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  • Brownskin Rae takes inspiration from late dad to plot her musical journey

    Brownskin Rae takes inspiration from late dad to plot her musical journey

    FLORIDA, United States — Emerging Jamaican artist Brownskin Rae is carving her distinctive niche in the music industry while honoring the profound artistic legacy left by her late father, Cornel Marshall—a pioneering drummer of the legendary reggae ensemble Third World. In recent exclusive revelations, the singer-songwriter detailed how her father’s mentorship continues to shape her artistic journey despite his passing.

    Rachel Marshall, professionally known as Brownskin Rae, attributes her professional discipline and performance ethos to invaluable lessons imparted by her father. ‘His fundamental teachings emphasized the necessity of formalizing all agreements in writing and mastering rhythmic precision,’ she recalled. Marshall exposed her to diverse musical influences, from multi-instrumental versatility to crowd engagement techniques during live performances. Though not an instrumentalist herself, Brownskin Rae channels this inspiration into songwriting and dynamic stage presence.

    Growing up within the music ecosystem provided unique professional advantages. ‘I gained firsthand exposure to various artists, instrumentalists, and vocalists,’ she explained. Observing her father’s band setups—from equipment configuration to the intangible camaraderie among musicians—offered an immersive education in music production dynamics.

    Cornel Marshall’s illustrious career included tenures with seminal groups Tomorrow’s Children and Zap Pow, alongside his foundational role in Third World’s formation in 1973. His later involvement with the Twelve Tribes of Israel band further solidified his reggae legacy.

    Now residing in Florida, Brownskin Rae balances multiple professions as a certified real estate broker and technical programs manager while advancing her music career. Her latest single ‘Take Over,’ released January 2nd, emerges from contextual creativity amid disaster. ‘After experiencing a devastating hurricane, I sought to counter collective depression through romantic storytelling—a musical distraction from surrounding madness,’ she revealed of the track’s inspiration.

    The St. Andrew’s High School for Girls alumna emphasizes authenticity and lyrical craftsmanship as her primary artistic contributions. ‘My penmanship and genuine content define my musical identity,’ she asserted, signaling a conscious evolution beyond her inherited musical heritage while respecting its foundational influence.

  • Operating at a loss

    Operating at a loss

    Jamaica’s ambitious rural school transportation initiative, launched in September 2023 with a $1.2 billion investment, is facing significant operational challenges as it fails to generate anticipated revenue. Jamaica Urban Transit Company (JUTC) Managing Director Owen Ellington expressed serious concerns about the program’s financial sustainability during a press conference at the Ministry of Energy, Transport and Telecommunications this Tuesday.

    The government-sponsored program, which operates a fleet of 110 buses purchased specifically to alleviate transportation barriers for rural students, has yet to collect any fare revenue since its inception. The program was designed to eliminate transportation as an excuse for educational absenteeism while eventually transitioning to a nominal fee system after an initial free-ride period that ended in January.

    Ellington revealed that while approximately 16,000 students are currently benefiting from the service, the electronic card distribution system essential for fare collection has encountered substantial implementation obstacles. Only 1,900 cards have reached students thus far, with a mere 550 cards actually loaded with funds—a critically low adoption rate that threatens the program’s continuity.

    The JUTC director outlined the financial implications: with potential daily revenue estimated at $1.6 million if all students paid the $50 fee, the current zero-reality situation means the company continues to absorb substantial operational costs including staff salaries, fuel, and maintenance without any offsetting income.

    Ellington made a public appeal to schools, parents, and the broader community to accelerate card distribution and activation, emphasizing that revenue collection is essential for maintaining this vital educational access program. Approximately 4,000 cards remain undelivered in schools while another 5,000 await distribution.

  • Stephen ‘Cat’ Coore funeral underway

    Stephen ‘Cat’ Coore funeral underway

    KINGSTON, Jamaica — Jamaica’s political leadership and music royalty gathered today to honor the life and legacy of Stephen ‘Cat’ Coore, the visionary co-founder of pioneering reggae band Third World, in a solemn state-attended funeral service. The ceremony, currently underway, brings together the nation’s most influential figures from both government and entertainment spheres in a powerful demonstration of cross-sector respect for the late musician.

    Among the distinguished attendees are dancehall superstar Sean Paul, Culture Minister Olivia Grange, Finance Minister Fayval Williams, Opposition Leader Mark Golding, and Grammy-winning artists Damian ‘Junior Gong’ Marley and Maxi Priest. This convergence of political and cultural leadership underscores Coore’s monumental status as one of Jamaica’s most revered musical architects.

