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  • More than just melody

    More than just melody

    In the pantheon of reggae music, few artists possess a discography as culturally significant and timeless as Tony Rebel. His body of work, spanning roots anthems and socially charged messages, forms an integral part of Jamaica’s musical heritage. Among his numerous career-defining hits, ‘Sweet Jamaica’ holds a uniquely revered position—not merely as a song but as a profound expression of national identity cherished by both the artist and his compatriots.

    Over thirty years since its initial release, this patriotic single continues to resonate deeply within the Jamaican consciousness, serving as a musical tribute to the island’s beauty, resilience, and indomitable spirit. For Tony Rebel, the creation of ‘Sweet Jamaica’ was far more than adding another track to his repertoire; it was a purposeful mission. In a recent interview, the artist explained his motivation: ‘As a conscious artist, you aim to address diverse themes. I noticed that earlier songs about Jamaica failed to embed themselves in our society’s collective memory. I wanted to create one that would.’

    His vision was realized beyond expectation. The track has since been embraced as an unofficial national anthem, a status that led the Jamaican government to formally recognize Rebel’s contributions to advancing reggae’s conscious messaging. Reflecting on the song’s origins, Rebel recounted the pivotal creative moment involving late reggae luminary Garnett Silk, who offered the foundational lyric: ‘From money inna yuh pocket and God inna yuh heart.’ That line became the catalyst for the song’s composition.

    Rebel crafted multiple verses before bringing the demo to legendary producer Bobby Digital at Digital B studio. Even during recording sessions, the track’s potential was undeniable—veteran deejay Leroy Smart immediately praised it upon hearing an early playback. Released as part of the album ‘Stir It Up,’ ‘Sweet Jamaica’ surpassed commercial expectations, selling over 500,000 copies and solidifying its place as a milestone in modern reggae.

    Today, the song’s legacy is immortalized not only in the collective memory of Jamaicans but also in Rebel’s office, where a gold record stands as a testament to its enduring impact. For the artist, Jamaica remains an infinite source of inspiration. He revealed plans to create new music celebrating his homeland, proving that when Tony Rebel sings about Jamaica, his message doesn’t fade—it lingers, vivid and unforgettable.

  • #Champs2026: STETHS’ Santino Distin hopes to upgrade high jump silver to gold

    #Champs2026: STETHS’ Santino Distin hopes to upgrade high jump silver to gold

    KINGSTON, Jamaica—The stage is set for an electrifying climax in the boys’ Class 1 high jump competition at the ISSA/GraceKennedy Boys and Girls Athletics Championships. All eyes will be on Santino Distin from St Elizabeth Technical High School (STETHS) as he aims to transform last year’s silver into gold during Saturday’s finale at the National Stadium.

    Distin, who previously competed for Herbert Morrison Technical before transferring to STETHS, secured his place in the finals after successfully clearing the automatic qualifying height of 1.95 meters during Friday’s preliminary rounds. The national junior champion has demonstrated consistent form this season, having matched his personal best of 2.05 meters on two separate occasions, though he encountered a single setback during the qualifying phase.

    The competition features several formidable contenders who delivered flawless performances during qualifications. Wolmer’s Boys’ School standout Kabiki Thomas, Cornwall College’s Carlyle Tinglin—who achieved a new personal best during the event—and Kingston College’s Michael Neil all progressed without a single failure.

    In a surprising turn of events, Happy Grove High’s Jaquan Souden, who entered the competition as the top-ranked athlete with a season’s best of 2.06 meters, was forced to withdraw after just one attempt at 1.90 meters due to undisclosed circumstances. His unexpected exit has reshaped the competitive landscape for Saturday’s final, creating an open contest for the championship title.

  • #Champs2026: JC’s Edwards ends Champs career in style with jumps double

    #Champs2026: JC’s Edwards ends Champs career in style with jumps double

    KINGSTON, Jamaica – In a spectacular finale to his high school athletic career, Jamaica College’s Michael-Andre Edwards delivered a monumental performance at the ISSA/GraceKennedy Boys and Girls Athletic Championships. Edwards clinched the Boys Class 1 triple jump title with a massive personal best of 16.25 meters, achieved despite a slight headwind of -0.6m/s at the National Stadium.

