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标签： Jamaica

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  • Let them smell their ‘flowers’

    Let them smell their ‘flowers’

    A prominent cultural advocate is issuing an urgent appeal for Jamaica to recognize its reggae music pioneers while they can still appreciate the honor. Dr B, founder of the New York-based DARC Foundation and organizer of an annual awards ceremony, emphasizes that too many musical trailblazers have passed without receiving proper recognition from their nation.

    The Kingston-born pan-African activist leads an organization dedicated to honoring black individuals who have made substantial contributions to music, arts, sports, and community development. In a recent interview with the Jamaica Observer, Dr B articulated his philosophy with poignant clarity: “We should give these people their flowers, an’ mek dem smell these flowers before they die. Too many of our artistes an’ musicians are honoured in eulogies, an’ dat’s not right.”

    This call for timely recognition addresses longstanding criticism of Jamaica’s national honors system, which has consistently faced accusations of neglecting key figures in Jamaican music history. Numerous artists and producers, including the legendary Dennis Brown and influential producer Duke Reid, received their honors only posthumously.

    The DARC Foundation’s most recent Ethiophile Banquet and RasTafari Meritorious Awards celebrated ten distinguished recipients. The honorees included reggae icon Marcia Griffiths, renowned guitarist Earl “Chinna” Smith, Steel Pulse frontman David Hinds, musical pioneer Ras Michael, and broadcasting veteran Garfield “Chin” Bourne.

    The foundation also recognized international figures such as Thomas Sankara, the assassinated former prime minister of Burkina Faso; Rastafarian elder Daughter Dean; educator Dr Yvette Morgan of the Morgan Heritage family; philanthropist Andre McDonnell; and cannabis advocate President Scherill Murray-Powell.

    Dr B noted the evolution of their recognition criteria: “When we started out we honoured Rastafarians, but over the years we have expanded to include American athletes like John Carlos and Bob Beamon who were revolutionaries in their own right.”

    The foundation’s work began in 1994 when Dr B, originally from Vineyard Town in eastern Kingston, first organized a ceremony in Brooklyn, New York, that honored Rastafarian achievements, recognizing figures like Sam Brown of the Rastafarian Movement and reggae legend Burning Spear.

  • NIC to purchase additional generators

    NIC to purchase additional generators

    KINGSTON, Jamaica — In a strategic move to fortify agricultural infrastructure, Jamaica’s National Irrigation Commission (NIC) has secured a substantial funding allocation exceeding $107 million. The financial backing, channeled through the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Mining, is designated for the acquisition of new backup generators to safeguard the nation’s irrigation networks against power failures.

    This critical investment addresses a persistent vulnerability exposed by extreme weather events, particularly Hurricane Melissa which struck on October 28 of the previous year. While the core irrigation infrastructure demonstrated structural resilience during the hurricane, the subsequent collapse of the national power grid emerged as the primary disruptor to continuous water delivery for farmers.

    Rohan Stewart, Director of Engineering and Technical Services at the NIC, outlined the commission’s proactive strategy. “Our systems have been developed and built with resilience in place. The major water-production facilities were not impacted because of the resilience that we had,” Stewart stated. He confirmed the procurement process is currently underway, emphasizing that post-assessment revealed “the only damage that we suffered from the water production system was the loss of power.”

    The new generators will be deployed to priority systems that serve livestock farmers and shared supply arrangements, ensuring the resumption of service to remaining affected customers. Beyond immediate recovery, this initiative enhances long-term disaster preparedness through improved equipment pre-positioning and refined fuel management protocols ahead of future hurricane seasons.

    The NIC continues its collaborative modernization efforts with the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Mining, reinforcing irrigation services that are indispensable for sustaining agricultural productivity and ensuring national food security.

  • MBU and Treasure Beach score wins in second round of JPL

    MBU and Treasure Beach score wins in second round of JPL

    In a dramatic Sunday of Jamaica Premier League (JPL) action, Montego Bay United (MBU) solidified their top position while Treasure Beach fought their way out of the relegation zone. The league leaders secured a narrow 1-0 victory against Dunbeholden FC at Jarrett Park, marking their first home win at the venue this season. The decisive moment came from veteran striker Owayne Gordon, who converted a second-half penalty to break Dunbeholden’s impressive eight-match unbeaten streak and push MBU to 32 points.

    Meanwhile, in a tense battle at the bottom of the table, Treasure Beach ended their four-game losing streak with a crucial 2-1 triumph over Molynes United at Drewsland. Daniel Hardy opened the scoring within six minutes, though Molynes equalized through Tyrique Wilson shortly after. Karim Bryan emerged as the hero, netting the winner during first-half stoppage time to lift Treasure Beach to 15 points and swap positions with Harbour View in the standings.

