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  • 60 greatest rocksteady personalities (30 – 16)

    60 greatest rocksteady personalities (30 – 16)

    As Jamaica prepares to commemorate the 60th anniversary of rocksteady music in 2026, the Jamaica Observer has embarked on an ambitious project to honor the genre’s most influential figures. While often overshadowed by ska and reggae in mainstream recognition, rocksteady remains arguably the most cherished Jamaican musical form among connoisseurs.

    The publication has assembled a distinguished team including contract writers Howard Campbell and Claude Mills, with guidance from renowned broadcaster and rocksteady authority Michael Barnett, to curate the definitive list of ’60 Greatest Rocksteady Personalities.’ The selection criteria prioritize artistic impact and historical significance, with a forthcoming Top 20 Most Influential ranking to complete this comprehensive tribute.

    Among the recently revealed honorees (positions 30-16) emerges a tapestry of vocalists, instrumentalists, producers, and innovators who shaped the genre’s distinctive sound. The list includes saxophonist Headley Bennett (30), whose memorable solos graced classics like Delroy Wilson’s ‘Dancing Mood’ and early Bob Marley recordings. Engineer Sid Bucknor (29) possessed the Midas touch behind the console, producing seminal tracks including Hopeton Lewis’s ‘Take It Easy’—considered by many as the first rocksteady song.

    The theatrical Roy Shirley (28), known as ‘The High Priest’ for his flamboyant stage presence, contributed what some historians identify as the genre’s inaugural track with ‘Hold Them.’ Drumming virtuoso Joe Isaacs (27) played a crucial role in the rhythmic transition from ska to rocksteady, while vocalist Ernest Wilson (26) of The Clarendonians achieved success both as group member and solo artist.

    Groundbreaking producer Sonia Pottinger (25) shattered gender barriers as Jamaica’s first female music producer, releasing hits through her Tip Top label including Marcia Griffiths’ ‘Dreamland.’ Joe Gibbs (24) built his early reputation with rocksteady hits before becoming a reggae powerhouse in the 1970s with artists like Dennis Brown and Culture.

    International success came to Desmond Dekker and The Aces (23) with crossover hits ‘007 (Shantytown)’ and ‘Israelites,’ while guitarist Lynford ‘Hux’ Brown (22) contributed his distinctive playing to countless classics across genres. The emotionally charged vocals of Slim Smith (21), whether with The Techniques or The Uniques, left an indelible mark despite his tragically short career.

    The higher rankings feature cultural architect U-Roy (20), who pioneered deejay artistry over rocksteady rhythms, and Hopeton Lewis (19), widely credited with recording the genre’s foundational track ‘Take It Easy’ in 1966. Derrick Harriott (18) excelled as both performer and producer with his Crystal label, while The Gaylads (17) delivered impeccable harmonies on classics like ‘Joy in The Morning.’ Songwriting genius Bob Andy (16) completed this segment of honorees, having created some of Jamaican music’s most enduring compositions including ‘I’ve Got to Go Back Home.’

    This celebration not only honors individual achievements but contextualizes rocksteady’s vital role in Jamaica’s musical evolution, demonstrating how these artists created a lasting cultural legacy that continues to influence global music.

  • Distin finishes10th in women’s high jump at World Indoors

    Distin finishes10th in women’s high jump at World Indoors

    Jamaican high jumper Lamara Distin concluded her inaugural appearance at the World Athletics Indoor Championships with a tenth-place finish in the women’s high jump event. The competition commenced on Friday morning at the Kujawsko-Pomorska Arena in Toruń, Poland.

    Distin, who entered the championships with a season’s best mark of 1.96 meters, faced an unexpected challenge. She successfully cleared the initial height of 1.85m but was unable to advance beyond the subsequent bar set at 1.93m, resulting in her elimination from the contest.

