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  • NaRRA brings heat to the Senate

    NaRRA brings heat to the Senate

    Long stereotyped as the more measured, low-temperature chamber of Jamaica’s bicameral parliament, the Senate transformed into a charged political battlefield on Friday, as sharp ideological clashes erupted over the deeply contentious National Reconstruction and Resilience Authority (NaRRA) Bill. The legislation, which the ruling government is pushing to fast-track in the wake of last October’s catastrophic Category 5 Hurricane Melissa, has split the upper house along partisan lines, pitting demands for urgent disaster recovery against warnings of unchecked executive overreach.

    On one side, government senators frame the NaRRA Bill as a critical, transformative intervention to address the unprecedented devastation left by the storm, which damaged or destroyed infrastructure equal to 56% of Jamaica’s entire annual gross domestic product. On the other, opposition lawmakers have launched a relentless campaign against the legislation, arguing that it concentrates dangerous levels of power in the executive branch, erodes critical oversight safeguards, and sets the stage for future constitutional crises similar to past controversial government policies.

    The most heated exchanges of the day centered on the opposition’s demand that the bill be referred to a joint select committee for expanded cross-party scrutiny and public consultation. Opposition leaders argue that any legislation of this magnitude, which will reshape how post-disaster recovery is governed for years, requires broad input from civil society and communities before it can be signed into law. Government senators have rejected these calls as unworkable, arguing that the urgent timeline of post-disaster reconstruction—paired with the impending start of a new Atlantic hurricane season—leaves no room for months of delay that a lengthy consultation process would bring.

    Leader of Opposition Business in the Senate Donna Scott-Mottley led the charge against the bill, drawing a direct parallel between the NaRRA legislation and the polarizing National Identification and Registration Act (NIDS), which was ultimately struck down in whole or in part by Jamaica’s Constitutional Court over constitutional violations. Scott-Mottley warned that the government is repeating a dangerous pattern of rushing sweeping, high-stakes legislation through parliament despite widespread pushback from civil society groups and the opposition, while refusing to accommodate amendments or address legitimate concerns.

    She stressed that Jamaicans have every reason to fear granting broad, unaccountable powers to a new standalone authority, particularly given the administration’s history of facing successful constitutional challenges to major legislation. Scott-Mottley also directly refuted the government’s core argument that extraordinary new powers are needed to speed up recovery, pointing out that six months after Hurricane Melissa, thousands of impacted residents are still living in inadequate temporary housing, including converted school buildings, despite the existence of existing state disaster response agencies.

    “Did you need a NaRRA to help the people from Westmoreland? Did you fail to help the people from Westmoreland because you had no NaRRA?” Scott-Mottley asked during her speech. “You have people who have just been removed from shelters into surroundings which are far from adequate. You have people who live in a school — hanging out their clothes on a line, and indeed cohabit in the school — because the school has become their home. That is how you deal with people? That is how you handle people who are suffering? And then come to tell me that a strategic investment has people at the heart when for six months they are driving down in St Elizabeth that they say don’t look any different from the day the hurricane hit.”

    Government senators pushed back aggressively against these criticisms, rejecting claims that the bill lacks sufficient accountability guardrails and reiterating that the scale of destruction from Hurricane Melissa demands unprecedented urgency and decisive executive action. Senator Abka Fitz-Henley argued that Jamaica simply cannot afford to drag its feet on reconstruction, noting that at the current pace of standard government capital spending, it would take 25 years to fully repair all damage from the storm.

    Fitz-Henley also pushed back against claims the bill opens the door to corruption, arguing that many of the civil society groups leading criticism of the legislation are secretly aligned with the opposition People’s National Party (PNP) and engaging in selective partisan outrage. Government Senator Kavan Gayle echoed this defense of the decision to bypass a joint select committee, noting that the formal consultation process would require weeks of waiting for submissions, scheduling hearings, and building consensus—time Jamaica does not have as it enters the peak of the annual Atlantic hurricane season.