    The victory secured Edwards a prestigious jumps double, having successfully defended his long jump crown just days earlier on Wednesday. His championship journey began dramatically with an opening foul, but the athlete demonstrated remarkable composure to dominate the competition thereafter. Edwards saved his finest leap for the final attempt, shattering his previous personal record of 15.95 meters set at the prestigious Penn Relays earlier in the season.

    This extraordinary achievement places Edwards second on the global Under-20 performance list for the current season, highlighting his world-class potential. The competition saw Kingston College’s Amani Phillips claim silver with a strong jump of 15.34 meters, while Calabar High’s Antonio Anderson made a stunning final-round surge from eighth to bronze medal position with a leap of 15.21 meters.

    Edwards’ performance not only concludes his Boys Champs career in spectacular fashion but also establishes him as one of Jamaica’s most promising athletic talents with significant international potential.

  • NEVER YIELD!

    NEVER YIELD!

    Jamaica College has established a commanding position at the ISSA/GraceKennedy Boys’ and Girls’ Athletics Championships following a spectacular display of athletic prowess on the third day of competition. The school from 189 Old Hope Road built a formidable 51-point lead, accumulating 119 points through a series of exceptional performances that shattered records and redefined expectations.

    The day’s most remarkable achievement came from Joseph Salmon, who demolished the Class One discus record not once, but twice. His phenomenal throw of 67.55 meters not only broke Travis Smikle’s 2011 record of 66.88m but also established a new National Junior Record. Salmon’s consistency was equally impressive, with five of his six throws exceeding the previous championship standard. The talented athlete, who will be joining the University of Nebraska next season, demonstrated why he ranks eighth globally on the Under-20 all-time list.

    In an equally stunning performance, fifteen-year-old Jason Pitter rewrote the history books in the Class Two 400m. He obliterated Christopher Taylor’s 2016 record of 46.33 seconds with a breathtaking time of 45.76 seconds. Remarkably, Pitter’s time surpassed even the Class One winner Paul Henry of Foga Road High, who clocked 46.21 seconds.

    The quarter-mile events proved particularly fruitful for Jamaica College, with Jayen White leading a one-two finish in Class Three with a time of 50.10 seconds, followed by teammate Tariq Creary at 50.69 seconds. This dominance extended to field events, where Brandon Lawrence of Munro College claimed the Class Two shot put title with an impressive 18.40m throw.

    Despite Jamaica College’s overwhelming lead, competition remains fierce with Calabar in third position (65.5 points), St Jago High in fourth (41 points), and Wolmer’s Boys completing the top five (30 points). The championships continue with several key events still to be decided, including the highly anticipated 4×100 relays where all top schools have qualified comfortably.

  • Established and emerging acts featured on new reggae project

    Established and emerging acts featured on new reggae project

    Veteran producer and artist Gassie Ink has launched a significant new reggae project titled ‘Happy River,’ bringing together an impressive lineup of established and rising Jamaican talents. The compilation features renowned hit-maker Turbulence, Spanish Town native Lutan Fyah, alongside emerging artists Torch, Chris Howell, Petrol, and Robertha.

    Gassie Ink, whose given name is Dave Antonio Barrett, conceived the project as a deliberate effort to preserve and promote authentic reggae music. In a recent interview, the St Andrew-native producer emphasized his artistic vision: ‘I aimed to create a rhythm that embodies both joyful and conscious vibrations. Reggae has historically served as a vehicle for uplifting people, and this initiative genuinely reflects that foundational spirit.’

    The ‘Happy River’ beat represents a modern interpretation of classic one-drop reggae, showcasing Gassie Ink’s growing catalog of work rooted in traditional Jamaican musical traditions. The compilation explores enduring themes that have long defined the genre, including perseverance, love, cultural identity, and spiritual awareness through its various tracks.

    Released through the Gassie Ink label, the project serves multiple purposes: inspiring listeners, fostering unity, generating positive energy, and building momentum for the producer’s future creative endeavors. Barrett’s musical journey began at age 14 when he started performing with sound systems, eventually releasing his first single ‘New Love’ in August 2016 through a collaborative production with Walkway 30.

    This strategic collaboration between veteran and emerging artists demonstrates the continuing evolution of reggae music while honoring its rich cultural heritage and conscious messaging.

