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  • Pink Floyd guitar ‘Black Strat’ sells at auction for record US$14.6 m

    Pink Floyd guitar ‘Black Strat’ sells at auction for record US$14.6 m

    NEW YORK — A legendary Fender Stratocaster guitar known as the ‘Black Strat,’ extensively used by Pink Floyd’s David Gilmour throughout the band’s most celebrated era, has achieved a historic auction milestone. Christie’s announced the instrument sold for an unprecedented $14.6 million, establishing a new world record for the most expensive guitar ever sold at auction. This remarkable sum far eclipses the previous record of $6 million set in 2020 for a guitar owned by Nirvana’s Kurt Cobain.

    The iconic instrument served as Gilmour’s primary creative tool on every Pink Floyd album released between 1970 and 1983. Its distinctive sound is permanently etched into rock history, featuring prominently on landmark albums including ‘The Dark Side of the Moon,’ ‘Wish You Were Here,’ ‘Animals,’ and ‘The Wall.’ After an intense 21-minute bidding war, the anonymous buyer secured this piece of music history.

    The record-breaking sale occurred during a special Christie’s auction in New York dedicated to the rock memorabilia collection of the late Jim Irsay, former owner of the NFL’s Indianapolis Colts, who passed away in 2025. The event featured several other extraordinary sales, including a custom-made guitar belonging to Grateful Dead co-founder Jerry Garcia, which commanded $11.6 million. Additionally, a blue Fender Mustang previously owned by Kurt Cobain and featured in Nirvana’s groundbreaking ‘Smells Like Teen Spirit’ music video sold for $6.9 million.

    The ‘Black Strat’ transcended its function as a musical instrument to become a symbol of artistic innovation and a tangible artifact from one of rock music’s most creatively ambitious periods. Its record-setting valuation reflects both the enduring cultural impact of Pink Floyd’s music and the growing market for historically significant pop culture artifacts.

  • ‘We luckier than plenty’

    ‘We luckier than plenty’

    In an extraordinary display of community solidarity, Zewei Zheng, proprietor of San San Haberdashery in St Ann’s Bay, has redirected his entire $1 million winnings from NCB’s Business Boost initiative toward humanitarian relief for families affected by Hurricane Melissa. The October storm caused significant damage across sections of Jamaica, leaving many households in dire need of essential supplies.

    Zheng, who secured second place in the promotional contest, demonstrated remarkable altruism by channeling the full prize amount into purchasing vital food items for distribution among storm-ravaged communities. When questioned about his motivation, the merchant responded in heartfelt Jamaican patois: ‘Time hard for everybody. Nuff hungry people around. We luckier than plenty. We help dem.’

    This act of generosity aligns with Zheng’s established reputation as a community-focused business leader. Having resided in St Ann’s Bay for over a decade, he maintains a consistent pattern of supporting local educational institutions including Marcus Garvey Technical High School and Priory Primary School, particularly during seasonal celebrations and academic cycles.

    The logistical execution of Zheng’s donation involved collaboration with the St Ann Municipal Corporation, facilitated through bilingual staff members who assisted with translation and coordination. The NCB Business Boost program itself offered total prizes of $3.5 million to merchants who conducted qualifying transactions exceeding $120,000 using NCB Visa Business Credit Cards.

    Danielle Cameron-Duncan, Acting Senior Vice-President for Payments and Channels at NCB, praised Zheng’s decision as emblematic of the profound community commitment exhibited by Jamaican entrepreneurs. ‘Mr. Zheng’s gesture serves as a powerful testament to how business owners transcend commercial success to become pillars of community support during times of crisis,’ she remarked.

    Cameron-Duncan further emphasized the broader socioeconomic impact of such actions, noting that small and medium enterprises (SMEs) constitute vital components of national resilience and local economic development. The initiative, while designed to reward card usage among commercial clients, ultimately revealed the deeply embedded philanthropic spirit within Jamaica’s business community.

  • JPS Foundation partners with NEPA and Forestry Department to clean up Parottee wetlands

    JPS Foundation partners with NEPA and Forestry Department to clean up Parottee wetlands

    KINGSTON, Jamaica — In commemoration of World Wetlands Day observed February 2, a coalition of environmental and corporate entities joined forces to execute a comprehensive restoration initiative at Parottee wetlands in St. Elizabeth. The Jamaica Public Service (JPS) Foundation spearheaded the collaborative effort alongside the National Environment and Planning Agency (NEPA) and the Forestry Department.