    The athlete, a distinguished three-time NCAA champion during her tenure at Texas A&M University, was making her debut at the World Indoor Championships. This appearance follows her previous experience as a finalist at the 2023 World Athletics Championships held in Budapest.

    A unique format of the indoor championships dictates that all field events proceed directly to finals, eliminating preliminary rounds and placing immediate pressure on athletes to perform at their peak from the first attempt.

  • ‘I’M NOT AFRAID’: Aiken hits back at ‘cyberbullying’ after seemingly supporting PM’s ‘man a man’ stance

    ‘I’M NOT AFRAID’: Aiken hits back at ‘cyberbullying’ after seemingly supporting PM’s ‘man a man’ stance

    A contentious debate on gender identity has erupted in Jamaica following Prime Minister Andrew Holness’s declaration that gender is strictly binary—limited to male and female. This assertion, made during his 2026/2027 Budget Debate address in the House of Representatives, has ignited widespread criticism and drawn attention to what many perceive as a deteriorating global environment for LGBTQIA+ and gender non-conforming individuals.

    Amid the ensuing controversy, Antoinette Aiken, a renowned Jamaican Sign Language (JSL) interpreter and prominent advocate for the deaf community, found herself at the center of a social media firestorm. Aiken appeared to align herself with the Prime Minister’s viewpoint in a post on the platform X (formerly Twitter), writing: “Prime Minister say ‘Man a Man and Woman a woman’ it’s not a LIE! Birth determines your sex (biologically), not how you feel when you wake up.”

    Her comments triggered an immediate and intense backlash. Critics accused her of transphobia and a lack of empathy, with one user labeling her a “transphobic masculine presenting (seemingly) cis-woman.” The criticism appeared to surprise Aiken, who is celebrated for her work as a primary interpreter for the Jamaican Parliament and national press briefings.

    In a series of impassioned follow-up tweets, Aiken defended her right to free speech and framed her perspective through her lifelong advocacy for the deaf community. She recounted growing up in an era where deafness was wrongly equated with intellectual disability, stating, “I grew up in a time where Deafness was considered as retarded and mi did hafi stand up for my community, SO WHEN I SPEAK IM NOT AFRAID.” She further argued that her advocacy focuses on the fundamental need for access and accommodation, which she implied takes precedence over other identity discussions.

    The online exchange grew increasingly heated, with some users criticizing her for reducing queer identity to matters of sex and relationships, while others jeered her, suggesting her views stemmed from personal bitterness. Human rights groups have since entered the fray, condemning the Prime Minister’s remarks for disregarding the lived experiences of many Jamaicans and exacerbating the marginalization of communities already facing significant discrimination and barriers to acceptance.

  • World Indoors: Reheem Hayles advances to 400m semis

    World Indoors: Reheem Hayles advances to 400m semis

    On the inaugural morning of the World Athletics Indoor Championships in Toruń, Poland, British sprinter Reheem Hayles clinched a coveted semi-final position in the men’s 400m event. The intense opening round, held at the Kujawsko-Pomorska Arena this Friday, saw Hayles deliver a formidable performance, clocking in at 46.66 seconds. This impressive time earned him a second-place finish in his heat, trailing closely behind American athlete Chris Robinson, who seized victory with a swift 46.34 seconds. Both frontrunners secured automatic qualification for the semi-finals scheduled later that day.

    The race was not without its dramatic turns. Jamaica’s Delano Kennedy, despite achieving a personal lifetime indoor best of 47.02 seconds, was unable to advance beyond the initial round after placing third. The outcome of his heat was further altered by a significant post-race decision. France’s Muhammad Abdallah Kounta, who had initially crossed the finish line first, was subsequently disqualified due to a lane violation. This ruling reshuffled the final standings but ultimately did not grant Kennedy a progressing slot, underscoring the high-stakes and stringent regulations of international competition.

