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  • Market Bag: Hot pepper price heats up to $5k, sweet pepper cools to $600

    Market Bag: Hot pepper price heats up to $5k, sweet pepper cools to $600

    KINGSTON, Jamaica – Significant volatility is reshaping the economic landscape at Kingston’s iconic Coronation Market this week, with dramatic price fluctuations affecting key agricultural products. The most startling surge has been observed in the Scotch bonnet pepper market, where prices have escalated to an unprecedented $5,000 per pound. This represents a staggering increase of over 50 percent compared to prices recorded just one week prior, placing considerable strain on consumer budgets.

    Adding to the inflationary pressure, tomato prices have also climbed sharply. Consumers are now facing an average market rate of $800 per pound, a notable jump from the previous week’s price point of $600 per pound. This consistent upward trend in staple produce is impacting household spending across the city.

    However, the market narrative isn’t uniformly negative. In a contrasting trend, sweet pepper prices have experienced a substantial cooldown. Vendors are currently offering the product for as low as $600 per pound, a significant reduction from the $1,000 per pound rate seen a week ago. This price correction offers a respite for consumers and highlights the unpredictable nature of agricultural commodity markets.

    For a comprehensive breakdown of all current market prices and expert on-the-ground analysis, viewers are encouraged to watch the latest episode of ‘Market Bag,’ hosted by Brittania Witter, which provides detailed insights into these evolving economic conditions.

  • LOCKED ON TARGET

    LOCKED ON TARGET

    Jamaica’s national women’s football team delivered a historic performance with an unprecedented 18-0 victory against Dominica in their FIFA Women’s World Cup qualifier at Daren Sammy Cricket Stadium in St. Lucia on November 29. Despite setting a new national record that surpassed their previous 14-0 achievement against St. Lucia in 2014, team captain Khadija ‘Bunny’ Shaw maintains a grounded perspective, emphasizing the need for continued refinement rather than celebration.

    The Reggae Girlz demonstrated exceptional offensive prowess with multiple players achieving hat-tricks. Shaw herself contributed three goals during the fourth, 39th, and 43rd minutes, marking her 60th international goal for Jamaica. Teammates Kalyssa Van Zanten and Jody Brown matched this achievement with triple goals of their own, while Deneisha Blackwood, Natasha Thomas, and Shaneil Buckley each secured two goals. Atlanta Primus and Shania Hayles completed the dominant display with additional scores.

    Shaw, who recently returned to the squad after a break, highlighted the professional execution but identified areas for enhancement: ‘We scored numerous goals but could have been more clinical. This is something we must develop further.’ The Manchester City striker views her leadership role as both privilege and responsibility, particularly given Jamaica’s pursuit of a third consecutive World Cup appearance.

    Beyond athletic aspirations, Shaw recognizes the team’s significance as a source of national pride during challenging times in Jamaica. She emphasized the collective leadership within the squad, noting how veteran players and emerging talents collaboratively elevate performance standards both on and off the field. This shared responsibility framework creates a supportive environment where players mutually encourage and challenge each other toward continuous improvement.

  • Digicel says latest act of vandalism causing service disruption for customers in Kingston

    Digicel says latest act of vandalism causing service disruption for customers in Kingston

    A significant act of deliberate sabotage has severely impacted telecommunications services across the Kingston Metropolitan Area. Digicel Jamaica has reported a criminal vandalism attack on a crucial segment of its underground fiber optic infrastructure in New Kingston, which it describes as a protected cable route. The incident, believed to have occurred overnight, has been condemned by the company as a dangerous and reckless assault on national infrastructure.

    In an official statement released Friday morning, Digicel detailed the severe consequences of this targeted attack. The vandalism has resulted in widespread service disruptions, affecting countless customers, businesses, and essential services throughout the capital region. Technical response teams were immediately deployed to the affected site to conduct urgent restoration work, aiming to repair the critical infrastructure and reinstate services with maximum expediency.

    Stephen Murad, Chief Executive Officer of Digicel Jamaica, issued a strong condemnation of the incident, framing it as an attack on Jamaica’s communications backbone. He emphasized that such deliberate destruction disrupts business operations, threatens public safety mechanisms, and interrupts the daily lives of citizens. Murad affirmed the company’s resolve to not be deterred by such criminal acts, reiterating their commitment to rebuilding a more resilient and reliable network. The company is collaborating closely with law enforcement agencies in an ongoing investigation and is urging members of the public to report any suspicious activities observed near telecommunications sites or underground access points to aid in apprehending those responsible.

