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  • JN Group hails legacy of Dorothy Pine-McLarty

    JN Group hails legacy of Dorothy Pine-McLarty

    KINGSTON, Jamaica — The Jamaica National Group and the wider Jamaican community are mourning the passing of distinguished attorney-at-law and corporate director Dorothy Pine-McLarty, who died on Sunday. Remembered affectionately as “Mikki,” she leaves behind an extraordinary legacy of professional excellence and nation-building spanning more than five decades.

    Elizabeth Ann Jones, Chairman of The Jamaica National Group, memorialized Pine-McLarty as “a quiet force and leader of high standards” whose contributions were fundamental to the organization’s strength. Her association with JN began in September 1998 when she was first appointed to the board of directors of the Jamaica National Building Society.

    Following the institution’s corporate conversion in 2017, Pine-McLarty extended her governance expertise across multiple JN Group entities, including JN Financial Group Limited and JN Money Services Limited. She additionally chaired the board of trustees for the JN Individual Retirement Scheme, demonstrating versatile leadership across financial services.

    Earl Jarrett, CEO and Deputy Chairman of JN Group, recalled working closely with Pine-McLarty in various capacities, noting her meticulous attention to accuracy and immense contributions to JN’s development. “She was a stickler for accuracy, and we were the beneficiaries of this through her immeasurable contribution to the growth and development of Jamaica National,” Jarrett stated.

    Beyond her corporate impact, Pine-McLarty was celebrated for her passionate advocacy and community development work. A devout Methodist and active alumna of St Andrew High School for Girls, she served as chancellor’s nominee to the University of Technology council and championed initiatives advancing women’s leadership and empowerment.

    Her pioneering spirit was evident throughout her career. In 2007, she became the first woman appointed commissioner of the Electoral Commission of Jamaica, later ascending to become its first female chair in 2013. As managing partner of Myers Fletcher & Gordon’s London office, she fostered stronger connections between the United Kingdom and Jamaica, enhancing diaspora relations.

    Pine-McLarty’s exceptional service received national recognition in 2007 when she was inducted into the Order of Jamaica, the nation’s fourth-highest honor. In 2019, the University of the Commonwealth Caribbean conferred upon her an honorary Doctor of Business Administration.

    Chairman Jones concluded, “Her years of service to the people of Jamaica and those within her immediate reach, and of course her service to the building of The Jamaica National Group, are efforts that have laid foundations for success and the growth of many. She is dearly missed, but her legacy lives on.”

  • Jimmy Cliff among the ‘very last’ of major figures who made reggae global – Steffens

    Jimmy Cliff among the ‘very last’ of major figures who made reggae global – Steffens

    The profound cultural impact of reggae legend Jimmy Cliff, who passed away in November at age 81, is powerfully illustrated through the transformative experience of American veteran Roger Steffens. A new tribute series, ‘Jimmy Cliff: Stories Of A Bongo Man,’ highlights this remarkable connection in its third installment.

    In the summer of 1973, Steffens—a Vietnam War veteran—entered a Los Angeles cinema and encountered Cliff’s groundbreaking film ‘The Harder They Come.’ The raw depiction of Jamaican urban life and Cliff’s compelling portrayal of the character Ivan proved immediately overwhelming. Steffens, then residing in Berkeley, had serendipitously encountered a Rolling Stone article by Michael Thomas that introduced reggae and Rastafarian culture to American audiences just days before. He subsequently purchased The Wailers’ seminal ‘Catch A Fire’ album before attending the screening.

    Steffens recalled the immersive theater experience in a 2017 interview: ‘During the chalice scene, everyone in the hall lit up and the screen became obscured by the giant cloud of spliff smoke.’ The immediate purchase of the film’s soundtrack at Tower Records marked what he described as a permanent life transformation.

    Their paths converged physically three years later when Steffens first visited Jamaica during a declared State of Emergency. Despite an initial pickpocket attempt in Kingston, a stranger’s intervention led to an extraordinary invitation to Cliff’s home. There, Steffens and his wife spent an afternoon with reggae royalty including Joe Higgs, Ernest Ranglin, and Chinna Smith.

    This encounter blossomed into a professional relationship, with Steffens conducting multiple interviews with Cliff for radio and television, plus emceeing his performances at events like Reggae On The River. Originally a rock music enthusiast from Brooklyn, Steffens evolved into one of reggae’s foremost archivists, amassing an extensive collection of memorabilia at his Los Angeles residence. His expertise expanded to include authored books and recorded interviews with iconic figures like Bob Marley, whom he met during the artist’s 1979 California tour.