    Opposition Senator Cleveland Tomlinson countered that speed cannot come at the cost of constitutional checks and balances, warning that the bill grants sweeping authority to a single minister to override existing regulatory bodies without requiring public gazetting, parliamentary reporting, or any formal public record of the action. He also criticized provisions that exempt approved NaRRA projects from key parts of the Public Investment Management System, arguing that the lack of oversight is a deliberate choice that creates an open invitation to mismanagement and graft. “Speed without scrutiny is not efficiency — it is an invitation to waste,” Tomlinson said.

    In an emotional address to the chamber, Government Senator Rosemarie Bennett-Cooper urged lawmakers not to lose sight of the ongoing human cost of Hurricane Melissa, which she said continues to impact thousands of Jamaican families long after the storm passed. “Long after the winds subsided and the floodwaters receded, what remains are not simply damaged buildings and broken infrastructure; what remains are the faces of Jamaicans who are trying to make sense of loss,” Bennett-Cooper said. She also sought to reassure the public that the bill does not seek to dismantle existing development laws or bypass all required regulatory approvals for reconstruction projects.

    Friday’s debate in the Senate marks the latest flashpoint in what has become one of the most divisive legislative fights in Jamaica in recent memory. The debate comes one week after chaotic, overnight scenes in the House of Representatives during consideration of the same bill, highlighting how deeply partisan the proposal has become. If passed, the NaRRA Bill would create a centralized authority tasked with coordinating all post-Hurricane Melissa reconstruction work and streamlining approval for major infrastructure and recovery investment projects across the island.

  • Opposition Senator Thame accuses gov’t of ‘autocratic tendencies’

    Opposition Senator Thame accuses gov’t of ‘autocratic tendencies’

    KINGSTON, Jamaica — On Friday, opposition Senator Dr. Maziki Thame launched a scathing attack against ruling Jamaica Labour Party government senators, accusing the administration of consistently embracing autocratic governing practices and systematically sidelining the fundamental rights of Jamaican citizens.

    Thame delivered her fiery remarks during parliamentary debate on the National Reconstruction and Resilience Authority (NaRRA) Bill, a piece of emergency recovery legislation that ultimately passed along strict party lines. The bill creates NaRRA, a centralized government body tasked with leading large-scale reconstruction efforts across the island after Hurricane Melissa caused an estimated $12.2 billion USD in damage last October.

    From the outset, civil society organizations, faith-based church groups, and the parliamentary opposition have pushed for explicit accountability and oversight mechanisms to be embedded in the legislation. Critics say the government has largely dismissed their repeated calls for amendments and failed to address key concerns raised in formal submissions.

    During her address, Thame warned that the government’s handling of the NaRRA Bill marks a dangerous break from the country’s constitutional principles of checks and balances. “The Government claims they consult, but there is no clear evidence they are actually listening to the Jamaican people on this bill,” she told parliament.

    She specifically called attention to a second joint submission from two prominent advocacy groups, Jamaicans for Justice (JFJ) and the Jamaica Environment Trust (JET), which confirmed that none of their core concerns had been resolved by the administration. Thame emphasized that opposition lawmakers in the House of Representatives have repeatedly flagged that the bill grants unprecedented, unchecked authority to the new reconstruction agency, concentrating power far beyond what is appropriate for a democratic government.

    “This approach to the NaRRA Bill is not an isolated incident—it is part of a broader pattern by this government to concentrate power in the executive branch and steer Jamaica toward autocratic rule,” Thame argued. She pointed to the expanded “super ministry” structure within the Office of the Prime Minister as one clear example of this power grab.

    She noted that these authoritarian tendencies have been visible from the prime minister’s early career, recalling the 2013 controversy when he required then-opposition senators to sign undated resignation letters as a condition of taking their seats. In 2015, the Supreme Court ultimately ruled that the prime minister’s demand was unconstitutional and legally void.

    “It is unacceptable that Jamaican citizens have repeatedly been forced to take the government to court to defend rights that should be automatically protected under our constitution,” Thame said. She reminded lawmakers of a string of recent court rulings that have struck down government legislation and actions as unconstitutional. Most notably, the 2019 National Identification System (NIDS) legislation was overturned after legal challenges proved it violated citizens’ right to privacy and other fundamental freedoms.

