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  • Women: Evolving from March onwards

    Women: Evolving from March onwards

    As the formal observance of Women’s Month concludes, its core mission transitions into a persistent, daily commitment. The momentum generated—amplifying diverse voices, honoring impactful stories, and acknowledging hard-won progress—transcends the calendar, forming the foundation of an enduring movement dedicated to achieving genuine equity, universal respect, and comprehensive empowerment.

    The true measure of this commitment lies in sustained action. It is championed through consistent support, active elevation, and the deliberate creation of space for women in every sphere of life, every day. Authentic representation is not a temporary initiative but a fundamental, ongoing pledge to parity.

    To translate this philosophy into practice, here are five actionable strategies to champion women’s representation throughout the entire year:

    1. **Patronize Women-Led Enterprises**: Intentionally direct your economic power by purchasing from, promoting, and endorsing businesses founded and operated by women entrepreneurs, both within your local community and in the digital marketplace.

    2. **Elevate Female Perspectives and Achievements**: Consistently use your platforms—be it social media channels, professional meetings, or personal networks—to share and celebrate the work, innovative ideas, and accomplishments of women.

    3. **Champion Equitable Systems**: Advocate vocally for structural fairness across all environments, including corporate workplaces, educational institutions, and local communities. This includes persistent advocacy for pay transparency and equality, support for women seeking leadership positions, and ensuring unbiased access to opportunities.

    4. **Foster Development Through Mentorship**: Provide tangible support by offering mentorship, encouragement, and critical resources to women and girls aspiring to advance their personal development and professional careers.

    5. **Commit to Continuous Education and Dialogue**: Proactively stay informed on evolving gender issues and engage in constructive conversations that confront unconscious biases and actively promote a more inclusive culture for everyone.

  • Mt Pleasant, Racing seek to close gap on leaders MBU

    Mt Pleasant, Racing seek to close gap on leaders MBU

    The Jamaica Premier League enters a pivotal phase with three crucial matches scheduled for Monday’s 32nd round, featuring former champions determined to close the gap on front-runners Montego Bay United. The Anthony Spaulding Complex will host a double-header that could significantly reshape the league standings.

    Second-placed Mt Pleasant FA, riding a wave of impressive form, will confront ninth-positioned Arnett Gardens in the evening’s marquee matchup at 7:30 PM. With 55 points and two games in hand, Mt Pleasant trails leaders Montego Bay United by just six points and seeks their fourth consecutive victory. Their offensive prowess has been remarkable, netting 10 goals across their previous three appearances while maintaining an unbeaten streak against Arnett Gardens spanning seven encounters.

    The opening fixture at 5:00 PM pits third-placed Racing United against Treasure Beach FC, with both teams seeking to break patterns of recent draws. Racing United aims to establish breathing room above fourth-place Portmore United, who remain just two points behind following Sunday’s defeat to Dunbeholden.

    Simultaneously at Drewsland, fifth-placed Waterhouse FC hosts bottom-ranked Spanish Town Police at 6:00 PM. Waterhouse, positioned at 49 points, anticipates securing maximum points to strengthen their pursuit of Portmore United. The teams have split their seasonal meetings, with Spanish Town claiming a first-round victory before Waterhouse leveled the series in the second round.

    Treasure Beach continues their battle against relegation, having drawn their last three matches. A single point from Monday’s contest would provide crucial separation from the drop zone, placing them four points clear of danger.

    The league landscape shifted significantly following Sunday’s results, where Montego Bay United strengthened their position with a 3-1 victory over Cavalier SC. Other matches saw Tivoli Gardens edge Harbour View 3-2, while Chapelton Maroons and Molynes United played to a 2-2 draw.

    With the Concacaf Champions League elimination behind them, Mt Pleasant can now concentrate exclusively on domestic success as they pursue a fourth consecutive final appearance and their second JPL championship.

  • Mojo Morgan launches Spirit

    Mojo Morgan launches Spirit

    Grammy Award-winning artist Mojo Morgan has transformed his latest single ‘Spirit’ into a nationwide inspirational movement, combining musical release with educational outreach across Jamaica. The artist has made the uplifting track available as a free global download while simultaneously launching the comprehensive ‘Spirit School Tour’ targeting high school students throughout the island nation.

    ‘Spirit’ represents more than musical expression—it embodies a profound message of perseverance, faith, and inner strength. The composition features powerful melodies and heartfelt lyrics designed to encourage listeners to remain grounded and focused despite life’s challenges. This personal project has evolved into a national campaign aimed at empowering youth, strengthening communities, and inspiring greatness among Jamaica’s next generation.

