budhan, 2nd Vice President Dennise Williams, and legal advisor Michael Diamond, argued that these factors collectively threaten the growth and sustainability of Jamaica’s vital small business ecosystem.

    The dialogue culminated in a mutual commitment from both JPS and the SBAJ to pursue continued collaboration. The primary objective is to forge fair, transparent, and pragmatic solutions that not only ensure a stable and reliable energy supply for the nation but also create an environment where small businesses can thrive and contribute meaningfully to the Jamaican economy.