    The cleanup operation mobilized volunteers from the JPS Volunteers On Location To Serve (VOLTS) network and community supporters to address environmental damage sustained during Hurricane Melissa. Participants systematically removed accumulated debris and implemented measures to facilitate ecological recovery in vulnerable sections of the coastal ecosystem.

    Sophia Lewis, Head of the JPS Foundation, emphasized the strategic importance of wetland conservation for Caribbean nations confronting climate change. “These ecosystems serve as vital natural barriers against flooding, storm surges, and coastal degradation,” Lewis stated. “With the increasing intensity and frequency of extreme weather events, rehabilitating these natural defenses becomes paramount for enhancing climate resilience and safeguarding vulnerable communities.”

    The initiative represents a component of the JPS Foundation’s broader environmental stewardship program, which prioritizes partnerships that advance sustainable development and climate adaptation strategies throughout Jamaica. The project demonstrates how corporate-social partnerships can contribute meaningfully to environmental conservation and disaster recovery efforts.

  • Cumberland High’s Dushawn Daley ready to conquer Champs

    Cumberland High’s Dushawn Daley ready to conquer Champs

    Amidst the intense anticipation for the 2026 ISSA/GraceKennedy Boys’ and Girls’ Athletics Championships, a singular narrative of resilience emerges from Cumberland High School. Dushawn Daley stands as the institution’s sole qualifier, carrying not just his athletic ambitions but the collective hopes of his community to the national stage in Kingston from March 24-28.

    Daley’s journey to ‘Champs’ embodies a triumph over profound personal and physical challenges. Having endured the loss of both his mother and brother, the athlete has transformed his grief into competitive fuel. “I use those traumas and setbacks as motivation,” Daley revealed to the Jamaica Observer. “Most people would have just stopped but for me, I am a fighter.”

    His path nearly derailed completely when a hamstring injury compromised his performance at the Central Championships. Through dedicated rehabilitation under coach Mr. Dawson at Racers Club, Daley has returned to peak condition. “I am in good nick at the moment,” he confirmed. “Right now I am mentally ready for Champs.”

    The young multi-event athlete will test his skills in the 100m, 200m, and surprisingly, the javelin throw—a relatively new discipline for him. Under the tutelage of coach Morris Edwards, training has progressed exceptionally well despite the logistical challenges of commuting from Kingston to Portmore while managing his academic responsibilities.

    Beyond the track, Daley demonstrates equal dedication to his studies. Currently undertaking four subjects in Grade 11, he aims to expand his curriculum to five, targeting academic scholarships to pursue interests in mechanical engineering or massage therapy. His previous achievement of a grade three in agricultural science demonstrates his scholarly capabilities.

    The emotional backbone of Daley’s campaign comes from his support network. His partially blind stepfather, Kinsley Elliott, provides unwavering encouragement. “From the beginning I knew that he would be here,” Elliott shared, recalling how Daley’s natural speed manifested even in childhood. “I have a lot of confidence in him to do good at Champs. I told him to believe in God and everything will work out.”

    This championship represents more than athletic competition for Daley—it symbolizes redemption, academic opportunity, and the fulfillment of a promise made to himself and those who believed in him against all odds.

  • Worthy Park rum powers up Carnival 2026 with Yard Mas

    Worthy Park rum powers up Carnival 2026 with Yard Mas

    KINGSTON, Jamaica — In a significant brand alignment celebrating Jamaican heritage, premium rum producer Worthy Park Estate has entered a strategic partnership with Yard Mas Carnival for Jamaica’s 2026 Carnival season. This collaboration represents a substantial expansion of Worthy Park’s ‘Play A Worthy Mas’ initiative, elevating the rum experience for participants both during the Road March and at preparatory events.

    The alliance brings together two iconic Jamaican brands: Worthy Park, established in 2021 and operating from its distillery in Lluidas Vale, St. Catherine, has rapidly developed a diverse portfolio of authentic pot-still rums renowned for their full-bodied character and distinctive flavor profiles. Yard Mas stands as a premier carnival band known for its vibrant celebration of Jamaican culture.

    According to Worthy Park Marketing Manager Tamika West, ‘Carnival represents the most dynamic expression of our culture, creating the ideal platform for Worthy Park to demonstrate its bold authenticity. This partnership enables us to celebrate this energy while introducing our distinctive rums to both local and international masqueraders.’