    The initiative officially commences at Dunoon Park Technical High School, serving as the inaugural stop in what promises to be an extensive nationwide effort. Each school visit will feature multifaceted programming including motivational discussions on resilience and purpose, personal reflections from Mojo’s journey as an artist, entrepreneur, and parent, live performances of the anthem, and interactive student participation with selected students joining the performer on stage.

    ‘This represents where genuine impact occurs,’ Mojo Morgan emphasized. ‘By reaching youth during their formative years and reminding them of their inherent greatness, we actively reshape the future in real time.’

    The song’s influence has already permeated Jamaican culture as the official theme for the Kingston City Run, the country’s premier fitness and community event. This partnership has established ‘Spirit’ as an anthem of endurance, unity, and national pride, with extensive exposure through race promotions, media coverage, and community engagement activities solidifying its status as both physical and spiritual motivation.

    In a strategic decision prioritizing accessibility over profit, Mojo Morgan is distributing ‘Spirit’ as a complimentary global download. ‘This transcends conventional music distribution,’ the artist explained. ”Spirit” represents my gift to the world—provided without cost but filled with energy, healing, and motivation.’

    This initiative reflects Mojo’s broader mission to leverage artistic platform for societal transformation. ‘While I identify as an artist, I also embrace roles as father, son, and visionary. My purpose extends beyond vocal inspiration to encompass how I live, what I build, and how I lead,’ Morgan shared.

    The movement gained formal recognition during a signing ceremony at Courtleigh Hotel & Suites in New Kingston, where Mojo Morgan was appointed as the first-ever musical ambassador for the Kingston City Run, simultaneously unveiling a specially produced trailer for the ‘Spirit’ single.

  • More demand for South Coast housing as Treasure Bay Estates records high sales

    More demand for South Coast housing as Treasure Bay Estates records high sales

    The Jamaican south coast is experiencing unprecedented real estate demand as Treasure Bay Estates, a premier coastal development in St. Elizabeth, reports nearly 70% of its villa lots already sold. Bernard Henry, Executive Chairman of development firm Great Bay Joint Venture Company, confirmed the remarkable sales performance, indicating strong international interest in this emerging Caribbean destination.

    Spanning 44 acres of elevated coastline, the meticulously planned community features 130 villa lots designed with long-term sustainability and organized growth principles. The development’s strategic elevation provides panoramic Caribbean Sea vistas, with most home sites offering uninterrupted ocean views. Henry emphasized the project’s philosophy of enhancing rather than overpowering the natural environment, creating a refined development that integrates seamlessly with Treasure Beach’s distinctive character.

    The development’s resilience was notably demonstrated during Hurricane Melissa’s impact last year, when the property remained undamaged despite significant destruction throughout the parish. This structural integrity has further bolstered investor confidence in the region.

    Real estate experts identify a broader trend transforming Jamaica’s south coast into a premium lifestyle destination. Nevin Nish, Director of Keller Williams Jamaica Realty, observed: ‘We’re witnessing a profound market shift toward the south coast as both an investment corridor and global lifestyle destination. Treasure Bay Estates represents the new era of Jamaican coastal living—where sophistication, natural beauty, and exclusivity converge.’

    With the ‘third city vision’ development initiative accelerating regional transformation, Treasure Beach emerges as the epicenter of this growth trajectory. The remaining lots at Treasure Bay Estates are now considered limited and highly coveted opportunities for discerning investors seeking legacy properties in one of the Caribbean’s most compelling coastal communities.

  • TODAY on The Rock

    TODAY on The Rock

    Jamaica’s vibrant culture and scenic beauty took center stage on American morning television as NBC’s TODAY Show filmed two special episodes from the island nation on March 26-27. Hosts Jenna Bush Hager and Sheinelle Jones embarked on an immersive journey through Jamaica’s culinary landscape, natural wonders, and cultural attractions, showcasing the destination’s renowned hospitality to millions of viewers.

    The production commenced with an exclusive welcome party at Sandals Dunn’s River on March 25, where talent, crew, and invited guests experienced authentic Jamaican hospitality. Throughout the broadcast days, the hosts explored iconic locations including the majestic Dunn’s River Falls in Ocho Rios, where they received guided tours of the famous terraced waterfalls.

    Adventure continued at Mystic Mountain, where Hager and Jones arrived via sky lift before experiencing the thrill of Jamaica’s signature bobsled ride. The culinary segment featured the hosts indulging in traditional Jamaican cuisine at popular eatery Miss T’s Kitchen, where proprietor Anna-Kay Tomlinson personally served jerk chicken, curried goat, and escoveitch fish.

    The visit held special significance with the involvement of executive producer Talia Parkinson-Jones, who secured additional secondary shooting opportunities through her Jamaican heritage connections. The production received official recognition from Jamaica’s Ministry of Tourism, with Minister Edmund Bartlett personally welcoming the NBC team and highlighting the importance of this international exposure for Jamaican tourism.