  • Libra-Don offers encouragement with Don’t Lose Faith

    Libra-Don offers encouragement with Don’t Lose Faith

    Connecticut-based dancehall artist Libra-Don has channeled the devastation of Hurricane Melissa into musical inspiration with his newly released single ‘Don’t Lose Faith.’ The track, produced by Maddmoni Empire and launched on November 4, serves as both a tribute to hurricane victims and a rallying cry for national recovery.

    The artist, born Devon Maddan Jr. to Jamaican parents, described the hurricane as one of the most catastrophic events to ever strike Jamaica, emphasizing the widespread destruction, loss of life, and displacement of thousands. Despite the overwhelming damage, Libra-Don expresses unwavering confidence in Jamaica’s resilience and capacity for renewal.

    In an exclusive interview with Observer Online, the musician revealed the emotional origins of the composition. ‘Don’t Lose Faith’ emerged from what he characterized as a state of fear and uncertainty during the hurricane’s onslaught. He initially recorded a demo in his home studio to capture the raw emotional intensity of the moment. The entire creative and production process was completed within approximately five days.

    Beyond his musical contribution, Libra-Don is actively participating in relief efforts. With family roots in Westmoreland parishes including Belmont, White House, Bluefields and Grange Hill, he has coordinated the shipment of essential supplies to affected relatives and community members. Together with his management team at MaddMoni Empire, he has committed to ongoing support for Jamaica’s recovery and rebuilding initiatives.

    Libra-Don launched his recording career in 2022 with his debut single ‘Honest,’ establishing himself as an emerging voice in the dancehall genre with a conscious message.

  • To the max!

    To the max!

    The Caribbean music scene has achieved a remarkable crossover success with the viral hit ‘Shake It To The Max (Fly) Remix,’ a collaborative track featuring artists Moliy, Silent Addy, Skillibeng, and Shenseea. The infectious fusion of dancehall and Afrobeats rhythms has earned prestigious recognition from two of America’s most influential music publications, with Rolling Stone ranking it at #52 and Pitchfork at #72 on their respective ‘100 Best Songs of 2025’ lists.

    The track’s chart performance has been nothing short of extraordinary, dominating multiple Billboard categories including Rhythmic Airplay, World Digital Song Sales, and US Afrobeats Songs charts. It achieved top-10 placements across several key metrics including Hot R&B/Hip Hop Songs, Radio Songs, and Pop Airplay, while peaking at #44 on the all-genre Billboard Hot 100.

    Lionel Ridenour, Executive Vice President of Promotions at gamma, celebrated the achievement: ‘What an amazing year for these artists. A record born in January became one of the top global songs of the summer, reaching #1 on US Urban & Rhythm radio formats while continuing to grow with over a billion streams.’

    Industry veterans are recognizing the track’s cultural significance beyond its commercial success. Willie Daniels, a respected American radio programmer known for promoting Caribbean music, declared it ‘the song of the summer’ that dominated both clubs and radio rotations.

    The success has sparked important conversations about Caribbean music’s place in mainstream media. Tamara Hernandez, Lead of Mixshow Radio Promotions at Atlantic Records, views the track as ‘more than just a big hit—it’s a statement proving that dancehall and Afro fusion are potent, boundary-breaking genres capable of crossing continents and mixing cultures.’

    However, industry experts caution against viewing this as an automatic gateway for broader Caribbean music acceptance. Hernandez notes that ‘US radio moves slow with dancehall because many program directors still see it as ‘specialty’ content. They follow data first—Shazam numbers, streaming metrics, and TikTok trends—rather than cultural momentum.’

    An anonymous Warner Records executive provided historical context: ‘Reggae and dancehall have had global presence for decades, particularly during summer seasons. This success reminds us that Caribbean producers and artists can create global impact, but the genre needs continued hits that expand beyond niche markets.’

    The track’s organic growth pattern—beginning with viral dance challenges online before gaining radio traction—demonstrates the evolving pathway for Caribbean music penetration. The remix has already earned gold certifications in Greece, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom, with platinum status in France, cementing its status as a genuine international phenomenon.

  • Guyanese man to be sentenced for murdering mother

    Guyanese man to be sentenced for murdering mother

    GEORGETOWN, Guyana – The Berbice High Court has scheduled January 6, 2025, for the sentencing of Deonarine Dookhoo, a Guyanese national convicted of murdering his mother in a tragic 2021 incident. The sentencing date was formally set by Justice Sandil Kissoon following a trial that concluded with a unanimous guilty verdict from a 12-member jury.