    The collaboration will feature multiple experiential elements. Worthy Park rums will be served directly from Yard Mas trucks and at designated bars along the parade route. A highlight includes the debut of the Worthy Park Rum Mix, a ready-to-drink canned beverage developed with distribution partner Wisynco Group Limited. This innovation offers a refreshing 5% alcohol option while preserving the authentic taste of Jamaican rum, available in multiple tropical flavors.

    Andrew Bellamy, Managing Director of Yard Mas Carnival, emphasized the strategic nature of the partnership: ‘We deliberately align with brands that embody Jamaican craftsmanship and pride. Worthy Park’s legacy of authenticity makes this collaboration natural. Introducing their premium rum to our road march ensures participants experience something genuinely Jamaican in both flavor and spirit.’

    Beyond beverage service, the partnership will feature visual branding on Yard Mas trucks and experiential touchpoints throughout the route, integrating Worthy Park into the carnival’s vibrant atmosphere. Bellamy noted that ‘Worthy Park complements our energy with its vibrancy and gold-standard reputation.’

    This collaboration reflects a broader movement toward strengthening Jamaica’s carnival ecosystem through partnerships between leading local brands. Such alliances enhance the cultural narrative and visitor experience while positioning Jamaica’s Carnival as a unique global destination. Worthy Park brings additional credibility to this effort, having been named Rum Producer of the Year at the International Wine & Spirit Competition in both 2023 and 2025.

    The expanded activation culminates with the Carnival Road March on April 12, 2026, where Worthy Park will fully integrate into the Yard Mas experience, bringing bold flavors and authentic Jamaican energy to the festivities.

  • HURRICANE HITS AIRPORT TRAFFIC sending Express Catering into loss

    HURRICANE HITS AIRPORT TRAFFIC sending Express Catering into loss

    EXPRESS Catering Limited has reported a dramatic reversal in financial performance, plunging into a quarterly net loss of US$536,680 following Hurricane Melissa’s devastating impact on Jamaica’s tourism infrastructure. The airport concessionaire witnessed a severe 40% contraction in revenue, dropping to US$2.97 million for the September-to-November quarter compared to US$4.98 million in the same period last year.

    The catastrophic storm triggered a 73% collapse in passenger traffic through Sangster International Airport in November alone, with airport operator Grupo Aeroportuario del Pacífico reporting a decline from 373,000 to just 99,100 passengers. This represented 157,000 fewer passengers overall during the quarter, fundamentally undermining the company’s operational viability.

    Chief Executive Ian Dear described the unprecedented situation: ‘We virtually had zero visitors. The only people we had were people coming in to help with the rescue and response.’ The hurricane’s damage to hotel accommodations across Jamaica’s north coast resulted in massive cancellations of stopover visitor arrivals, creating a ripple effect throughout the tourism ecosystem.

    Despite implementing aggressive cost containment measures that reduced administrative expenses by 19%, the company could only generate a minimal operating profit of US$27,979—a drastic fall from US$1.07 million in the prior period. The combination of evaporated passenger traffic and increased finance costs created perfect storm conditions for the airport food and beverage operator, which manages prominent brands including Starbucks, Auntie Anne’s, Cinnabon, Dairy Queen and Bob Marley’s One Love Restaurant.

    However, CEO Dear expressed emerging optimism as recovery patterns begin to materialize. ‘We are definitely seeing positive momentum and as it stands right now, I think every hotel room that is open in Jamaica, certainly on the North Coast, is seeing some strong, great occupancies,’ he noted during discussions with the Jamaica Observer.

    The rebuilding timeline indicates three Sandals properties will reopen in May, followed by four Royalton hotels by September and eight Hyatt properties by November. Dear highlighted that short-term rental platforms like Airbnb have partially mitigated the hotel room shortage during this transition period.

    While near-term challenges persist—with stopover arrivals projected to decline by up to 40% during the current winter season—the company’s leadership maintains robust confidence in Jamaica’s tourism recovery. Dear projected that ‘the next winter season is going to probably be our strongest we’ve ever seen in our history,’ citing expanded room capacity and new hotel developments.

    Financially, the company reported US$9.76 million in revenue for the six months to November, representing a 15% decrease year-over-year. Net profit declined approximately one-third to US$974,870 from US$1.45 million previously. Total assets remained stable at US$59.69 million with cash reserves of US$129,760.

    Strategic expansion plans involving a US$5.46-million investment in licenses and franchise rights have been temporarily deferred as management prioritizes operational stabilization. The company has invested US$92,798 in refurbishing its airport food court while maintaining strong banking relationships and lender support throughout the recovery period.