    The day’s other matches produced tightly contested draws. Second-place Racing United (29 points) maintained their unbeaten run with a 1-1 comeback against Mt Pleasant FA, with Tajay Grant’s 69th-minute equalizer canceling out Jeudy Johnson’s opener. Third-place Portmore United (27 points) played to a goalless draw with Chapelton Maroons, extending their winless streak to five matches after previously winning four consecutive games.

    Defending champions Cavalier SC were held to another 0-0 draw by Waterhouse FC, who demonstrated remarkable resilience despite playing the final 14 minutes with ten men after Shamari Dyer’s red card dismissal.

  • Trump to meet Venezuela opposition leader Machado on Thursday — US official

    Trump to meet Venezuela opposition leader Machado on Thursday — US official

    WASHINGTON — In a notable diplomatic development, President Donald Trump is scheduled to meet with Venezuelan opposition figure and Nobel Peace Prize recipient Maria Corina Machado at the White House on Thursday. The meeting signals a potential shift in Washington’s approach to Venezuela’s political landscape following the recent removal of authoritarian leader Nicolas Maduro.

    A senior administration official confirmed the upcoming engagement, noting that President Trump has indicated Machado may present him with her prestigious peace award during the visit. This encounter represents a significant elevation in Machado’s diplomatic standing, as she had previously been somewhat marginalized in discussions about Venezuela’s future leadership structure despite her prominent opposition role.

    The White House meeting occurs amid ongoing efforts to stabilize Venezuela’s political situation and establish democratic governance. Machado’s recognition as a Nobel laureate adds considerable weight to her political credibility and international stature, potentially positioning her as a more central figure in future negotiations concerning Venezuela’s political transition.

    This diplomatic gesture underscores the Trump administration’s continued commitment to supporting democratic movements in Venezuela while exploring various pathways for establishing legitimate leadership in the South American nation. The meeting is expected to address both symbolic recognition of democratic efforts and substantive discussions about Venezuela’s political future.

  • Gold hits record high, dollar falls as US targets Fed

    Gold hits record high, dollar falls as US targets Fed

    LONDON, United Kingdom — Global financial markets exhibited significant volatility on Monday, with the U.S. dollar weakening and gold soaring to unprecedented heights. This turbulence stems from a developing Justice Department investigation into the Federal Reserve, intensifying concerns about the central bank’s autonomy amidst President Trump’s persistent advocacy for reduced interest rates.

    The situation escalated when Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell, in an unusual Sunday video statement, confirmed the issuance of “unprecedented” subpoenas. Powell characterized this legal action as a component of what he described as Trump’s campaign to pressure the bank into implementing more aggressive rate reductions.

    Market analysts immediately recognized the profound implications. Russ Mould, Investment Director at AJ Bell, noted, “This investigation has destabilized market confidence and prompted serious questions regarding the Fed’s future leadership once Powell’s term concludes in May. There is growing apprehension that presidential influence is improperly encroaching on policies designed to be independent.”

    In response, investors rapidly shifted capital toward traditional safe-haven assets. Gold prices approached $4,600 per ounce, while silver neared $85. Concurrently, the U.S. dollar depreciated against other major currencies, and the benchmark 10-year Treasury bond’s price declined, resulting in a modest yield increase.

    Chairman Powell defended the Fed’s position in his address, stating, “Facing potential criminal charges is a direct result of the Federal Reserve establishing interest rates based on our expert assessment of public benefit, rather than adhering to presidential preferences.” The subpoenas, received Friday, reportedly relate to Powell’s June Senate testimony, which partially addressed a significant renovation project of Federal Reserve facilities.

    This political and legal uncertainty emerges alongside mixed economic signals. A soft U.S. jobs report released Friday indicated only 50,000 new positions in December, although the unemployment rate slightly improved to 4.4%. Despite this, the Fed has signaled it will maintain current interest rates at its upcoming policy meeting.

    Globally, equity markets presented a mixed picture. European stocks showed hesitation after a robust performance in Asian markets, which themselves followed Wall Street’s record closing highs from the previous week. Hong Kong and Shanghai led regional gains, while Tokyo’s market remained closed for a holiday.

    Most major indices, including those in Frankfurt, London, Paris, and Seoul, have experienced a strong commencement to 2026, fueled by tech sector optimism and advances in defense shares.

    Adding another layer of complexity, oil prices declined during volatile trading Monday. This movement was driven by escalating geopolitical risks, including widespread protests in Iran and the recent U.S. seizure of Venezuelan crude supplies. President Trump further heightened tensions by stating he was “looking very seriously” at military options against Iran following reports of hundreds of protester fatalities.