    Just this year, in 2025, the courts ruled that the government’s repeated use of national states of emergency (SOEs) between 2018 and 2023 was unconstitutional. Rather than accepting the ruling, the administration immediately announced plans to appeal the decision. Thame highlighted the human cost of the extended SOE policy, pointing to cases like that of Rushane Clarke, who was awarded millions in compensation after being held in lengthy detention without ever being formally charged.

    She also referenced the Supreme Court case brought by Everton Douglas and four other detainees, which found that their months-long detention without trial under a SOE was unlawful and unconstitutional, violating their right to liberty and the constitutional principle of separation of powers. Once again, Thame noted, the government appealed the ruling that vindicated the detainees’ rights. “What kind of government would appeal a ruling that upholds the basic constitutional rights of its own people?” Thame asked.

    She went on to criticize the prime minister’s own rhetoric, claiming he has repeatedly threatened Jamaican citizens with violent language, including warnings that critics would “meet your judge or your maker.” Thame added that the current authoritarian shift is also reflected in the sharp rise in police killings recorded starting in 2024, and the government’s response to a recent court ruling on mining rights in the Dry Harbour Mountain/Bengal region.

    In that case, the court ruled in favor of protecting communities’ right to a healthy environment, yet the government has again moved to appeal the decision. “What kind of government would appeal a ruling that defends the people’s right to a healthy environment?” Thame questioned.

    She closed by reaffirming that the joint submission from JET and JFJ details critical gaps in human rights protections, transparent governance, accountability, and rule of law safeguards that remain unaddressed in the final version of the NaRRA Bill.

  • JPS uses reading to spark sustainability conversations

    JPS uses reading to spark sustainability conversations

    A major educational outreach effort led by Jamaica Public Service Company Limited (JPS) has brought early sustainability and clean energy education to more than 1,000 primary school students across Jamaica, tied to the island’s annual Read Across Jamaica Day celebrations.

    Over 16 primary schools spanning seven parishes – including Clarendon, Manchester, Hanover, St James, St Catherine, St Elizabeth, and Kingston – hosted JPS team members for interactive reading activities that blended literacy promotion with foundational lessons about clean energy and sustainable development. Unlike standard reading events, this initiative was designed to jumpstart national conversations about sustainability from childhood, framing complex energy transition concepts in age-appropriate, engaging formats.

    The centerpiece of the program was the children’s book *The New Car on the Block*, a Jamaica-set story following a young protagonist named Zora as she discovers the world of electric vehicles (EVs). Beyond explaining the key environmental benefits of EV adoption for the island, the story also works to close the gender gap in STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) fields by encouraging young girls to envision themselves pursuing careers in these growing sectors.

    Participating students reacted to the activities with marked enthusiasm and curiosity. For most children, the concept of electric vehicles was entirely new, and the story-driven format made the emerging technology approachable and exciting. Many students left the sessions expressing keen interest in EVs and their potential to cut pollution and protect Jamaica’s natural environment.

    Shenee Tabannah Anderson, JPS’ brand experience and special projects officer, explained that the event aligns with the utility’s long-standing commitment to advancing Jamaica’s national development. “Read Across Jamaica Day provided an opportunity for us to connect with students in a meaningful way, using storytelling as a tool to introduce concepts that will shape the future of our country,” she said.

    Anderson emphasized that as Jamaica progresses toward its goal of transitioning to a more sustainable energy ecosystem, empowering young generations is critical. “It is important that our young people are not only aware of these changes but inspired by them,” she added.

    To extend the impact of the one-day event, the JPS Foundation donated printed copies of *The New Car on the Block* to every participating school, alongside small tokens of appreciation for both participating students and their teachers.

  • Kukudoo is dead

    Kukudoo is dead

    Jamaica’s celebrated gospel community is mourning the loss of one of its most distinctive and beloved voices, David ‘Kukudoo’ McDermott, who passed away after a short, aggressive battle with non-Hodgkin lymphoma. The singer’s family officially confirmed his death in a statement posted to his social media channels on Friday, bringing an outpouring of tributes from fans, peers and public figures across the island and beyond.