    The music world was stunned on January 18 when news broke of the iconic guitarist’s sudden passing, triggering an outpouring of tributes from government officials and entertainment professionals alike. Coore’s musical journey began with Inner Circle before he embarked on his revolutionary path by establishing Third World with keyboardist Ibo Cooper.

    Third World’s groundbreaking artistry transformed the global music landscape through their innovative fusion of reggae with soul, funk, pop, and rock elements. This distinctive sound catapulted Jamaican music to international prominence, with timeless hits including ‘Now That We’ve Found Love,’ ’96 Degrees in the Shade,’ and ‘Try Jah Love’ securing their position as one of Jamaica’s most enduring and successful musical exports.

    Celebrated for his exceptional instrumental mastery, compositional genius, and profound musical intellect, Coore received Jamaica’s Order of Distinction in recognition of his extraordinary contributions to the nation’s cultural and creative heritage. He is survived by his wife Lisa, children Shiah, Kanna, Stephen, and Ashley, grandchildren, extended family, bandmates, colleagues, and a global community of devoted admirers.

  • St Vincent PM says no official information received as yet regarding US strike that killed three people

    St Vincent PM says no official information received as yet regarding US strike that killed three people

    Caribbean leaders are raising serious concerns following a United States military operation in the Caribbean Sea that resulted in multiple fatalities, with preliminary reports indicating the victims were likely St. Lucian nationals.

    Prime Minister Godwin Friday of St. Vincent and the Grenadines characterized the incident as profoundly troubling during a national broadcast on the state-owned Agency for Public Information. While acknowledging the lack of official confirmation regarding specific details, Friday emphasized that the mere occurrence of such military actions in regional waters creates dangerous precedents for civilian maritime activities.

    ‘We have received unofficial reports of casualties resulting from this strike operation,’ Friday stated. ‘This situation creates legitimate safety concerns for our fishermen and other maritime operators who conduct their lawful business in these waters.’

    The Vincentian leader announced that National Security Minister St Clair Leacock would deliver an official government statement addressing the incident. Meanwhile, local authorities have issued maritime advisories cautioning vessels about potential risks while emphasizing that normal economic activities should continue.

    Parallel concerns emerged from St. Lucia, where Prime Minister Phillip J Pierre confirmed his administration was pursuing clarification through diplomatic and security channels. Pierre acknowledged fatalities had occurred but noted his government lacked official notification regarding the precise circumstances surrounding the deaths.

    The operation, conducted by the US Southern Command (SOUTHCOM) under General Francis L Donovan’s direction, was described as a ‘lethal kinetic strike’ targeting vessels operated by designated terrorist organizations involved in narcotics trafficking.

    Evidence emerged when the St. Vincent Times published photographs showing wreckage allegedly from the targeted vessel, which surfaced near Canouan Island in the Grenadines. Local fishermen who discovered the debris reported no visible human remains in the vicinity.

    The incident has sparked broader discussions about sovereignty, regional security cooperation, and the appropriate protocols for military interventions in Caribbean maritime space.

  • Man remanded in custody after mother refuses to drop case

    Man remanded in custody after mother refuses to drop case

    KINGSTON, Jamaica — A judicial proceeding at the Kingston and St Andrew Parish Court this Tuesday unveiled a complex familial and legal dilemma centered around mental healthcare. A young man, facing charges of larceny from a dwelling, was remanded into custody amidst revelations of his ongoing mental health challenges.

    The complainant in the case, who is also the accused’s mother, pursued legal action against her son. During the court session, she disclosed to presiding Judge Alwayne Smith that her son had a documented history of mental illness, including prior treatment at Bellevue Hospital, Jamaica’s primary inpatient mental health facility.

    Law enforcement officials involved in the case informed the court that the individual was reportedly not adhering to his prescribed medication regimen. When questioned by Judge Smith, the accused stated, “I went to the clinic and them never have any,” while acknowledging he had not returned to seek further treatment.

    Judge Smith recognized the seriousness of the allegations but emphasized the inadequacy of incarceration as a solution for mentally ill individuals. “I am not dismissing the seriousness of the allegations,” Smith stated, adding, “I know that’s what some of you want…but that’s not the solution…they are your relatives and you are supposed to take care of them.”

    The judicial recommendation for familial support was met with resistance when the mother expressed unwillingness to have her son return home during the trial proceedings, responding to the judge’s inquiry with, “Take him where? I don’t want him there.”

    Concluding the hearing, Judge Smith mandated two psychiatric evaluations to determine the defendant’s competency to stand trial. The case has been adjourned until June 2, pending the assessment results.