  • CCJ president again calls for Climate Change Compensatory Fund

    CCJ president again calls for Climate Change Compensatory Fund

    PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad and Tobago — The President of the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ), Justice Winston Anderson, has put forward a groundbreaking proposal for the creation of an international compensation mechanism financed by major corporations to address climate change-related disasters. Speaking at a high-level international conference, Justice Anderson outlined his vision for what he termed the International Climate Injuries Compensation (ICIC) Fund.

    The initiative, presented during the keynote address at the ‘Climate Change Advisory Opinions from International Courts: Exploring Synergies and Implications’ conference, aims to revolutionize how climate damages are addressed globally. The event, hosted by The University of the West Indies Faculty of Law in collaboration with the International Union for Conservation of Nature’s World Commission on Environmental Law, gathered leading jurists and legal scholars in Barbados on March 19-20, 2026.

    Justice Anderson emphasized that the ICIC Fund would provide a practical alternative to the current complex litigation processes that often hinder compensation for climate victims. The framework would operate under an international convention requiring compulsory funding from greenhouse gas-emitting corporations within contracting states, with contributions calculated based on their percentage of annual emissions.

    The proposal specifically addresses the unique vulnerabilities of small island developing states, particularly Caribbean nations that continue to experience increasingly severe weather systems. Justice Anderson referenced Hurricane Melissa from October 2025 as a recent example of the devastating impacts these regions face.

    While acknowledging the Caribbean’s progressive recognition that environmental rights constitute human rights, Justice Anderson noted that existing regional frameworks remain inadequate for addressing transboundary climate crises. He stressed the critical importance of accessible legal remedies to support vulnerable states and their citizens in managing loss and damage while rebuilding their economies.

    The proposed fund would align with both the ‘Polluter Pays’ principle and customary international law requiring states to ensure that economic activities within their jurisdictions do not cause environmental harm to other countries. Contracting states would bear responsibility for monitoring and reporting corporate entities to the fund, creating an accountable and transparent system for climate justice.

  • Goule-Toppin into semis of women’s 800m at World Athletics Indoor Championships

    Goule-Toppin into semis of women’s 800m at World Athletics Indoor Championships

    KINGSTON, Jamaica — Jamaican middle-distance runner Natoya Goule-Toppin secured her position in the semi-finals of the women’s 800m event during the World Athletics Indoor Championships on Friday. Competing at Toruń’s Kujawsko-Pomorska Arena in Poland, the seasoned athlete completed her initial heat with a time of 2:01.32, earning second place and demonstrating strategic racing prowess.

    Goule-Toppin, who previously reached the finals in the 2022 championship held in Serbia, dominated much of the race before being overtaken near the finish by Norway’s Pernille Karlsen Antonsen. Antonsen achieved a national record with her winning time of 2:00.77, showcasing the high level of competition in the event.

    In contrast, Jamaica’s other representative, Kelly-Ann Beckford, saw her championship hopes conclude in the opening round. Beckford finished fifth in her respective heat with a time of 2:04.09, which was insufficient to advance to the next stage of the competition.

    The semi-finals will determine which athletes qualify for the championship final, with Goule-Toppin positioned to continue Jamaica’s representation in the later stages of the tournament.

  • Costa Rican ex-security minister extradited to US for drug trafficking

    Costa Rican ex-security minister extradited to US for drug trafficking

    In an unprecedented judicial development, former Costa Rican Security Minister Celso Gamboa has been extradited to the United States to confront serious narcotics trafficking allegations. The 49-year-old former official, whose extensive government tenure included roles as deputy attorney general and Supreme Court justice, was transferred to U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration custody alongside alleged accomplice Edwin Lopez Vega, known by the alias “Pecho de Rata” (Rat’s Chest).

    The extradition operation unfolded under stringent security protocols at Juan Santamaria International Airport outside San Jose, marking the first application of Costa Rica’s 2025 constitutional reforms permitting extradition of nationals. Gamboa, who previously headed national intelligence operations between 2013-2014, represents the highest-ranking former official in Costa Rican history to face drug trafficking charges.