    Steffens remembers Cliff as ‘one of the very last major figures who introduced reggae to the world,’ characterizing him as ‘always a gentleman, a deep thinker, a writer of anthems, a fine actor, and a constant seeker of enlightenment.’ The indelible impression Cliff made—both through cinematic artistry and personal interaction—cements his legacy as one of Jah Music’s most influential exponents.

  • Bird Flu outbreak at Cayman farm

    Bird Flu outbreak at Cayman farm

    Health authorities in the Cayman Islands have confirmed a significant outbreak of H5N1 avian influenza at a commercial farm in Grand Cayman, triggering immediate containment protocols and nationwide alerts for animal owners. The discovery emerged following the unexplained death of multiple turkeys on November 28th, with subsequent laboratory analysis confirming the presence of the highly pathogenic bird flu strain.

    Government agencies have launched a comprehensive emergency response, confirming infection across 69 birds of various species including chickens, turkeys, quails, domesticated ducks, and wild whistling ducks and geese. In accordance with international health protocols, all infected birds have been systematically culled to prevent further viral spread.

    Local response teams have initiated extensive depopulation operations within the affected zone, targeting both domesticated animals and wild bird populations to establish containment buffers. The Cayman Islands government has issued urgent advisories to all animal owners, emphasizing heightened vigilance and immediate reporting of any unusual symptoms in pets or livestock.

    While no additional outbreaks have been identified beyond the initial infection site, and no human transmission cases have been documented, health officials maintain elevated surveillance levels. The incident marks the territory’s first confirmed avian influenza outbreak this season, prompting coordination with international health organizations to monitor potential spread patterns.

  • Opposition demands stronger oversight of Govt’s Hurricane relief distribution

    Opposition demands stronger oversight of Govt’s Hurricane relief distribution

    KINGSTON, Jamaica — Jamaica’s political landscape faces renewed tension as the Opposition People’s National Party (PNP) challenges the government’s hurricane relief distribution methods following Hurricane Melissa. While acknowledging the government’s announced plans for implementing a monitoring system, the PNP contends that Information Minister Dr. Dana Morris Dixon’s statement inadequately addresses mounting public anxiety over alleged politically motivated handling of emergency supplies.

    The Opposition has leveled serious accusations against governing party affiliates, asserting that Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) operatives, former candidates, and unauthorized political figures have engaged in distributing state resources without proper mandate. The PNP emphasizes that only elected Members of Parliament for affected constituencies and officially designated ministry personnel should oversee relief operations, characterizing current practices as fundamental violations of governance standards that erode public trust during national crisis.

    In their formal statement, the PNP outlined comprehensive requirements for any credible tracking system, demanding detailed documentation including: identities of distribution personnel, precise timestamps of dispatch and delivery, recipient information spanning shelters, community organizations, religious institutions, and individual households, and verified confirmation that sitting constituency representatives were properly notified. The party emphasized that state resources must never be distributed by political actors without transparent coordination with elected officials.

    ‘Vague governmental assurances cannot suffice during national emergencies,’ the Opposition declared, rejecting retrospective reporting or selective transparency that might conceal potential political exploitation of disaster resources. They affirmed that hurricane relief constitutes national property belonging to all Jamaican citizens rather than any political organization or its representatives.

    The PNP maintains that properly implemented with comprehensive data collection, a verification system could address persistent public skepticism and restore confidence in emergency distribution processes, ensuring that vulnerable populations receive impartial support without political interference.

  • DJ Linkage mourns mom following dementia battle

    DJ Linkage mourns mom following dementia battle

    The New York music community joins renowned disc jockey Dexter ‘DJ Linkage’ Blake in mourning the passing of his mother, Mary Hinds, who died on November 29 at the age of 87. Her death concludes a prolonged struggle with dementia, marking the departure of a woman celebrated for her radiant personality and remarkable resilience.

    In a heartfelt tribute, DJ Linkage memorialized his mother as his foundational support system and a source of boundless joy. ‘My mother was everything to me,’ he expressed. ‘She possessed an extraordinary gift for humor that could illuminate any room. Her infectious zest for life touched everyone she met. She was a truly beautiful soul.’ The DJ shared his profound comfort in knowing his mother had made peace with her departure, stating, ‘Before she died, she went to God and said she was ready to leave this world, so I know she is in heaven now.’

    Mary Hinds’ legacy is one of strength and survival, having previously triumphed over cancer. She leaves behind a substantial family legacy, survived by her seven children—six sons and one daughter.