  • Holness urges young Jamaicans to modernise public sector

    Holness urges young Jamaicans to modernise public sector

    KINGSTON, Jamaica—In a significant address at the University of the West Indies, Mona campus, Prime Minister Andrew Holness issued a compelling call to action for Jamaica’s emerging leaders. Speaking at a forum organized by Generation 2000, themed ‘Beyond Bureaucracy: Jamaica’s Resilience for the Digital Age,’ Holness positioned bureaucratic reform as both a national priority and global imperative.

    The Prime Minister presented a stark analysis: the very architects of existing bureaucratic systems cannot be expected to dismantle them. This transformation, he contended, must be driven by younger generations equipped with digital-age thinking. Holness characterized bureaucracy as a worldwide challenge requiring innovative solutions rather than incremental adjustments.

    Central to his vision is the metamorphosis of Jamaica’s public sector into a smart, agile apparatus focused on tangible outcomes rather than procedural compliance. The Prime Minister drew a direct connection between systemic inefficiency and corruption, challenging the conventional wisdom that more legislation automatically improves governance.

    Holness advocated for nothing less than a cultural revolution within government institutions—shifting from activity-based metrics to impact measurement. This paradigm change, he suggested, would not only modernize operations but fundamentally enhance service delivery and governance quality across Jamaica.

  • Agostini gets green light for Massy Ja acquisition

    Agostini gets green light for Massy Ja acquisition

    Trinidad-based conglomerate Agostini Limited has obtained crucial regulatory clearance from Jamaica’s Fair Trading Commission (FTC), removing the final obstacle to its acquisition of Massy Distribution (Jamaica) Limited. The landmark transaction, initially announced in February 2025, had been suspended due to antitrust concerns regarding potential market dominance in insulin distribution.

    The regulatory breakthrough came after Agostini agreed to divest one of three insulin brands distributed in Jamaica, addressing the FTC’s concerns about pharmaceutical market concentration. This concession prevents the formation of a monopoly in the critical diabetes medication sector while allowing the broader acquisition to proceed.

    Barry Davis, Chief Executive Officer of Agostini, emphasized the strategic importance of the Jamaican market, stating: “Jamaica remains a pivotal market for our long-term growth strategy. Our collaborative resolution with the FTC demonstrates our unwavering commitment to regulatory compliance and ethical business practices across all operating territories.”

    The acquisition will be executed through Acado Limited, a joint venture equally owned by Agostini and Barbados-based Goddard Enterprises Limited. Post-acquisition, Massy Distribution’s pharmaceutical operations will integrate into Aventa Jamaica (formerly Health Brands Limited), while consumer divisions will fall under Acado’s management.

    This expansion significantly enhances Agostini’s footprint in Jamaica’s pharmaceutical and consumer distribution sectors, building upon its existing presence established through the August 2023 acquisition of Aventa Jamaica. The consolidation reflects broader regional trends in distribution market integration.

    For Massy Holdings Limited, the divestment represents continued strategic refocusing on core energy operations. Following the transaction, Massy’s Jamaican presence will concentrate exclusively on gas distribution through Massy Gas Products (Jamaica) Limited and IGL Limited, which maintain dominant positions in both bulk and packaged LPG markets.

    Financial disclosures reveal Massy Distribution Jamaica generated TT$352.44 million in revenue for fiscal year ending September 2025, representing a 5% year-over-year decline, with net profits of TT$24.29 million. Recent quarterly performance showed further softening, attributed to Hurricane Melissa’s impact and operational stabilization efforts within gas businesses.

    Despite Jamaican segment challenges, Massy’s consolidated performance improved with overall revenue increasing 6% to TT$4.39 billion and net profit from continuing operations rising 9% to TT$221.14 million.

    The FTC’s conditional approval underscores increased regulatory vigilance regarding pharmaceutical distribution, particularly for essential medicines. The insulin divestment requirement establishes a precedent for intervention in healthcare market consolidation that could compromise competitive dynamics.

    Market reactions showed Massy’s shares closing at $72.51 on the Jamaica Stock Exchange, reflecting a 5% decline year-to-date, while Trinidad trading saw shares at TT$3.55, down 4% for the period. The group has declared a TT$0.0354 dividend payable March 27 to shareholders of record February 27.

    With regulatory barriers resolved, Agostini emerges as a strengthened competitor in Jamaica’s distribution landscape, while Massy advances its strategic pivot toward energy and industrial specialization across the Caribbean region.

  • Two accused in ‘sophisticated’ multimillion dollar fraud to return to court

    Two accused in ‘sophisticated’ multimillion dollar fraud to return to court

    KINGSTON, Jamaica — A significant financial fraud case involving millions of dollars and multiple banking institutions has been postponed in Jamaica’s judicial system. Two defendants, Ivana Campbell and Dwayne Pitter, appeared before the Kingston and St Andrew Parish Court on Tuesday to address serious criminal charges including forgery, conspiracy to defraud, and unlawful possession of identity information.