  • #Champs2026: Marquies Page breaks Class 2 110m hurdles in semis

    #Champs2026: Marquies Page breaks Class 2 110m hurdles in semis

    KINGSTON, Jamaica — A new era in Jamaican junior hurdling dawned at the National Stadium on Friday as Marquies Page spectacularly broke a longstanding record at the ISSA/GraceKennedy Boys and Girls Athletics Championships. The emerging talent clocked an astonishing 12.98 seconds in the Boys’ Class 2 110m hurdles semi-finals, demolishing the previous record of 13.26 seconds set by Vashaun Vascianna back in 2019. Page’s performance sliced a remarkable 0.28 seconds off the seven-year benchmark. The record-breaking semi-final also saw Calabar High’s Divondrae Matthews secure his finals position with a time of 13.34 seconds, alongside Mark-Daniel Allen of Wolmers (13.39) and Jhabarie Whyte of Vere (13.65). In the Class 1 qualifiers, Calabar High’s Dijon Swaine emerged as the frontrunner with 13.35 seconds, followed closely by Kingston College’s Taj-Oneil Gordon (13.39), Hydel High’s Robert Miller (13.45), and Buff Bay High’s Davion Myers (13.47). The Class 3 100m hurdles competition witnessed equally impressive performances, with Jamaica College’s Adrian Phillips leading the pack at 12.96 seconds. William Knibb’s Jamali Laing followed with 13.19 seconds, while Kingston College’s Drequan Jones recorded 13.28 seconds. Calabar High’s Alex Lewis and Manchester High’s Dylan Bent both clocked identical times of 13.35 seconds, setting the stage for an intensely competitive finals session on Saturday.

  • From coastlines to crops…

    From coastlines to crops…

    Jamaica’s groundbreaking climate adaptation initiative, the Government of Jamaica/Adaptation Fund Programme, concluded with celebratory ceremonies marking its transformative achievements. Launched in November 2012 with $10 million financing through the Planning Institute of Jamaica (PIOJ), the comprehensive program successfully enhanced climate resilience across multiple sectors through three strategically designed components.

    The multifaceted approach targeted coastal protection in northeastern Jamaica, improved water and land management in vulnerable farming communities, and strengthened institutional capacity at national and local levels. Implementation involved collaboration with key agencies including the National Environment and Planning Agency, National Works Agency, Disaster Preparedness Office, Rural Agricultural Development Authority (RADA), Forestry Department, and Social Development Commission.

    Professor Dale Webber, Jamaica’s Special Envoy for Climate Change, declared the initiative a pioneering model for small island developing states (SIDS) during his keynote address. He emphasized that while scientifically grounded, the program’s success derived from tangible, visible outcomes that delivered immediate community benefits. “What has been achieved here is not just theoretical—it was practical, visible, and continues to be impactful,” Webber stated while representing portfolio minister Matthew Samuda.

    The program’s documented accomplishments include coastline stabilization protecting critical infrastructure and community assets, support for fisheries and coastal livelihoods adapting to changing marine ecosystems, and advanced reforestation improving land management practices. Capacity-building initiatives trained shelter managers and deployed a Climate Risk Atlas enabling evidence-based planning at local levels, with particular attention to gender-inclusive resilience strategies.

    Notable success stories emerged from participating communities. The Forestry Department’s private forestry program coordinator Shawnette Russell-Clennon reported significant reforestation progress with over 20,000 fruit and lumber trees planted, particularly aiding recovery from Hurricane Melissa’s devastation in October 2025. Fishermen from St Mary received climate-resilient equipment and training, including boat upgrades and emergency ramps for extreme weather conditions.

    Agricultural communities experienced substantial improvements through RADA’s technical advice and farmer peer schools. Jasmine Hyde, RADA’s zonal director for St Ann and St Mary, reported enhanced productivity, improved irrigation systems, and better land management minimizing landslides. Professor Webber concluded by calling for accelerated international climate finance processing, noting Jamaica has demonstrated institutional capacity and implementation expertise but requires expanded funding to scale successful interventions.