  • Gov’t bullish about prospects for Jamaica in 2026, says Fitz-Henley

    Gov’t bullish about prospects for Jamaica in 2026, says Fitz-Henley

    KINGSTON, Jamaica — Senior government official Senator Abka Fitz-Henley has expressed strong confidence in Jamaica’s economic trajectory for 2026, despite substantial setbacks caused by Hurricane Melissa in late 2025. The catastrophic weather event is estimated to have wiped out approximately 30% of the nation’s GDP, creating significant economic headwinds.

    Fitz-Henley, serving as State Minister in the Office of the Prime Minister, acknowledged the hurricane’s severe impact while highlighting several positive economic indicators that support the administration’s optimistic outlook. He emphasized Jamaica’s demonstrated economic resilience, noting the Jamaican dollar has maintained remarkable stability over recent years and weeks despite external pressures.

    The country’s National International Reserves remain robust at over US$6 billion, providing a substantial financial buffer. Most notably, the economy demonstrated impressive vigor with 5.1% growth during the July-September quarter, as officially confirmed by the Statistical Institute of Jamaica.

    Recovery operations are proceeding with urgency, particularly in addressing housing crises caused by the Category 5 hurricane. The government has implemented a structured transition from immediate relief efforts to comprehensive residential recovery programs, specifically targeting Jamaicans who suffered roof losses during the storm.

    Fitz-Henley confirmed that recovery operations continued throughout the holiday season, with funds collected through official channels being allocated to assist those with significant property damage. The administration has simultaneously established monitoring systems to ensure financial accountability and maintain the integrity of the reconstruction process.

  • Trump admin sends more agents to Minneapolis despite furor over woman’s killing

    Trump admin sends more agents to Minneapolis despite furor over woman’s killing

    MINNEAPOLIS, United States (AFP)—A deepening political confrontation has emerged in Minneapolis as Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem announced Sunday the deployment of hundreds of additional federal agents to the city, directly contradicting demands from local Democratic leadership for their withdrawal. The escalation follows the fatal shooting of 37-year-old protester Renee Nicole Good by an immigration officer last Wednesday.

    In multiple television appearances, Secretary Noem staunchly defended the officer’s actions, characterizing Good’s activities as “domestic terrorism” and maintaining that the agent acted in self-defense when he shot her inside her vehicle. This assessment has been vehemently challenged by Minnesota Governor Tim Walz and Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey, who point to viral video evidence suggesting Good’s car was turning away from the agent and presented no immediate threat.

    The ideological divide was further exposed during tense interview exchanges where Noem, when questioned about making definitive statements while an official investigation remains in its early stages, asserted the administration’s position was justified. “Why are we arguing with a president who’s working to keep people safe?” she questioned on CNN.

    Speaking to Fox News, Noem outlined the operational rationale for the reinforcement, stating the additional officers would ensure the safety of immigration personnel conducting operations in the city. She issued a stern warning that protesters engaging in violence against law enforcement or impeding federal operations would face criminal consequences.

    Meanwhile, confrontations continued Sunday outside a Minneapolis Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) facility, where officers deployed pepper spray against demonstrators holding signs. Noem accused Democratic leaders of inflaming tensions and encouraging violence through their rhetoric, claiming they had “extremely politicized” the situation.

    Since the shooting, largely peaceful demonstrations have occurred nationwide, with participants demanding a transparent investigation into the circumstances of Good’s death. A point of significant contention remains the FBI’s exclusive control over the investigation, which excludes local authorities—a arrangement criticized by Mayor Frey as potentially lacking neutrality.

    Frey further defended activists’ efforts to disrupt immigration operations as legitimate, emphasizing the constitutional requirement for lawful enforcement. He cited concerning incidents including pregnant women and American citizen high school students being apprehended.

    The federal operation continues as agents carried out immigration enforcement actions in residential neighborhoods Sunday, while community members established makeshift memorials honoring Good with flowers. This security deployment coincides with a separate, highly politicized fraud investigation ongoing in Minnesota.

  • Jamaica enters over 1,300 candidates for CXC’s CTEC pilot

    Jamaica enters over 1,300 candidates for CXC’s CTEC pilot

    KINGSTON, Jamaica—The Caribbean Examinations Council (CXC) has launched an innovative educational initiative that is transforming regional learning approaches. The newly introduced Caribbean Targeted Education Certificate (CTEC) program, currently in its pilot phase for the May/June examinations, has demonstrated remarkable demand across member states.