    McDermott was 56 years old, and leaves behind three children who survive him. The family’s post conveyed profound grief while asking for privacy as they process their loss: “It is with a heavy heart that we, the family of David ‘Kukudoo’ McDermott, have to tell the public that he passed this morning…at this time we ask for grace and respect in our time of grief.”

    The beloved performer was only diagnosed with the blood cancer in late February of this year. According to his long-time manager Nicholas Marks, who began working with McDermott in 2018, delays in critical testing and the singer’s rapidly declining health cut short any chance of life-saving treatment. Speaking to the Jamaica Observer in an emotional interview, Marks explained, “The tests were sent to Florida to determine the best course of action to treat him but we never got back the results in time, it was supposed to take six weeks. David was too weak to do chemotherapy…he just ran out of time.”

    Non-Hodgkin lymphoma is a widespread form of blood cancer that develops in the lymphatic system, occurring when infection-fighting white blood cells called lymphocytes mutate and begin to multiply uncontrollably, often forming solid tumors in the lymph nodes.

    Beyond his talent as a performer, Marks remembered McDermott as a deeply authentic, driven person who poured his entire heart into every project he took on, especially his music. For years, the pair had been working toward releasing McDermott’s final studio album, titled *Life’s Journey*, a project that was repeatedly put on hold as the singer’s health declined. Three years after work began, only 10 of the planned 12 tracks had been completed when McDermott died. Marks remains committed to releasing the unfinished project, saying he believes it carries a special, greater purpose: “This album must have some greater purpose. From we decided to do the album he began to get sick; yuh cyaan tell me it don’t have a purpose.” This year, the pair had ramped up efforts to complete the record before his passing.

    McDermott’s road to gospel stardom began with humble roots. Before launching his full-time music career, he worked as a machine operator at the now-shuttered Bernard Lodge Sugar Estate. He got his start performing at traditional Jamaican nine-night funeral wakes, known locally as dead yards, performing under the early stage name King David. His breakthrough came by chance one evening when a church band was playing a nine-night gig: a sound engineer recorded his impromptu performance, pressed it to a CD, and within weeks, tracks like *See People Business* and *Leave It Alone* dominated local radio airplay, becoming staples on public transportation across Jamaica. The once little-known performer was now a rising star.

    His career quickly grew into a full-time calling, and he became a permanent fixture at the annual Jamaica Independence Gala, where he won over crowds with his signature blend of rousing mento-influenced gospel music. He built a large international fanbase, particularly in the United States, and is widely recognized as one of the most influential Jamaican gospel artists of his generation. “When you mention any gospel artiste out of Jamaica, Kukudoo has to be part of the conversation, he has to be mentioned. He was a wonderful performer and a genuine individual,” Marks added.

    Jamaica’s Minister of Culture and Entertainment Olivia Grange was among the public figures to share her sorrow at the news of McDermott’s passing, honoring his outsized impact on Jamaican culture. She hailed him as “a cultural force whose work celebrated African-derived spiritual traditions within Jamaican society.” Grange noted that his music resonated with people across every generation and social group, adding that his passing is “a great loss and he would be sorely missed.”

  • Stephen Marley releases Hills of St Ann

    Stephen Marley releases Hills of St Ann

    Grammy Award-winning reggae recording artist Stephen Marley has exciting news for music and culture fans alike: his highly anticipated new solo single, *Hills of St Ann*, is scheduled for global release on May 8, 2026, through his independent label Ghetto Youths International. This upcoming track is far more than just a new standalone release—it serves as the first official preview of a full-length compilation project curated and produced by Marley himself. What makes this initiative unique is its intentional fusion of immersive musical composition and vivid cultural storytelling, with a core mission to shine a global spotlight on Jamaica’s extraordinary cultural heritage, breathtaking natural landscapes, and one-of-a-kind global cultural identity. The entire full-length compilation is framed as a sprawling, loving tribute to “Brand Jamaica,” honoring everything from the island’s centuries-old cultural roots to the stunning terrain that has sparked creative inspiration for countless generations of artists, thinkers, and creators. Diving into the details of the lead single, *Hills of St Ann* emerges as a soul-stirring acoustic guitar ballad, layered with the resonant, powerful Nyahbinghi drum rhythms that form a foundational part of traditional Jamaican reggae and Rastafarian musical practice. The track’s immersive sound design is crafted to transport listeners directly to Nine Mile, the quiet rural town in Saint Ann Parish that holds iconic status as the birthplace of reggae legend Bob Marley, Stephen Marley’s father. Blending intimate, personal lyrical storytelling with deeply rooted Jamaican musical tradition, the single delivers both raw emotional depth and uncompromising cultural authenticity that connects contemporary reggae to its foundational roots. The track’s creative credits reveal Marley’s hands-on involvement across multiple roles: he performs drums, bass guitar, and the signature Nyabinghi drums heard throughout the track. Completing the core recording lineup are Ranoy Gordon on lead acoustic guitar, Llamar Brown on keyboards, with rich layered backing vocals contributed by acclaimed vocalist Sherieta Lewis. Final recording and mixing engineering for the track was completed by sound engineer Adiambo Riley, who polished the production to balance organic, traditional instrumentation with modern clarity.