    Attorney General Carlo Diaz characterized the transfer as “a historic day” during press remarks, emphasizing the defendants’ “high-profile” status. The former security minister, who served during President Luis Guillermo Solis’ administration (2014-2018), boarded a Texas-bound flight handcuffed and wearing civilian attire despite last-minute legal challenges to block his transfer.

    U.S. prosecutors allege Gamboa facilitated international drug cartels in “manufacturing, distributing, and transporting significant quantities of cocaine” through Costa Rican territory en route to American markets. While denying allegations of money laundering through a second-division soccer team, Gamboa has threatened to implicate current government officials in his forthcoming testimony.

    In early March television appearances, the former minister cryptically referenced individuals within the executive branch who “should be in jail…with me,” though he provided no specific names or alleged crimes. This development occurs against a troubling backdrop of Costa Rica’s evolving role in regional narcotics flows, having transitioned from transit point to operational hub while experiencing record homicide rates of 17.2 per 100,000 inhabitants.

  • Guyana warns of economic disruption due to Middle East war

    Guyana warns of economic disruption due to Middle East war

    GEORGETOWN, Guyana—The Guyanese government has issued a stark warning about the potentially severe global economic repercussions stemming from the ongoing Middle East conflict, with particular emphasis on the escalating tensions disrupting the vital Strait of Hormuz. Addressing the 136th General Meeting of the Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI), President Irfaan Ali articulated deep concerns that the instability in this critical energy corridor threatens worldwide economic stability, including that of Guyana.

    President Ali expressed solidarity with international appeals for diplomatic engagement and peaceful resolution to de-escalate the situation. “I join with President Trump in the United States in urging all parties in the Gulf to move towards dialogue and constructive conversations to normalize the situation,” he stated, highlighting the universal impact of the crisis.

    The context of this warning follows the February 28 military strikes by the United States and Israel against Iranian missile infrastructure, military installations, and leadership targets in Tehran and beyond, which resulted in the death of Iran’s long-serving Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. In retaliation, Iran has intensified operations targeting U.S. forces and has increasingly focused on energy and maritime infrastructure throughout the Gulf. These actions, including threats to commercial shipping and reported attacks near the Strait of Hormuz, have significantly reduced tanker traffic and ignited international anxiety over potential disruptions to energy supplies.

    President Ali underscored the strategic importance of the Strait of Hormuz, a maritime passage responsible for facilitating 20 to 25 percent of global seaborne oil trade and substantial volumes of natural gas. He reported that disruptions have already begun to strain global markets, citing that 17 percent of Qatar’s liquefied natural gas (LNG) capacity has been recently affected. The ripple effects are manifesting in increased costs across multiple sectors; fertilizer prices have surged by 25 percent, a development that portends direct consequences for international agriculture and food production networks.

    “These are essential components for manufacturing, industrial development, and most economies around the world,” Ali told the assembled business leaders. He cautioned that even an immediate cessation of hostilities would not avert long-term challenges, estimating that damage to the Gulf’s energy infrastructure could require up to five years for full repair. The heightened risks have already precipitated a sharp rise in freight, transport, and maritime insurance costs, further straining global trade logistics.

    In response to these mounting global energy uncertainties, President Ali announced a renewed governmental initiative to establish a domestic oil refinery, framing it as a critical national security priority. Despite Guyana’s emergence as a significant oil-producing nation, it remains heavily dependent on imported fuel, particularly for electricity generation. The substantial fuel expenses incurred by Guyana Power and Light Inc. are vulnerable to global price shocks, and investing in domestic refining capacity is envisioned as a strategic move to gain greater control over fuel supply, pricing, and long-term energy security.

    This effort is part of a broader strategy to enhance national energy infrastructure, including the ongoing gas-to-energy project, which aims to reduce reliance on imported fuels and ultimately lower electricity costs. President Ali concluded by emphasizing the necessity of close collaboration between the government and the business community to navigate the volatile global environment and sustain Guyana’s robust economic growth, affirming, “We are vigilant, we are responsible, and we stand ready to make the necessary adjustments.”