    Court proceedings revealed that Dookhoo, also known locally as Dinesh, perpetrated the fatal assault on his mother, Teshwattie Jaglall, at her West Coast Berbice residence between June 30 and July 1, 2021. The prosecution established that Dookhoo, who resided with Jaglall alongside his two children, had a documented history of alcohol abuse that frequently led to domestic tensions.

    Evidence presented during the trial demonstrated that the defendant used a cutlass (a traditional machete-like weapon) to attack his mother after she confronted him about his persistent drinking habits. The violent assault resulted in Jaglall’s immediate death, creating shockwaves through the small Berbice community.

    The four-year judicial process included extensive investigation into the family’s background, revealing patterns of alcohol-related domestic strife. Justice Kissoon’s court examined numerous witness testimonies and forensic evidence before delivering the conviction. The upcoming sentencing hearing will determine the appropriate punishment for this severe crime under Guyana’s legal system.

  • Holness pays tribute to late consul-general to New York

    Holness pays tribute to late consul-general to New York

    KINGSTON, Jamaica — In a moving tribute during Friday’s thanksgiving service, Prime Minister Andrew Holness commemorated the life and legacy of Alsion Wilson, Jamaica’s late consul-general to New York, who passed away on November 8, 2025.

    Holness characterized Wilson as an exceptionally determined and resolute leader who fundamentally redefined Jamaica’s diplomatic presence in the United States. “Consul General Wilson transcended the conventional boundaries of her position,” Holness stated. “She completely reenvisioned the potential of a consular mission, dramatically enhancing Jamaica’s visibility and influence throughout New York and across the 33 states within her purview.”

    The Prime Minister highlighted Wilson’s distinctive blend of professional competence and deep human compassion, noting that this rare combination established her as both an exemplary public official and a cherished personality within the diaspora community. Her approach to leadership proved particularly invaluable during critical situations, where her composed stewardship made significant impacts.

    Holness further emphasized the personal sacrifices Wilson made in service to her nation. “Alsion willingly made considerable personal sacrifices to assume this role,” he reflected. “Today, I honor not just her professional accomplishments but equally commend her selfless dedication. Her fundamental motivation was always service to others.”

    In recognition of her exceptional contributions, Wilson was posthumously awarded the Order of Distinction during the ceremony, cementing her legacy as a transformative figure in Jamaican diplomatic service.

  • Masicka, Tommy Lee throw lyrical jabs

    Masicka, Tommy Lee throw lyrical jabs

    The dancehall scene has been electrified by an escalating lyrical confrontation between two of its prominent figures, Masicka and Tommy Lee Sparta, marking what enthusiasts are calling the official commencement of ‘war season’ within the genre. This artistic clash has captivated the music community, generating intense anticipation for each subsequent musical round in what promises to be a dramatic showdown.

    The conflict ignited when Tommy Lee Sparta released ‘Control,’ a track perceived as targeting Masicka for what appeared to be subtle disrespect toward Vybz Kartel, the incarcerated ‘World Boss’ of dancehall. While neither Masicka nor Kartel have openly acknowledged any brewing tension, industry insiders report simmering discord since July’s Reggae Sumfest, where Masicka’s self-proclamation as the ‘GOAT’ (Greatest of All Time) coincided with Kartel’s official coronation as King of Dancehall.

    Tommy Lee’s initial diss track garnered immediate traction among dedicated Gaza supporters, who applauded his assertive defense of his mentor. However, this opening salvo provoked a formidable response from Masicka, who counterattacked with ‘Vain.’ In his retaliation, Masicka reinforced his GOAT status while dismissing Tommy Lee as an unworthy challenger, accusing him of riding Kartel’s coattails amid a declining solo career.

    The battle intensified with Tommy Lee’s ‘Destroyer,’ which accused Masicka of ‘crown-chasing’ and questioned his legitimacy for dancehall’s throne. Masicka promptly answered with ‘Tears,’ asserting that raw talent alone would never have propelled Tommy Lee to prominence within the industry.

    This verbal duel has generated remarkable engagement from music enthusiasts, with both artists receiving praise for their lyrical prowess from their respective fan bases. The consensus among listeners is that this confrontation benefits the dancehall landscape, provided it remains confined to musical expression without escalating into physical altercations.

    Veteran selector Boom Boom attested to the positive reception on the streets, noting that both tracks received enthusiastic responses during his sets. ‘As someone raised on clash culture, we recognize this as the traditional season for artistic warfare, and it revitalizes the scene,’ he commented, emphasizing the importance of maintaining lyrical rather than physical combat.