  • Israelis dance on at Tel Aviv ‘bunker party’ as missiles fly

    Israelis dance on at Tel Aviv ‘bunker party’ as missiles fly

    TEL AVIV (AFP) — Beneath the streets of Tel Aviv, where missile alerts have become routine, an unexpected phenomenon has emerged: underground raves transforming bomb shelters into pulsating dance venues. Approximately 200 young Israelis recently gathered in a downtown basement, their movements synchronized to thumping techno beats—a stark contrast to the conflict with Iran raging above ground.

    The initiative began when a group of friends, stranded in Tel Aviv due to flight cancellations following the outbreak of hostilities, sought to reclaim nightlife from wartime restrictions. Ruben Chekroun, a French-Israeli organizer, explained the psychological motivation: “Dancing in difficult times is a relief. It gives us strength. It’s hard right now, so we might as well try to make the best of it.”

    Since the conflict ignited on February 28 with US-Israeli missile strikes killing Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei—prompting Tehran’s drone and missile counterattacks—these semi-clandestine events have proliferated. Utilizing specially designated underground parking lots and club basements, organizers have hosted four “bunker parties” advertised through social media. Despite technically violating mass gathering restrictions, authorities have tolerated the events after police inspections confirmed their safety compliance.

    Above ground, Tel Aviv maintains a paradoxical normality. Mediterranean joggers and beach yoga sessions continue alongside café culture at establishments like Chacho’s, where baristas serve lattes beneath tattooed forearms. Yet this veneer of calm is punctuated by daily missile alerts, sending residents to shelters stocked with table football and Harry Potter books—a testament to Israel’s long adaptation to security threats since the October 2023 Hamas attack.

    The human cost remains ever-present: recent strikes north of Ben Gurion Airport killed two construction workers, bringing Israel’s death toll to twelve. Yet in the shelters-turned-dancefloors, participants like “Goldilocks” emphasize the dual purpose: “It’s just like being in a shelter. If there’s a siren, we’re protected from the bombing. It’s the place to be!”

  • Robinson again knocks Gov’t over low growth

    Robinson again knocks Gov’t over low growth

    Jamaica’s economic trajectory faced scathing criticism in Parliament on Thursday as Opposition Finance Spokesman Julian Robinson launched a forceful assault on the Government’s fiscal policies, characterizing them as condemning the nation to a perpetual cycle of economic stagnation. During his address in the 2026/27 Budget Debate, Robinson articulated profound concerns regarding the nation’s long-term growth prospects, citing official projections that anticipate a mere 1% growth rate beyond 2029 following post-hurricane recovery.

    The central thrust of Robinson’s argument centered on what he termed a ‘pattern of chronically low economic growth’ with devastating real-world consequences. He detailed how this stagnation manifests through inadequate wages, chronically under-resourced public services, widespread youth underemployment, and collective national frustration. The opposition spokesman particularly emphasized the alarming nature of the Government’s own fiscal projections that anticipate economic growth plateauing at 1% after a temporary recovery period from Hurricane Melissa’s October impact.

    Robinson asserted that at such minimal growth levels, living standards cannot experience meaningful improvement, causing Jamaica to consistently fall short of its potential. While acknowledging the immediate priority of restoring pre-hurricane productive capacity, he insisted this should represent merely the baseline rather than the ultimate objective. The opposition finance spokesman reintroduced his Four-E strategy—focusing on energy, efficiency, education, and emerging sectors—as a comprehensive alternative to what he characterized as the Government’s inadequate tinkering around the edges of economic policy.

    He concluded with a stark warning that without addressing these fundamental structural issues predating and outlasting hurricane impacts, Jamaica’s economy would remain trapped in a low-value-added system incapable of delivering improved quality of life for its citizens.

  • Grant’s Bailey farmers take on rhizome rot with training and farm support

    Grant’s Bailey farmers take on rhizome rot with training and farm support

    Jamaican ginger producers from St. Ann’s Grant’s Bailey community convened Wednesday for a critical agricultural workshop targeting rhizome rot, a destructive pathogen threatening the nation’s spice industry. The collaborative training initiative, organized by the Jamaica Agricultural Commodities Regulatory Authority (JACRA) with support from Newport-Fersan Jamaica and H&L Agro, provided hands-on instruction in disease management techniques at the Grants Bailey Tabernacle Church.

    Acting JACRA Director General Wayne Hunter emphasized the program’s significance: “These sessions are vital for protecting Jamaica’s spice sector. Ginger remains an essential economic pillar for rural communities, and rhizome rot continues to endanger island-wide production. Equipping farmers with proper identification, prevention, and treatment knowledge is imperative.”