    CXC Registrar and Chief Executive Officer Dr. Wayne Wesley revealed during a recent press conference in Kingston that the pilot program has been substantially oversubscribed. While initial projections anticipated 3,000 participants, actual registrations have surged to 6,453 candidates across 13 Caribbean nations utilizing 48 examination centers. Jamaica alone accounts for 1,334 of these registrations.

    The CTEC framework represents a paradigm shift in educational delivery, structured around three distinct learning tracks designed to accommodate diverse student needs. These include an advanced accelerated track with compressed programming, a standard two-year general track, and an individualized flexible track with extended programming options.

    Dr. Wesley emphasized the program’s student-centric philosophy: ‘Within this construct, the learner is at the focus of what we are treating with. We’ll be dealing with the learning style of the individual, the learning rate and the learning depth—how students learn, the pace at which they learn and the amount of content that they can absorb.’

    A significant innovation within CTEC is its modular approach to subject completion. Senior Manager for Examinations Development and Production Alton McPherson explained that CXC will pilot CSEC mathematics module 1 within the CTEC framework during the upcoming examinations. This modular structure allows students who exit the system to re-engage at their point of departure rather than restarting entire syllabi.

    The council has implemented comprehensive stakeholder engagement strategies across all participating territories. These initiatives include orientation sessions, practice examinations, and familiarization with new digital registration and examination platforms leading up to the formal assessments.

    Maintaining rigorous academic standards, CTEC qualifications are administered at equivalent levels to the established Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) and Caribbean Advanced Proficiency Examination (CAPE), utilizing identical syllabi to ensure educational consistency across the region’s certification frameworks.

  • Johan-Remaldo Smythe ready to put Holland High on the map

    Johan-Remaldo Smythe ready to put Holland High on the map

    Johan-Ramaldo Smythe delivered an extraordinary performance at the Purewater/RDanny Williams/JC Development Meet this weekend, announcing his arrival as a formidable track and field contender for the season. The young sprinter demolished the Class One 100m record with a blistering time of 10.47 seconds (+0.5 mps wind assistance), demonstrating exceptional early-season form.

    Having recently transferred from Muschett High to Holland High alongside his father and coach Garth Smythe, the athlete’s debut for his new institution proved immediately impactful. The previous day, Smythe had dominated his Class One 200m heat with an impressive 21.10-second finish (-0.3mps), substantially outpacing Ian Barker of St Catherine High who recorded 21.54 seconds in his heat. Raheen Collins from St George’s College completed the top three performances with 21.99 seconds, making them the only three athletes to break the 22-second barrier.

    This strong start represents a significant redemption arc for Smythe, who failed to qualify for last year’s Class One final at the prestigious Champs championships after placing third in his semi-final with 21.27 seconds. His current performance trajectory suggests substantial improvement and positions him as a serious threat for the upcoming April championships.

    The record-breaking 100m time marks considerable progress from his sixth-place finish at last year’s Champs final where he clocked 10.57 seconds. Smythe’s transfer brings unprecedented athletic prowess to Holland High, an institution not traditionally recognized for track and field achievements. Alongside World Under-20 200m bronze medalist Shanoya Douglas, who also transitioned from Muschett High, Smythe is poised to secure the school’s first-ever points qualification at the championship level.

  • Gospel singer Donnie McClurkin denies sexual assault allegations

    Gospel singer Donnie McClurkin denies sexual assault allegations

    Renowned gospel musician and pastor Donnie McClurkin has publicly refuted sexual assault accusations leveled by his former assistant, Giuseppe Corletto, in a recently filed lawsuit. Addressing his followers via a Facebook Live session, McClurkin characterized the claims as entirely baseless and motivated by financial gain.

    The artist expressed bewilderment at the allegations, noting he had neither seen nor spoken to Corletto since 2015. McClurkin emphasized the eleven-year gap since their last contact, questioning the timing and authenticity of the accusations. He suggested such false claims ultimately harm genuine victims of sexual violence while expressing confidence that truth would ultimately prevail.

    Despite acknowledging the controversy generated by the lawsuit, McClurkin maintained his commitment to transparency and Christian principles. The Grammy-winning singer stated he remains prayerful for his accuser’s spiritual reconciliation, asserting the allegations contradict his moral character and ministry work.

    According to legal documents obtained by NBC News, Corletto’s suit presents a different narrative. The former assistant claims he sought McClurkin’s spiritual guidance in 2003 while struggling to reconcile his faith with his sexuality. Then 21 years old, Corletto allegedly approached McClurkin after reading the pastor’s autobiographical book detailing how he overcame homosexuality through divine intervention.

    The lawsuit contends that spiritual sessions intended to ‘pray away’ same-sex attraction escalated into sexual molestation. These allegations emerge against the backdrop of ongoing discussions about accountability within religious institutions and the controversial history of conversion therapy practices.