The Jamaica Food and Drink Festival has emerged as a cornerstone event for celebrating the island’s rich culinary traditions, according to Culture and Entertainment Minister Olivia Grange. Speaking at the media launch for the 2025 edition at the Jamaica Pegasus hotel, Grange emphasized the festival’s role in uniting Jamaicans through food and drink. ‘This festival has become a signature moment where we gather to celebrate our identity as Jamaicans,’ she remarked. ‘While we often focus on music, dance, and language, food is equally vital in preserving and expanding our heritage.’ The 2025 festival is scheduled for November 13–16, marking its 11th anniversary. The event showcases the nation’s finest food and drink offerings in a lively, community-driven setting. Grange also highlighted the government’s new Jamaica Entertainment and Creative Sector Insurance, urging attendees from the creative industry to enroll and benefit from the initiative. ‘This insurance plan, covering life, accident, and health, is designed for you,’ she said, addressing the creative community. ‘It’s an opportunity you shouldn’t overlook.’
标签: Jamaica
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Skrillex and Damian Marley’s Make it Bun Dem certified gold in the UK
Big Beat, the renowned U.S. electronic and dance music record label established in 1986 by Craig Kallman, former president of Atlantic Records, has maintained a deep-rooted connection with reggae music over the decades. Initially distributed by Atlantic Records, Big Beat was integrated into the label in 1992 before being relaunched independently in 2010. Throughout its history, the label has been instrumental in promoting reggae artists such as Garnet Silk, Dawn Penn, and Inner Circle.
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FBI director urges Americans not to mourn over late black militant, Assata Shakur
FBI Director Kash Patel has urged Americans not to mourn the death of Assata Shakur, a prominent figure in the Black Liberation Army, whom he branded a ‘terrorist.’ Shakur, also known as JoAnne Chesimard, passed away last week in Havana, Cuba, where she had lived in exile for decades. She was convicted in the 1973 killing of New Jersey State Trooper Werner Foerster during a shootout at a routine traffic stop. Despite her claims of innocence, she was sentenced to life in prison in 1977 but escaped in 1979 and fled to Cuba, where she remained until her death at 78. In 2013, she was added to the FBI’s list of most wanted terrorists, with a $1 million reward offered for her capture. Patel criticized those mourning her, stating that doing so dishonors the memory of fallen officers. While Shakur is celebrated by some as a freedom fighter, Patel emphasized her criminal past and escape from justice.
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Maintenance worker charged with murder following stabbing
In a tragic incident in Inverness, Alexandria, Jamaica, a 26-year-old maintenance worker, Chanardo Wilmot from Mile End, Ocho Rios, has been formally charged with murder. The victim, identified as 34-year-old Chadroy Nash, a tiler from St Dacre, Alexandria, succumbed to multiple stab wounds sustained during an altercation on Wednesday evening. According to the Alexandria Police, the incident unfolded around 8:50 pm when Wilmot allegedly encountered Nash in the company of his girlfriend. A heated argument ensued between the two men, culminating in Wilmot reportedly using a knife to inflict fatal injuries on Nash. Despite being rushed to the hospital, Nash was pronounced dead shortly after arrival. Following a thorough investigation, Wilmot was apprehended and formally charged on Friday, September 26. Authorities are currently finalizing the court date for the accused, who now faces serious legal consequences for the alleged crime.
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Roxanne Robinson celebrates Sterling Music Awards nom
Gospel recording artist Roxanne Robinson is basking in the glow of recognition following her recent nomination for the Sterling Gospel Music Awards. Her single ‘Caribbean Medley’ has been shortlisted in the Local Hit Song of the Year category, marking her first nomination for this prestigious award. ‘I am beyond grateful to be recognized by the country of my birth. This is indeed a welcome home gift backed by heaven,’ Robinson expressed with heartfelt gratitude. The nomination is a significant milestone in her career, especially considering the song’s widespread appeal, amassing over 700,000 streams to date. While she won’t be performing at this year’s ceremony, Robinson remains optimistic about future opportunities. ‘Whatever happens, I’m happy to have reached this far,’ she added. The year 2025 has been a banner year for Robinson, who has already clinched multiple accolades. She won the Urban Contemporary Female Vocalist and People’s Choice Award at the Rhythm of Gospel Awards in the USA. Her latest album, ‘Still Standing,’ released in October 2024, was named Album of the Year at the Intercontinental Music Awards in Canada. Additionally, her track ‘Release Your Power,’ featuring Michael Manhertz, earned the Song of the Year award in the Christian/Contemporary Gospel category. The 11-track album is a powerful blend of declarations, proclamations, encouragement, and worship, resonating deeply with listeners. Robinson’s musical journey began at the age of 12, singing in her church’s youth department and performing duets with her sister. She officially launched her career as a recording artist in 2015 with her self-titled EP, ‘Roxanne Robinson.’ Over the years, she has released impactful tracks like ‘Yahweh,’ ‘Holy Rock of Ages,’ and her recent collaboration with O’Neil Watson, ‘Calypso Medley.’ As the Sterling Gospel Music Awards approach on October 4, 2025, Robinson is poised to end the year on a high note, continuing to inspire audiences with messages of hope, love, and faith. Fans can also look forward to more music and her third annual night of worship, scheduled for October.