    Since its 1952 debut, the TODAY Show has maintained its position as America’s top-rated morning program, consistently drawing over three million viewers, making this Jamaican feature a significant promotional achievement for the Caribbean destination.

  • Newly renovated Yallahs Market reopens

    Newly renovated Yallahs Market reopens

    ST THOMAS, Jamaica — A significant milestone in Jamaica’s public infrastructure revitalization has been achieved with the official reopening of Yallahs Market in St Thomas. The Ministry of Local Government and Community Development has completed the first phase of comprehensive reconstruction works, restoring the facility to vendors and shoppers.

    The renovated market, situated in the heart of Yallahs Square, now features structured vending spaces, enhanced lighting systems, and modern sanitary facilities. This initial transformation addresses long-standing concerns about market conditions and vendor accommodations. A subsequent phase of renovations will focus on expanding stall capacity outside the main building and implementing full facility paving.

    At the March 27 opening ceremony, Portfolio Minister Desmond McKenzie emphasized the government’s commitment to fulfilling promises made to local vendors. Recalling his 2018 visit when he found vendors operating outside closed gates, McKenzie stated: ‘I gave a commitment that once the lease expired, we would not renew it but instead revitalize the market properly. Today, I’m here to honor that commitment.’

    Minister McKenzie transferred responsibility for the market’s future success to the community, urging stakeholders to ‘treat our markets with the respect they deserve.’ In support of vendors during the ongoing second-phase construction, the ministry will continue waiving market fees throughout April.

    Morant Bay Mayor Councillor Louis Chin welcomed the development as opening ‘doors to new opportunities and better facilities for our citizens,’ noting the market now provides ‘a more dignified and modern space for both vendors and shoppers.’

    Kevin McIndoe, CEO of the St Thomas Municipal Corporation, highlighted the broader implications of the renovation, explaining that the market aims to ‘provide a clean, organized space for vending and buying, strengthen public health and sanitation standards, and reduce roadside congestion and disorder.’

    The timing of this infrastructure improvement aligns with major national investments in St Thomas, including the Morant Bay Urban Centre and the Southern Coastal Highway Improvement Project. Municipal authorities emphasize that modernized facilities are essential preparation for expected parish growth and development.

  • Champs Again!

    Champs Again!

    In a spectacular conclusion to a weather-disrupted five-day event, Jamaica College (JC) and Edwin Allen High School emerged victorious at the ISSA/GraceKennedy Boys’ and Girls’ Athletics Championships, dethroning the reigning champions at Kingston’s National Stadium.

    Edwin Allen’s female athletes delivered a commanding performance, amassing 338.5 points to secure their eleventh title since their inaugural win in 2012. This triumph further solidifies coach Michael Dyke’s legacy as one of the championships’ most accomplished mentors. Despite a final victory in the 4x400m relay by Hydel High (3:33.72), who finished ahead of Edwin Allen (3:35.30) and Holmwood Technical (3:39.61), the overall title had already been decisively claimed.

    On the boys’ side, Jamaica College ended Kingston College’s four-year dominance with a stylish victory in the Boys’ 4x400m relay, clocking 3:08.18. KC pushed relentlessly throughout the championships but settled for second in 3:08.68, competing without key athlete Jason Pitter. William Knibb secured third place (3:09.23), while Calabar faced disqualification due to a false start. This victory marks JC’s 23rd hold on the Mortimer Geddes Trophy and their first championship title since 2021, though KC remains the historically most successful institution with 36 titles.

    The competition faced significant weather challenges when lightning forced a nearly two-hour suspension at 3:35 pm. Despite the interruption, neither JC nor Edwin Allen lost their competitive momentum in the final sessions.

    Notable individual achievements included Ryan Achau of Kenya and St Jago High, who claimed his second gold medal with a spectacular 5,000m victory in 14:42.32—the second-fastest time in championship history. Addison James of Edwin Allen shattered the Boys’ javelin record with an impressive 70.30m throw, surpassing the previous mark of 65.11m set by Tarique Daley in 2025.

    Hydel High mounted a formidable challenge throughout the competition, gradually reducing Edwin Allen’s lead from 35.5 to 20 points after 28 of 46 finals. Zavien Bernard led their charge with victory in the Class Two high jump (1.76m), while Keneisha Robinson added gold in the Class Four 70m hurdles (10.68).

    Edwin Allen responded through Tiana Godfrey, who set a new record in the Class Three 80m hurdles with 10.80, breaking Camoy Binger’s 2022 mark. The competition intensified as KC similarly pressed JC, narrowing the deficit to 47 points before weather intervened.