    The workshop addressed rhizome rot (commonly called “soft rot”), a soil-borne disease caused by Fusarium pathogens and nematodes that propagates through contaminated planting materials. Without effective intervention, the disease can devastate entire ginger crops.

    Participants received comprehensive guidance on fungicide application protocols, therapeutic interventions, and agricultural best practices. Veteran farmer Glenroy Green, with over two decades of experience, noted: “This training revealed new chemical treatment options. Traditionally, we relied solely on rainfall and natural planting methods. Now we’ll implement these chemical solutions experimentally.”

    The urgency stems from dramatic production declines between 2015-2018 when Jamaica’s ginger output plummeted approximately 50% due to rhizome rot proliferation.

    H&L Agro Senior Agronomist Howard Williams stressed preventive measures: “Without pretreatment protocols, farmers risk substantial or total crop loss. Our Ridomil and Kocide fungicides provide essential control mechanisms against this disease.”

    Newport-Fersan technical experts elaborated on fertilizer optimization strategies, with Technical Sales Consultant Akeem Williams explaining: “Product knowledge ensures yield maximization. Appropriate fertilizer selection and stage-specific application are crucial for production protection.”

    The event concluded with 29 farmers receiving agricultural packages containing fertilizers and agro-chemicals to implement their newly acquired knowledge directly in the field.

  • GK accelerates digital push to counter fall-off in remittances

    GK accelerates digital push to counter fall-off in remittances

    Confronted by shrinking profit margins within the global remittance sector, GraceKennedy Group (GK) is decisively accelerating its investment in digital platforms. This strategic pivot is a direct response to evolving consumer preferences and intensifying economic pressures, positioning digital innovation at the core of its future growth model.

    Frank James, Group Chief Executive Officer, articulated this vision during a recent investor briefing. He emphasized that digital transaction capabilities have become fundamental to the strategy of GraceKennedy Money Services (GKMS), the conglomerate’s remittance division. “We are transforming our GKMS business as digital continues to play a critical role in the future of remittances,” James stated, adding, “Digital is where the future is, and the future is now.”

    This corporate shift aligns with a definitive global trend. For the first time in 2025, industry-wide data confirms that digital remittance transactions eclipsed traditional cash-based transfers worldwide. Capitalizing on this structural change, GKMS reported a remarkable expansion of its digital operations, which grew by over 50% in 2025, building upon a 40% growth rate from the prior year. Despite this explosive growth, digital transactions still constitute only a double-digit percentage of GKMS’s total remittance volume, indicating substantial potential for further market penetration.

    The urgency for this digital transformation is underscored by financial realities. While decreasing transfer costs benefit consumers, they compress the revenue earned per transaction for service providers. This margin pressure adversely affected GK’s money services division in 2025, which, despite generating substantial revenue of approximately $8.3 billion, witnessed a 4% decline, attributed to these tighter margins in several key operational markets.

    The importance of remittances to regional economies remains undiminished. Inflows to Jamaica, for instance, climbed to roughly US$3.5 billion in 2025, aided by increased transfers following Hurricane Melissa. Amidst the revenue challenges, GKMS has successfully expanded its market share in critical territories including Jamaica and Guyana. The company’s proprietary digital wallet, GK One, was reaffirmed as Jamaica’s leading platform for digital remittances.

    GraceKennedy’s strategy is not solely digital. The Group is pursuing an integrated omnichannel approach, synergizing its digital advancements with a fortified physical presence. A key initiative involves optimizing its agent network through strategic alliances with major retail chains such as Courts, Cable & Wireless Jamaica (C&WJ), and Hi-Lo Food Stores. These collaborations are already yielding double-digit growth. An innovative pilot program at a Hi-Lo supermarket in Barbican offers a dedicated lane for customers to collect remittances before proceeding with their grocery shopping, enhancing convenience and blending physical with digital service delivery.

    Looking beyond remittances, GraceKennedy is refining its overarching corporate strategy to navigate a global landscape transformed by geopolitical tensions, migratory shifts, supply chain volatility, and technological disruption. James concluded that in this environment, corporate success hinges on boosting productivity, enhancing operational efficiency, and fully leveraging data and technology. “We can’t just allow the future to happen to us — we have to design the future we want to see,” he asserted. With the Group’s revenue reaching approximately $178 billion in 2025, sustained investment in technology, product development, and human capital is earmarked to fuel its long-term expansion beyond Jamaican borders.