  • #Champs2026: Riquelme Reid’s sprint double dream ends with injury

    #Champs2026: Riquelme Reid’s sprint double dream ends with injury

    KINGSTON, Jamaica – A highly anticipated sprint double at the prestigious ISSA/GraceKennedy Boys and Girls Athletic Championships was abruptly halted on Thursday following an injury to rising star Riquelme Reid of Excelsior High. The athlete, who had electrified the National Stadium just a day prior by claiming the Class 1 100m title in a stunning personal best of 10.12 seconds, was forced to withdraw from the 200m event after pulling up during the first-round heats. His sudden exit reshapes the entire competitive landscape for the final day of the five-day championships, set for Saturday. Reid had entered the competition as a formidable contender, boasting a wind-legal season’s best of 20.95 seconds in the 200m, a time that positioned him as the primary challenger to defending champion Sanjay Seymore of William Knibb. Seymore successfully navigated his heat, posting 21.03 seconds into a headwind of -1.5m/s to secure his place in the semi-finals. The path to the podium is now wide open, with several other athletes advancing strongly. Among them are St. George’s College’s Tyreese Foreman, the 100m silver medallist (21.18s), and Edwin Allen High’s Romario Finnigan, the 100m bronze medallist (21.31s). They were joined by Junior Gallimore (Hydel High), Omary Robinson (Jamaica College), Johan-Ramaldo Smythe (Holland High), and Oshane Jervis (Green Island), all progressing to the next round.

  • Vybz Kartel wins Best Caribbean Music Act at MOBO Awards

    Vybz Kartel wins Best Caribbean Music Act at MOBO Awards

    In a triumphant moment at the 30th anniversary Music of Black Origin (MOBO) Awards, dancehall icon Vybz Kartel secured victory in the fiercely competitive Best Caribbean Music Act category. The prestigious ceremony, held at Manchester’s state-of-the-art Co-op Live Arena on Thursday, celebrated three decades of recognizing Black musical excellence since its establishment by founder Kanya King.

    The Jamaican superstar prevailed against an impressive field of nominees including Masicka, Shenseea, Lila Ike, Ayetian, and Trinidad’s Yung Bredda. This category specifically honors Caribbean musical talent making significant impact within the United Kingdom’s vibrant music scene.

    While Kartel’s Caribbean dominance was unquestionable, the international category saw Nigerian sensation Ayra Starr claiming victory over the dancehall veteran. This recognition continues Kartel’s notable relationship with the MOBO organization, having received the MOBO Impact Award just last year. Historically, the artist accumulated three previous nominations in what was formerly designated the Best Reggae Act category before its rebranding to better represent the broader Caribbean music landscape.

    The evening’s biggest winner emerged as Olivia Dean, the Grammy-winning Best New Artist, who astonishingly collected three awards during the ceremony, underscoring the event’s diverse celebration of Black musical excellence across multiple genres and regions.

  • TEF presses ahead with nicer Negril

    TEF presses ahead with nicer Negril

    NEGRIL, Jamaica — A significant infrastructural enhancement is underway in the renowned resort town of Negril, spearheaded by the Tourism Enhancement Fund (TEF) in collaboration with the Negril Destination Assurance Council (DAC). The centerpiece of this initiative is an approved $18.7-million project to install solar-powered street lighting along Norman Manley Boulevard, a critical step toward improving public safety and nocturnal aesthetics for residents and international visitors alike.

    The project’s initial phase will serve as a proof-of-concept, focusing on a particularly dark one-kilometer stretch from the roundabout. Thirty solar lamps will be installed in this corridor, with groundwork for the lamp posts already commenced. Dr. Carey Wallace, TEF Executive Director, confirmed that the contractor expects delivery of the solar units by the end of the month, anticipating visible progress within weeks. The long-term vision is to extend this solar lighting network across the entire resort town, creating a well-lit, secure, and attractive environment.

    In a parallel development, the DAC has submitted a formal request to the TEF to replace the local police’s fleet of all-terrain vehicles (ATVs), essential for beach patrols. These vehicles have suffered from premature deterioration due to the harsh marine environment, with saltwater exposure limiting their lifespan to approximately three years. Dr. Wallace acknowledged the request is under active review, with a focus on procuring more durable equipment to ensure better value for money. The proposal is slated for deliberation by the TEF board in April.

    Furthermore, the status of the separate $20-million Negril roundabout beautification project was addressed. Funded by the Tourism Product Development Company (TPDCo), the project began in June 2025 but has faced delays due to labour shortages, pushing its completion beyond the initial target of the 2025 winter tourist season into 2026. Wade Mars, TPDCo Executive Director, reported the project is approximately 85% complete, with ongoing stonework to be followed by landscaping. However, no definitive timeline for final completion was provided, with Mars stating he would need to consult the project manager for further details.