    Industry insider Heavy D, an artist manager with extensive experience, echoed these sentiments, highlighting how clashes and wars form the foundational fabric of dancehall culture. ‘This confrontation showcases our culture in its purest form and will undoubtedly benefit both artists at this stage of their careers,’ he observed, refraining from declaring an early victor.

    Adding to the spectacle, Sting promoters have extended an invitation for both artists to continue their lyrical battle on stage during the December 26th event. Historically, Sting served as the ultimate proving ground for feuding artists, having launched several careers into legendary status through its platform for musical combat. Memorable historical clashes include Merciless versus Bounty Killer, Beenie Man against Vybz Kartel in 2000, and the iconic Vybz Kartel versus Mavado confrontation in 2008. However, with the event struggling to reclaim its former glory, a physical showdown between the current contenders appears improbable.

  • Foreign hurricane relief workers subject to strict health screening protocol – MOHW

    Foreign hurricane relief workers subject to strict health screening protocol – MOHW

    Jamaica’s Ministry of Health and Wellness has implemented comprehensive health screening protocols for all international relief personnel entering the country following Hurricane Melissa. This decisive action addresses concerns about potential disease importation while maintaining critical disaster response operations.

    The ministry’s response comes after Opposition Health Spokesperson Dr. Alfred Dawes raised alarms about possible disease transmission through relief workers, referencing cholera outbreaks following the 2010 Haiti earthquake. Dr. Dawes emphasized the need for vigilant screening measures to prevent similar public health emergencies.

    Officials have established a multi-layered defense system against disease transmission. All relief workers undergo pre-arrival verification requiring deploying agencies to certify personnel are medically fit and free from communicable illnesses. Upon arrival, public health inspectors conduct thorough assessments including temperature checks, symptom reviews, and vaccination status verification, with particular attention to countries visited within the previous six weeks.

    The surveillance continues throughout workers’ deployments with mandatory reporting requirements for any illness cases. Emergency medical teams’ temporary housing facilities undergo rigorous inspections to ensure proper sanitation, waste management, and hygiene infrastructure. All monitoring activities integrate with Jamaica’s enhanced post-disaster surveillance system for comprehensive coverage.

    The Health Ministry maintains that no communicable diseases have been detected among relief workers to date, affirming the effectiveness of these protective measures while ensuring continued international support for hurricane recovery efforts.

  • ‘We don’t have the capacity’

    ‘We don’t have the capacity’

    Jamaica’s Office of Utilities Regulation (OUR) has publicly acknowledged its insufficient staffing capacity to conduct independent verification of restoration data submitted by utility providers following Hurricane Melissa. This revelation emerged during a tense session of the Public Administration and Appropriations Committee, where lawmakers expressed deep concerns about the reliability of self-reported recovery statistics.

    Committee members confronted the regulatory body regarding its continued dependence on unverified restoration figures from major service providers including Flow, Digicel, National Water Commission, and Jamaica Public Service Company (JPS). The disclosure comes amid persistent complaints from numerous communities still lacking essential services despite official claims of widespread restoration.

    St James Southern MP Nekeisha Burchell challenged the OUR’s methodology, questioning how the regulator could credibly assess national recovery efforts without ground-level verification capabilities. “Data coming from self-reporting can sound as good as you want them to sound,” Burchell noted, emphasizing the particular challenges faced by rural constituencies where satellite data proves inadequate.

    OUR Director General Ansord Hewitt conceded the organization’s limitations, explaining that while occasional spot checks are conducted and company-reported information is posted online for public scrutiny, these measures remain insufficient for comprehensive verification. Hewitt revealed that the OUR has occasionally questioned discrepancies in sequential reports but lacks resources for universal validation.

    The regulatory head acknowledged that the suggestion to seek additional resources from the Office of the Prime Minister or the Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management had not been previously considered but would now be examined.

    Manchester North Western MP Mikael Phillips challenged the OUR’s previous declarations of credible recovery after Hurricane Beryl, given the current admission of inadequate audit capabilities. Hewitt clarified that while post-restoration audits remain possible, real-time assessment during active disaster response exceeds current capacity.

    St Andrew East Rural MP Juliet Holness reinforced these concerns by recounting her experience with fabricated restoration schedules after Hurricane Beryl. She advocated for a more coordinated long-term approach involving community representatives, parish councils, and political leaders who possess direct knowledge of affected areas.

    The committee session highlighted systemic challenges in disaster response verification and raised fundamental questions about accountability mechanisms during national emergencies affecting utility infrastructure.