    One of DJ Linkage’s most cherished memories involves a special Mother’s Day broadcast on his platform, Linkage Radio. He recalled, ‘She joined me for the show and had the entire switchboard lighting up with listeners responding to her endless stream of jokes.’

    Summarizing the profound sense of loss, the DJ poetically noted that a ‘great light has been dimmed.’ In a final, moving homage, he said, ‘Mama, when you left, the light in the city dimmed just to see how bright a star you are….We will miss you.’

  • Iberostar Hotels & Resorts reopens its Rose Hall hotel complex

    Iberostar Hotels & Resorts reopens its Rose Hall hotel complex

    JAMAICA’S TOURISM SECTOR RECEIVES MAJOR BOOST AS IBEROSTAR COMPLETES POST-HURRICANE RECOVERY

    ST JAMES, Jamaica — In a significant development for Jamaica’s hospitality industry, Iberostar Hotels & Resorts has successfully restored operations at its three-property Rose Hall complex following extensive recovery efforts from Hurricane Melissa’s devastation. The reopening represents a critical milestone in the island’s broader tourism resurgence and economic stabilization.

    The Spanish hotel chain emphasized that the accelerated restoration was achieved through exceptional teamwork and robust partnerships with local Jamaican stakeholders. Company executives confirmed that all essential services have been fully reinstated across the resort properties, ensuring seamless guest experiences.

    Demonstrating profound corporate responsibility, Iberostar implemented comprehensive support measures for its workforce during the crisis. The company provided emergency accommodation for displaced employees and their families while addressing both immediate physical needs and longer-term financial and emotional wellbeing concerns.

    A structured relief program now benefits all 1,700 Jamaican employees, featuring financial assistance through special relief bonuses, essential supply care packages, and dedicated support for home reconstruction efforts. The initiative extends beyond staff members to include neighboring communities severely affected by the natural disaster.

    Notably, the hotel group has partnered with the Grange Pen Fishers Association, whose members sustained substantial losses from the hurricane. Many local residents maintain historical ties with the resort properties, making community support an integral component of Iberostar’s operational philosophy.

    The company’s leadership emphasizes that tourism represents Jamaica’s most viable path to economic recovery, with visitor spending directly contributing to job preservation and accelerated normalcy restoration across the island nation.

  • JAMROCKING

    JAMROCKING

    Jamaica’s national basketball squad, the ‘Jamrockers,’ has achieved a monumental victory in the FIBA World Cup Americas Qualifiers, defeating Puerto Rico 97-92 on their home court in San Juan. This triumph marks their second consecutive win in Group B, propelling them to a joint top position with tournament favorites Canada, both teams holding four points.

    The game was a showcase of exceptional teamwork and individual talent. Chase Audige led the scoring with 20 points, supported by Romaine Thomas’s 18 points and a dominant double-double from Kofi Cockburn, who contributed 15 points and 12 rebounds. Team captain Kentan Facey, adding 9 points and 10 rebounds, emphasized that the team’s cohesion was the cornerstone of their success against a highly favored Puerto Rican team.

    Beyond the court, the victory carries profound significance for a nation recently battered by Hurricane Melissa. Facey, hailing from the impacted parish of Trelawny, stated the team was driven by a desire to provide a positive rallying point for Jamaicans. He highlighted the win as proof of basketball’s growing validity and potential to put Jamaica on the global sports map.

    With four critical games remaining in the qualifiers, Head Coach Rick Turner acknowledged the historic start but cautioned against complacency. He stressed that the primary objective remains advancing from what he described as ‘the toughest pool in the tournament.’ The team’s immediate focus is on their upcoming fixtures against the Bahamas on February 26 and a pivotal clash with Canada on March 1. Two more victories would secure Jamaica a spot in the next round, edging them closer to qualification for the 2027 FIBA World Cup in Qatar.

  • Man caught with dozens of cocaine pellets to be sentenced

    Man caught with dozens of cocaine pellets to be sentenced

    KINGSTON, Jamaica — A Kingston court has deferred sentencing until 2026 for Ricardo Muir, a 38-year-old Jamaican national who admitted to drug-related charges this week. The defendant appeared before Senior Parish Judge Sanchia Burrell in the Kingston and St Andrew Parish Court, where he entered a guilty plea for possession and dealing in cocaine.

    The legal proceedings took an unexpected turn when Muir’s defense counsel initially petitioned for the case to be transferred to Jamaica’s drug treatment court system, which emphasizes rehabilitation over incarceration for substance-related offenses. This judicial alternative typically applies to individuals struggling with addiction rather than those involved in drug distribution networks.