  • Shawn Storm’s Treason climbing charts

    Shawn Storm’s Treason climbing charts

    Dancehall music fans around the world are waking up to a groundbreaking new hit from rising artist Shawn Storm, whose latest single “Treason” has surged past global superstars to claim top positions on major United States iTunes charts. Released on March 14 under the Richboss Records label helmed by producer Richboss, the track has already outperformed every previous release in Shawn Storm’s career, marking a major career turning point for the artist. As the lead single from Shawn Storm’s recently dropped seven-track EP *Growth*, which debuted globally on May 1, “Treason” has earned unprecedented milestones for the dancehall act. Producer Richboss, who was born Travis Martin in St Mary, Jamaica and operates his label out of Portland, Oregon, shared that the single knocked out Bad Bunny’s Super Bowl halftime show track to claim the number 1 spot on the iTunes U.S. all-genre chart, while also topping the platform’s Reggae Music Video Chart. The milestone comes on the heels of a difficult period for Shawn Storm, who previously spent 13 years incarcerated alongside iconic dancehall artist Vybz Kartel. Reflecting on the artist’s remarkable journey from a prison cell to the top of the U.S. music charts, Richboss emphasized that the success is a testament to faith and second chances. Since its full release, the entire *Growth* EP has continued to perform exceptionally well on music charts across multiple regions, building on the momentum generated by its breakout lead single. For fans hoping to stream or download the hit, “Treason” is currently available on every major digital music platform worldwide, alongside the full collection of tracks on the *Growth* EP.

  • Woman killed in People’s Arcade in Montego Bay

    Woman killed in People’s Arcade in Montego Bay

    In St James, Jamaica, law enforcement officials have opened a homicide investigation following a fatal shooting that claimed the life of an unidentified woman early Saturday morning.

    The tragedy unfolded at approximately 6:30 a.m. local time, moments after the victim pulled her Toyota Voxy minivan into the parking area of the People’s Arcade. As she stepped out of her vehicle, an unknown male attacker opened fire, striking her fatally.

    Initial eyewitness accounts indicate the woman had traveled to the arcade to retrieve a food cart that she used to operate a homemade soup vending business. Before she could reach the cart, the gunman ambushed her, catching her completely off guard.

    Within minutes of the shooting being reported, patrol officers responded to the scene, cordoned off the area, and handed the case over to specialist crime scene investigators. Forensic teams have begun processing the site for evidence, including potential shell casings, DNA traces, and surveillance camera footage that could help identify the attacker. As of the latest update, no suspects have been taken into custody, and police have not yet released any potential motive for the killing.

  • Dramatic scenes in Mandeville fatal shooting

    Dramatic scenes in Mandeville fatal shooting

    MANCHESTER, Jamaica — A routine Friday evening in Mandeville devolved into chaos on Friday night, when a running gun battle between Jamaican police and two suspected gunmen ended with the suspects fatally shot, two illegal weapons seized, and local residents scrambling for safety across multiple neighborhoods.

    The violent encounter unfolded after officers initiated a pursuit of a white Toyota Axio that was linked to the suspects, starting near the southern edge of the town on Newleigh Road. The chase quickly spread through populated areas, putting ordinary bystanders and local business patrons directly in harm’s way.