    Post-event celebrations featured gospel artist Jermaine Edwards performing ‘Beautiful Day’ amidst fireworks, creating a festive atmosphere for the victorious schools. The championships demonstrated exceptional athletic prowess despite challenging conditions, highlighting Jamaica’s continued excellence in track and field development.

  • Reggae Boyz, DR Congo gear up for showdown in World Cup decider

    Reggae Boyz, DR Congo gear up for showdown in World Cup decider

    The stage is set for an unprecedented football confrontation as Jamaica’s Reggae Boyz and the Democratic Republic of Congo’s Leopards prepare for their decisive World Cup qualifying play-off match in Guadalajara, Mexico. Both squads conducted intensive training sessions on Sunday, with exclusive footage revealing their final preparations ahead of Tuesday’s historic encounter.

    This monumental match represents the first-ever competitive meeting between the two nations, with each team pursuing distinct historical milestones. The DRC aims to secure its first World Cup appearance in half a century, having last qualified in 1974. Jamaica seeks to end its 26-year World Cup drought, last participating in the 1998 tournament.

    The qualification pathways to this final play-off have been markedly different. The Congolese squad finished second in their group before eliminating formidable African opponents Cameroon and Nigeria in regional playoffs. Jamaica secured their position by placing second behind Curaçao in their group, followed by a crucial victory against New Caledonia on Thursday.

    Historical statistics present a challenging precedent for the Reggae Boyz, who have struggled against African opposition throughout their football history. In 22 previous encounters against CAF-affiliated teams, Jamaica has recorded only two victories, with nine losses and eleven draws.

    The victorious team will secure qualification for the 2026 World Cup, jointly hosted by Mexico, the United States, and Canada. The winner will advance to compete in Group K alongside Colombia, Portugal, and Uzbekistan. The match is scheduled to commence at 4:00 PM Jamaica time, with the outcome determining which nation celebrates a historic football achievement.

  • Unbeatable Blues!

    Unbeatable Blues!

    In a poignant display of athletic excellence and team spirit, Edwin Allen High School captured its 11th ISSA/GraceKennedy Girls’ Athletics Championships title in a ceremony at the National Stadium on Friday evening. The victory was marked by a profound tribute to their late teammate, Taneisha Gayle, whose memory was honored with a life-sized cutout prominently displayed during the award presentation. GraceKennedy Chief Executive Officer Frank James presided over the ceremony, personally awarding the championship trophy to the Edwin Allen team. The emotional moment underscored how the team had channeled their grief into determination throughout the competition, ultimately prevailing against strong challengers to maintain their dominant position in Jamaican high school athletics. This championship victory represents not just another title for the institution’s impressive record, but a symbolic triumph of perseverance and unity in the face of tragedy, setting a powerful example for young athletes across the nation.

  • Brown wants increased stipend paid to senators

    Brown wants increased stipend paid to senators

    KINGSTON, Jamaica — Opposition Senator Lambert Brown has reignited a contentious debate by demanding the implementation of a shelved 2023 proposal that would dramatically increase stipends for non-executive senators. The proposed adjustment would elevate their per-sitting compensation from the current $53,000 to $148,000—a substantial 179% increase.

    Ironically, this very proposal was previously rescinded by former Finance Minister Dr. Nigel Clarke following objections from Opposition senators themselves. The reversal occurred in September 2023 amid widespread public backlash against substantial salary hikes for politicians.

    During deliberations on the Appropriations Bill, Senator Brown, a noted trade unionist, framed his appeal as a matter of fairness. He emphasized that non-executive senators remain the only parliamentary group excluded from recent compensation reviews, alongside certain University of the West Indies employees.

    “This transcends partisan politics,” Brown asserted in his address to the finance minister. “I am advocating for the 16 non-executive senators who represent the sole segment within Parliament yet to benefit from the reclassification exercise.”

    Jamaica’s Senate comprises 21 members—13 government-appointed and 8 opposition-appointed—with only 5 holding executive positions as cabinet ministers or parliamentary secretaries.

    Brown justified the demand by highlighting practical challenges faced by senators, noting that colleagues like Charles Sinclair and Allan Bernard undertake extensive travel from Montego Bay to Kingston for each session. He further contextualized the request against Jamaica’s rising cost of living, citing recent electricity rate increases and transportation costs.

    In a parallel economic argument, Brown challenged the government’s forthcoming tax changes on motor vehicle duty concessions for public sector workers. Set to take effect May 1, these adjustments are projected to generate $1.4 billion in revenue through reinstated General Consumption Tax payments while maintaining import duty and special consumption tax exemptions.

    Finance Minister Fayval Williams defended the policy shift, stating the original concession no longer aligns with current economic conditions. Brown countered that the revenue gain represents mere “chicken feed” within Jamaica’s $1.4 trillion budget, arguing the government should not squeeze public sector workers for minimal fiscal benefit.