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Education – the greatest creative equaliser- Grenada PM
At the 80th Session of the United Nations General Assembly Debate, Grenada’s Prime Minister Dickon Mitchell delivered a compelling address on the transformative power of education. Mitchell emphasized that education is the ultimate equalizer, capable of turning innovation into inclusion and conflict into cooperation. He described education as a bridge from limitation to possibility, sharing his personal journey from a small village in Grenada to the global stage of the UN.
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No contest
The People’s National Party (PNP) of Jamaica has unveiled its leadership lineup for the upcoming political cycle, with Natalie Neita Garvey, Member of Parliament for St Catherine North Central, emerging as the only new addition to the party’s top echelons. The announcement came in a media release on Friday, confirming that nominations for the positions of president and vice-presidents closed with just five candidates, eliminating the need for an internal election. Mark Golding, who has led the PNP since November 2020, was uncontested for the presidency, securing another two-year term. His leadership has been credited with the party’s improved performance in the recent general election. Neita Garvey joins incumbent vice-presidents Mikael Phillips (Manchester North Western MP), Ian Hayles (Westmoreland Western MP), and Norman Scott, Chairman of the St Catherine Municipal Corporation. The PNP also expressed gratitude to Senator Donna Scott-Mottley, who chose not to seek re-election as vice-president, acknowledging her significant contributions to the party. The upcoming National Executive Council (NEC) meeting is scheduled for October 4–5, followed by regional conferences and officer elections. The party’s annual conference will conclude with a private session on November 30, 2025. The PNP reaffirmed its commitment to advancing justice, inclusion, and progress for the Jamaican people.
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St Elizabeth man charged with wounding with intent
KINGSTON, Jamaica — Authorities have formally charged 38-year-old Alcon Bartley from the Windsor district of Siloah, St. Elizabeth, with wounding with intent following a violent altercation in his community earlier this year. The incident, which occurred on February 23 around 2:00 pm, involved Bartley and another man engaging in a heated argument. During the confrontation, Bartley allegedly retrieved a firearm from his waistband and discharged multiple shots, striking the other individual. The victim sustained injuries and promptly reported the incident to law enforcement. Bartley was subsequently apprehended and subjected to an identification parade, where the injured party positively identified him as the perpetrator. After a thorough interrogation, investigators proceeded to charge Bartley with the offence. His court appearance is currently being scheduled as the legal process moves forward.
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Goodbye CRH
MONTEGO BAY, St James — After decades of dedicated service at Cornwall Regional Hospital (CRH), Richard Lawrence and Sharon McLean are stepping into retirement, leaving behind a legacy of commitment and resilience. The duo, along with 31 other retirees from various regions, were honored at a luncheon hosted by the Western Regional Health Authority (WRHA) on Thursday. Lawrence, who served as a senior security supervisor for 42 years, expressed his bittersweet feelings about retiring before the hospital’s ongoing rehabilitation project is completed. ‘It was my dream to see the hospital open while I was working,’ he shared. ‘But I know when the time comes, they might invite me to see the progress.’ Lawrence, who spent over 25 years as a senior supervisor, reflected on his career with pride, emphasizing how his work enabled him to support his family and nurture his children’s successful careers. ‘All this came through the work at Cornwall Regional Hospital,’ he said. ‘I don’t have any regrets.’ His colleague, Sharon McLean, a chief medical technologist with 40 years of service, also shared her mixed emotions. McLean, who endured health challenges due to the hospital’s mold-infested environment, expressed relief that future staff will not face the same hardships. ‘I was there suffering for a long time,’ she recalled. ‘But I am happy that people will not experience what we had experienced.’ McLean, whose motto is ‘By our skills, we save lives,’ takes pride in her contributions to saving lives through her laboratory work. Both retirees are now looking forward to new chapters in their lives, with Lawrence expressing gratitude for his family’s support and McLean planning to channel her energy into new endeavors. The luncheon concluded with the presentation of plaques and heartfelt appreciation from WRHA Manager Simone Douglas-Cluney, who praised the retirees for their unwavering dedication and service.
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At least 36 dead in India stampede: chief minister
A devastating stampede at a political rally in Tamil Nadu, India, on Saturday resulted in the deaths of at least 36 people, including eight children and 16 women, according to the state’s Chief Minister M.K. Stalin. The incident occurred during a campaign event for actor-turned-politician Vijay, who was addressing the crowd when chaos erupted. Vijay expressed his profound grief, stating his ‘heart is shattered’ and offering condolences to the bereaved families. Reports suggest that the tragedy unfolded as a large section of the crowd surged towards the stage barricades in an attempt to get closer to the popular figure. In response, Stalin has ordered an investigation led by a retired judge and announced compensation of one million rupees ($11,000) for each victim’s family. Prime Minister Narendra Modi also conveyed his sorrow, extending his thoughts to the affected families. This incident highlights the recurring issue of deadly crowd surges at Indian mass events, often attributed to inadequate safety measures and poor crowd management. Similar tragedies have occurred recently, including a stampede at the Kumbh Mela religious fair earlier this year and a deadly crush during a Hindu religious gathering in Uttar Pradesh last year.