    Eyewitnesses recount that the first burst of gunfire erupted around 8 p.m. at the Newleigh Texaco Service Station, catching both staff and customers off guard. One on-site witness, who was mid-way through pumping gas for a Chinese national with his family inside the vehicle, described the sudden chaos unfolding before his eyes: “I saw the white Axio driving in circles around the service station lot, with a black SUV hot on its tail. Suddenly, heavy gunfire broke out everywhere. The driver didn’t even stop to pay for his gas — he just sped off the pump immediately to get his family out of danger.”

    All employees and customers at the station immediately dropped what they were doing and ran for cover, as bullets flew through the lot. The high-speed chase then continued north along Manchester Road, with the shootout intensifying as the vehicles approached the Willowgate plaza, a popular local commercial hub. By the time the confrontation ended near the plaza, one innocent bystander had already been grazed by a stray bullet, according to initial police reports.

    Local residents who witnessed the final stretch of the battle described the scene as terrifying. “The volume of gunshots that went off was unbelievable — even the exterior walls of nearby buildings have bullet holes through them,” one local resident told reporters, asking to remain anonymous for safety reasons.

    Multiple other witnesses noted that the shootout occurred during the town’s busiest evening window, when streets and plazas were packed with locals out for the weekend. “I had just gotten into town when I heard what sounded like constant explosions,” another eyewitness recalled. “I immediately ran for the nearest shelter. It’s terrible that outside gunmen have come into Mandeville to bring this kind of violence.”

    Despite the chaos and fear the incident sparked across the community, many local residents have expressed gratitude for the police response. Multiple community members praised law enforcement for intercepting the suspects before they could escape, a outcome that many say has helped ease immediate public safety concerns.

    “We feel a huge relief knowing the alleged gunmen didn’t get away,” one long-time Mandeville resident said. “We have to give the police full credit for how they handled this dangerous situation.”

    Local authorities have not yet released additional details about the backgrounds of the two deceased suspects or the motivation for their initial confrontation with police, and say the investigation into the incident remains ongoing.

  • Natalia Inspiration professes ‘My Love’ featuring Kenn Willis

    Natalia Inspiration professes ‘My Love’ featuring Kenn Willis

    KINGSTON, Jamaica — Emerging Jamaican fusion rapper Natalia Iñspiration is celebrating overwhelming early public response to her debut official single “My Love”, a cross-Atlantic collaborative project that pairs her distinct rap flow with the soulful vocal work of United Kingdom-based reggae balladeer Kenn Willis.

    Rooted in warm, earnest celebration of romantic connection, the track layers Natalia Iñspiration’s signature smooth rap delivery over an upbeat, rhythm-driven hip-hop instrumental. The organic collaboration came together by chance after Willis, who had penned the core of the track years before meeting his collaborator, reached out to finish the incomplete work. As Natalia Iñspiration recalls, the process happened in a single spontaneous evening: during a late-night voice call, Willis shared the draft, and within hours, she had written and recorded her original verse to send back. Impressed by her work, the pair moved forward to officially release the finished track, dropping it to streaming platforms and radio on May 1.

    The final production blends the two artists’ contrasting styles into a cohesive, engaging track. Willis leans into his reggae balladeer roots, delivering a heartfelt, love-letter-style vocal that showcases his lyrical tenderness and passion, while Natalia Iñspiration brings energetic momentum with her uptempo rap verse that cuts straight to the emotional core of the song.

    In the weeks since its release, the single has earned fiery public feedback across social media platforms, and quickly climbed the local airplay charts in Jamaica, positioning “My Love” as the long-awaited breakthrough moment Natalia Iñspiration has spent years working toward. For the rising artist, the first time she heard her own voice playing on mainstream radio was a surreal, life-changing moment. “Since I was a little kid, music has been my biggest passion, and I always dreamed of being a performing artist,” she shared in an interview. “When I heard ‘My Love’ playing for the first time, I just couldn’t believe it. It was an amazing, out-of-body experience — I never imagined my voice would sound that good.”