    The sophisticated criminal operation, which allegedly targeted financial sector security protocols between January 2023 and April 2024, involved the use of fraudulently obtained genuine documents and counterfeit identification materials. According to investigative authorities, the accused employed elaborate methods to assume various professional identities, effectively bypassing standard verification measures at numerous financial institutions.

    Pitter faces additional serious charges including possession of criminal property, with recent supplementary charges filed by the Major Organised Crime and Anti-Corruption Agency (MOCA). The case involves a third co-accused, medical practitioner Chloe Duoett, who was previously charged in January and remains in custody on separate charges including firearm safety violations and document forgery.

    During Tuesday’s proceedings, Presiding Judge Alwayne Smith addressed the absence of Pitter’s legal representation, noting that no attorney had appeared for the defendant by midday. Both Campbell and Pitter have been instructed to return to court on July 2 for further proceedings, while Pitter remains in custody awaiting resolution of his legal representation issues.

  • Gramps Morgan, Antiguan PM collab on Reparations

    Gramps Morgan, Antiguan PM collab on Reparations

    In an unprecedented fusion of politics and music, multi-Grammy-winning reggae artist Gramps Morgan has joined forces with Antigua and Barbuda’s Prime Minister Gaston Browne, who performs under the artistic alias ‘Gassy Dread’, to release a powerful new single titled ‘Reparations’. The collaborative track emerges as a significant cultural statement during the concurrent observances of both Reggae Month and Black History Month, strategically amplifying its message through these culturally resonant periods.

    The composition serves as both artistic expression and political manifesto, directly confronting the enduring consequences of colonial exploitation that continue to influence socioeconomic conditions across the Caribbean region. Through lyrical depth and rhythmic intensity, the artists transform musical expression into a vehicle for historical accountability and contemporary justice.

    In recent discussions, Morgan emphasized the intentionality behind the release, characterizing ‘Reparations’ as more than mere entertainment but rather as an essential contribution to ongoing global conversations about historical redress. ‘As musical artisans, we bear responsibility for ensuring collective memory remains active regarding ancestral sufferings and the imperative for proper compensation,’ Morgan stated, underscoring the artist’s role as social commentator and historical witness.

    The recording artist further elaborated on the strategic timing of the release, noting how the dual commemorative months provide ideal platforms for reinforcing reggae’s traditional function as liberation music. Morgan expressed hope that the composition would re-energize dialogue around reparatory justice, potentially reaching institutional audiences including the United Nations and European nations historically complicit in transatlantic slavery.

    Prime Minister Browne’s participation marks a remarkable convergence of governmental leadership and artistic creation, with Morgan praising the Antiguan leader’s creative vision and lyrical craftsmanship. The collaboration demonstrates how Caribbean political figures can engage with cultural production to advance regional advocacy priorities. Production credits for the significant work include co-coordination by Digital1 Music and production oversight by Justin ‘Juss Buss’ Nation, creating a professional musical framework for this politically-charged artistic endeavor.

  • WATCH: Vendors at Cross Roads market welcome beautification efforts

    WATCH: Vendors at Cross Roads market welcome beautification efforts

    KINGSTON, Jamaica — A novel international partnership is transforming the commercial landscape at two prominent markets in Kingston, generating enthusiastic responses from local vendors. The Kingston and St Andrew Municipal Corporation (KSAMC) has joined forces with the Norwegian Seafood Council to implement a comprehensive beautification and advertising initiative at Cross Roads and Papine markets.

    The collaborative project, formally announced by Kingston Mayor Andrew Swaby during the KSAMC’s February council session, involves strategic placement of branded advertisements and infrastructure improvements designed to enhance the market environment. This cross-continental cooperation represents an innovative approach to urban development and economic stimulation through international public-private partnerships.

    Market vendors have reported immediate positive impacts from the ongoing renovations. “The transformation has been remarkable,” commented one meat vendor who witnessed Norwegian representatives shopping at the market. “Their firsthand experience likely revealed the necessity for aesthetic improvements, and now we’re seeing tangible benefits that extend beyond mere appearance.”

    Another vendor detailed the dramatic before-and-after scenario: “Previously, the market was plagued by extensive potholes and poor drainage. Rainfall created persistent flooding that required daily water removal from stalls. The current renovations have fundamentally improved both functionality and visual appeal, creating a more inviting commercial space.”

    The initiative represents a significant step in urban market modernization, combining international resources with local governance to address infrastructure challenges while creating new advertising revenue streams. Vendors anticipate increased customer traffic due to the enhanced facilities and professional appearance, potentially boosting economic activity for small businesses operating within these community markets.