  • Agricultural Protection Branch to step up patrols in southern Trelawny amid yam theft concerns

    Agricultural Protection Branch to step up patrols in southern Trelawny amid yam theft concerns

    Jamaican authorities are launching a reinforced security initiative to combat agricultural theft in Trelawny, the nation’s primary yam-producing region. Inspector Orville Bushay, head of the Jamaica Constabulary Force’s Agricultural Protection Branch for Area One, has unveiled a comprehensive strategy involving increased police patrols and collaborative farmer watch groups.

    Commencing next week, specialized teams will conduct daily 12-hour patrols (8:00 AM to 8:00 PM) in the hilly farming communities of southern Trelawny. The operation will include systematic vehicle checks on all routes entering and exiting these agricultural zones.

    The security plan further involves establishing three organized farmer watch groups in Albert Town, Warsop, and Troy. These groups will work in coordination with police units for nighttime patrols, creating a joint security framework. Initial meetings with the Warsop community are scheduled for the second Tuesday of next month, followed by engagements with the other communities.

    This security enhancement comes as yam farmers struggle to recover from Hurricane Melissa’s devastating impact on crops. The hurricane-induced scarcity has driven market prices to unprecedented levels, with reports of yam tubers reaching $50,000 per hundred pounds. Unfortunately, this price surge has correspondingly increased theft incidents, as criminals target valuable yam heads from freshly planted fields.

    Farmers report that theft patterns directly correlate with market prices, with criminals systematically digging up planted yam heads shortly after planting. The new security measures aim to break this cycle of agricultural crime while supporting the community’s recovery efforts.

  • KSAMC moves to enforcement phase of signage regularisation campaign

    KSAMC moves to enforcement phase of signage regularisation campaign

    KINGSTON, Jamaica—Municipal authorities in Kingston are preparing to implement stringent enforcement measures against non-compliant business signage after a voluntary regularization campaign yielded minimal participation. The Kingston and St Andrew Municipal Corporation (KSAMC) announced it will transition to Phase Two of its signage compliance initiative beginning April 1, following disappointing results from its incentive-based approach.

    Initiated in January 2026, the campaign initially offered businesses a 20 percent discount to encourage voluntary adherence to municipal signage regulations. Despite comprehensive outreach efforts and stakeholder engagement, only 16 percent of businesses have complied with the requirements, prompting authorities to adopt a more assertive enforcement strategy.

    Kingston Mayor Andrew Swaby recently convened a strategic meeting with senior officials from the Jamaica Constabulary Force’s Areas 4 and 5 to coordinate enforcement capabilities. The collaboration aims to ensure consistent application of signage regulations across the Corporate Area while maintaining public order during compliance operations.

    Assistant Commissioner of Police Michael Phipps, Head of Area 4, pledged full operational support to the municipal corporation, stating: ‘The KSAMC is a very significant stakeholder, and as such, the KSAMC has our full support in ensuring that their duties are carried out in a safe and peaceful manner.’

    Mayor Swaby emphasized the transitional nature of the campaign, noting: ‘This campaign has always been about partnership and progress. We provided ample opportunity for voluntary compliance through incentives and public education. As we now move into enforcement starting April 1, our goal is to ensure fairness, order, and a level playing field for all businesses.’

    During the initial phase, KSAMC engaged extensively with various stakeholders, including business operators, umbrella organizations such as the Small Business Association of Jamaica and the Private Sector Organization of Jamaica (PSOJ), and the general public through targeted radio advertisements and awareness initiatives.

    The forthcoming enforcement phase will involve intensified monitoring, systematic inspections, and corrective actions against non-compliant entities. Municipal authorities are urging remaining business operators to promptly regularize their signage before the enforcement measures take effect.