    Born Brithney Natalia Lovelace, the artist grew up in the small community of Flamstead, Hanover, Jamaica, raised by her parents Marlene Lee and Donovan Lovelace alongside seven siblings. While her family faced significant financial hardship that disrupted her formal education at Merlene Ottey High School, she describes her childhood home as a warm, joyful space. As a teenager, she underwent a religious conversion and became a devout Christian, a identity that would later shape her long-term creative goals.

    Before stepping into the music industry full-time, Natalia Iñspiration explored multiple creative paths: she published written works, and built a following as a social media content creator and comedienne, known for her popular comedic sketch series. It was not until 2024 that her musical talent was pushed into the spotlight, when she entered a TikTok-based talent competition that highlighted both her sharp songwriting and dynamic rapping ability. She advanced all the way to the competition’s semi-finals, and gained a large base of loyal online fans in the process.

    That experience rekindled her childhood passion for music, she says. “That competition helped me realize I had the talent to really make an impact on the world,” she explained. With steady encouragement from Willis and other industry contacts, she made the decision to shift her full focus to building a music career.

    While she recorded an earlier debut track titled “My Life”, “My Love” marks her first official commercial release. The rising star already has a pipeline of new projects in the works, including an upcoming uptempo collaboration with dancehall artist Predator. She is also actively pursuing collaborative opportunities with other Jamaican and international artists, and has teased a future full-length gospel-rap album that aligns with her personal faith. With the breakout success of “My Love”, the pair are already preparing to film an official music video for the single in the near future.

  • New TEF chairman touts tourism education as new industry

    New TEF chairman touts tourism education as new industry

    Against the backdrop of post-hurricane recovery and the ongoing race to maintain global tourism competitiveness, newly installed Tourism Enhancement Fund (TEF) chairman Ryan Parkes has issued a bold call to Jamaican educators: reposition holistic tourism education as an independent, standalone industry to drive long-term national growth.

    Parkes laid out his vision during a Teachers’ Day luncheon held Wednesday at the Montego Bay Convention Centre. The event was hosted by Edmund Bartlett, Member of Parliament for St James East Central, and coincided with the 30th anniversary of the constituency’s East Central St James Scholarship and Welfare Fund.

    In his address, Parkes emphasized that Jamaica’s tourism sector stands at a critical turning point in the months after Hurricane Melissa hit the island last October. He argued that rebuilding the nation’s tourism offering extends far beyond repairing damaged physical infrastructure; it demands a fundamental reimagining of Jamaica’s most valuable tourism asset: its human capital.

    “I want to challenge you, the teaching fraternity, to let us make education in tourism — and in a holistic way — a new industry by itself. The opportunities are endless,” Parkes urged the gathered educators.

    As Parkes explained to the Jamaica Observer in a follow-up interview expanding on his proposal, tourism is already Jamaica’s single largest contributor to national GDP, accounting for roughly 30% of the country’s total economic output when both direct and indirect impacts are counted. Given this outsize economic footprint, he said, the sector deserves a strategic, integrated approach that ties it directly to education, workforce development, and broad national economic strategy.

    “If the majority of your contribution is already coming from tourism there is the opportunity for us to harness that industry and to ensure that it is well-equipped to compete in the new dimension within which we operate,” he noted.

    Parkes stressed that educators serve as the foundational agents of skills development and training, putting them in a unique position to reshape the workforce competencies needed for a modern, competitive tourism sector. Drawing a comparison to the Dominican Republic, which has built a dominant global niche around affordable all-inclusive resorts, Parkes argued that Jamaica’s unique competitive advantage lies not in infrastructure or pricing alone, but in the warmth and hospitality of its people.

    Cultivating that signature customer-centric hospitality requires intentional, early training, he said, and that process starts with educators at the center of the tourism skills ecosystem.

    “Because you are moulding young minds and you are preparing those minds for the world of work, there is no better constituent group than yourselves to be able to have that dialogue with and for us to work together in shaping the future of tourism,” Parkes added.

    He further emphasized that the quality of Jamaica’s workforce training will directly determine the country’s ability to outperform peer destinations in an increasingly crowded global tourism market, making educator collaboration on tourism education a make-or-break priority for the nation’s economic future.