    Prosecution authorities presented compelling evidence detailing how law enforcement officials intercepted Muir in the early hours of May 23rd with 78 individually wrapped pellets of cocaine, collectively weighing approximately one pound. During questioning under caution, the defendant allegedly disclosed that the narcotics were intended for transfer to another party for international transportation.

    Despite admitting to domestic drug offenses, Muir maintained his innocence regarding the more serious charge of attempting to export controlled substances. This strategic partial plea arrangement followed extensive consultation between the defendant and his legal representative. The court has scheduled sentencing for February 27, 2026, allowing for comprehensive presentencing investigations.

  • DEFYING DISRUPTION

    DEFYING DISRUPTION

    Despite ongoing recovery efforts from Hurricane Melissa’s devastation, Jamaica’s 2025 Black Friday shopping event demonstrated remarkable economic resilience with transaction volumes unexpectedly surpassing the previous year’s figures. According to data released by JETS, operator of the MultiLink electronic switching network, consumer spending reached $2.45 billion on November 28, 2025, slightly exceeding the $2.41 billion recorded during the 2024 shopping event.

    The performance is particularly noteworthy given that only 86.6% of ATMs and 87.5% of point-of-sale terminals were operational during the shopping period—significantly below normal capacity levels. JETS CEO Edmundo Jenez characterized the results as “solid” considering the physical and economic disruptions retailers continue to navigate nationwide.

    Recovery progress remains uneven across the island, with stark regional disparities in financial infrastructure restoration. While St. Thomas has achieved full restoration and the Corporate Area along with several eastern and central parishes operate at 92-99% capacity, western parishes face considerably slower recovery. St. Ann and St. James hover around 73% operational ATMs, while Trelawny and Westmoreland remain in the mid-60s percentile. The most severely affected regions include St. Elizabeth at 51% and Hanover at just 43% functionality.

    Retail experiences varied significantly based on location and merchandise. Home and Things’ Cross Roads branch reported one of its strongest turnouts in three years, with customers arriving as early as 6:00 am to capitalize on 30-70% discounts for home improvement items. Meanwhile, a neighboring furniture and appliance retailer experienced approximately 50% lower sales despite aggressive discounting, with management noting subdued consumer sentiment potentially influenced by awareness of ongoing struggles in western parishes.

    International shoppers contributed to the positive performance, with Zimbabwean national Oliver Murima and his wife purchasing over 15 pairs of shoes and multiple sock packages to take back home, specifically timing their shopping for Black Friday discounts.

    JETS anticipates ATM availability will reach 90% and POS terminals 95% by mid-December, though approximately 44 ATMs (5% of the national fleet) may not return to service before 2026 due to severe flood damage, vandalism, and prolonged utility outages.

  • Ohio missionary indicted for child exploitation crimes in Haiti

    Ohio missionary indicted for child exploitation crimes in Haiti

    A federal grand jury in Ohio has unsealed a damning indictment against Jeriah Mast, a 44-year-old resident of Millersburg, Ohio, charging him with four distinct counts of engaging in illicit sexual conduct with minors in Haiti. The charges stem from an extensive pattern of abuse allegedly occurring during multiple trips Mast took to the Caribbean nation between 2002 and 2019.

    Court documents reveal Mast frequently traveled under the auspices of Christian Aid Ministries (CAM), a religious organization, which provided a facade for his predatory actions. Investigators obtained flight records documenting over 30 separate journeys from the United States to Haiti between November 2002 and August 2018, with each count in the indictment corresponding to the abuse of a different minor victim.

    Acting Assistant Attorney General Matthew Galeotti of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division condemned the alleged crimes, stating the defendant specifically targeted ‘vulnerable children living in an impoverished nation.’ He emphasized the department’s commitment to pursuing justice for victims regardless of where such crimes occur, asserting that ‘our law enforcement partners and prosecutors will continue to relentlessly seek justice.’

    The case emerged through a collaborative investigation led by Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Cleveland, which received substantial assistance from the Holmes County Sheriff’s Office. Matthew Stentz, Acting Special Agent in Charge of HSI Detroit, highlighted the significance of the case, noting it exemplifies their mission to investigate individuals, ‘especially those in positions of trust who exploit children.’

    This prosecution forms part of the Department of Justice’s Project Safe Childhood initiative, a nationwide program launched in 2006 to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. U.S. authorities are leveraging this framework to hold perpetrators accountable for crimes committed overseas, ensuring they face the full weight of American justice.