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标签： Jamaica

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  • Team Notnice turns compassion into action

    Team Notnice turns compassion into action

    In the aftermath of Hurricane Melissa’s devastating path through Jamaica, the dancehall collective Team Notnice has emerged as a powerful force for community support and national unity. Comprising producer Notnice, manager Nordia Mothersille, and artist Jah Vinci, the group has provided essential supplies to over 100 families across severely affected western regions, demonstrating the music industry’s capacity for meaningful social impact.

    Beyond physical assistance, Team Notnice has harnessed the healing power of music through Jah Vinci’s newly released single ‘Out Of Many One People.’ The track, produced by Notnice Records and distributed by ONErpm, serves as both a tribute to hurricane survivors and an anthem of national resilience. Jah Vinci, who personally witnessed the destruction in multiple communities, explained his motivation: ‘The hurricane may have shaken us, but it could never break our spirit. We visited families standing among rubble that was once their homes, yet they spoke with remarkable strength about recovery.’

    The initiative represents what Notnice describes as ‘a declaration of unity rather than mere charity.’ This synergy between artistic expression and community support has become increasingly vital as Jamaica faces a prolonged recovery period. The collective’s efforts gained further momentum following Jah Vinci’s performance at the I Love Jamaica Telethon last Sunday, where he helped raise additional recovery funds.

    Looking forward, Team Notnice continues to blend philanthropy with musical innovation. Jah Vinci revealed plans for a December single release as part of a broader Notnice Records project scheduled for the Christmas season, ensuring that both relief efforts and cultural production remain interconnected in Jamaica’s rebuilding process.

  • Sweet US$50-m revival

    Sweet US$50-m revival

    A landmark $50 million investment is set to revitalize Jamaica’s historic sugar industry, marking a significant economic turnaround for Clarendon’s agricultural plains. Tropical Sugar Company Limited has initiated a transformative project to restore approximately 13,000 acres of dormant sugar lands in Moneymusk, an area once celebrated as the island’s sugar capital.

    The comprehensive development will feature a state-of-the-art, vertically integrated sugar cane processing facility with an installed capacity of 50,000 metric tonnes. Construction is scheduled to commence in January with an anticipated 18-month timeline, reestablishing commercial-scale mechanized sugar production in the region.

    During Tuesday’s groundbreaking ceremony, Agriculture Minister Floyd Green declared this initiative as “the start of the restoration of sugar in Clarendon.” He emphasized how the industry’s previous decline had created economic uncertainty for communities including Lionel Town, Mitchell Town, Rocky Point, and Hayes, where generations had depended on sugar production for their livelihoods.

    Prime Minister Andrew Holness welcomed the investment as crucial for restimulating economic activity in the parish, particularly following the devastating impacts of hurricanes Beryl and Melissa. He noted the investors’ commitment through land purchases demonstrates long-term confidence in Jamaica’s agricultural potential.

    The project is projected to generate approximately 2,000 direct and indirect employment opportunities, creating new prospects for farmers, equipment operators, factory workers, and transport services. Additional benefits include green energy production through bagasse processing and unique export products.

    Industry Minister Senator Aubyn Hill characterized the development as “a strong unapologetic comeback for Jamaica’s sugar industry” after decades of decline. He referenced the government’s difficult but necessary divestment of state-owned sugar assets between 2005-2011 as laying the foundation for this private sector-led revival.

    The international investment consortium behind Tropical Sugar Company includes partners from Trinidad & Tobago, Guyana, India, Ghana, and Jamaica. Indian High Commissioner Mayank Joshi described the project as honoring the legacy of Indian indentured laborers while addressing food and energy security concerns common to Global South nations.

  • Police seeking to curb gang warfare as Salt Spring heats up

    Police seeking to curb gang warfare as Salt Spring heats up

    Authorities in St. James, Jamaica, have imposed a stringent 48-hour police curfew across sections of the Salt Spring community in response to a dangerous escalation of gang-related violence. The security measure commenced at 6:00 pm on Tuesday, December 2, and is scheduled to remain in effect until 6:00 pm on Thursday, December 4.

    The decision follows a series of violent incidents that have plunged the community into a state of fear. The turmoil was exacerbated by a double homicide occurring just over two weeks prior, compounded by the recent challenges residents faced from Hurricane Melissa. In a further development on Monday, a fatal police-involved shooting occurred. Law enforcement officials reported that during the execution of a warrant, 21-year-old Jodane James, also known as ‘Sizzla,’ allegedly pointed a firearm at officers. He was subsequently shot and later succumbed to his injuries at a local hospital.

    A police source confirmed to Observer Online that the current volatile situation is directly linked to gang conflicts. ‘We have been carrying out a series of operations in the community,’ the source stated, emphasizing ongoing efforts to curtail the violence and restore public order. The imposition of the curfew represents the latest and most significant measure in these security operations, aimed at stabilizing the area and protecting residents.

  • Kintyre Q3 profit surges nearly fivefold on Visual Vibe and real estate gains

    Kintyre Q3 profit surges nearly fivefold on Visual Vibe and real estate gains

    KINTYRE Holdings (JA) Limited, formerly known as iCreate, has demonstrated extraordinary financial performance with a staggering 446% increase in third-quarter net profit, reaching $103.5 million. This remarkable achievement was fueled by a substantial 146% revenue growth, climbing to $135.3 million during the quarter ending September 30, 2025.

    The Jamaica Stock Exchange Junior Market entity attributed this exceptional performance to the rapid expansion of its Visual Vibe digital out-of-home advertising network and significant contributions from its real estate operations. Operating profit similarly surged to $103.5 million from $26.2 million year-over-year, reflecting both expanded screen infrastructure and increased advertiser engagement.

    For the nine-month period, the company reported consolidated revenue of $208.9 million, representing a 70% increase, while net profit soared to $129.4 million from $20.4 million in the comparable period last year.

    Tyrone Wilson, Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer, emphasized that these results validate the group’s strategic approach combining operational excellence with targeted investments. He characterized Kintyre as rapidly emerging as one of the most profitable entities on the Junior Market.

    Visual Vibe, operating both indoor and outdoor digital advertising solutions including innovative advertising backpacks and screen rental services, continues to serve as the primary growth engine. The platform is being strategically positioned as Jamaica’s dominant digital out-of-home advertising solution.

    The company’s expansion initiatives are being supported through strategic investments from Portland Holdings and a collaborative partnership with Vantage One. These developments are expected to facilitate new equipment installations by January 2026, alongside potential preparations for an initial public offering.

    Kintyre’s Parallel Real Estate Ventures division has progressed multiple renovation projects and advanced development work in Stony Hill, where subdivision planning is underway for the sale of two villas and three townhouses. Formal project submissions are anticipated during the first quarter of 2026.

    Financial positioning strengthened considerably with total assets growing to $970.3 million from $564.7 million year-over-year, driven by increased property, plant, equipment valuations, goodwill recognition, and investment properties. The company maintained a robust equity position of $669.2 million, up from $339.1 million, with total liabilities of $301.1 million including $80 million in convertible notes – indicating a relatively conservative leverage profile.

    Cash and cash equivalents improved dramatically to $75.5 million from $1.8 million at year-start, following positive operational cash flows that were partially allocated to strategic investments and subsidiary restructuring.

    With established operations in Jamaica, Dubai, and Miami, and planned expansion into additional Caribbean markets, Kintyre continues to leverage Junior Market tax incentives while actively pursuing merger and acquisition opportunities across media, real estate, technology, hospitality, and business empowerment sectors throughout the region.

  • Juici Patties announces four new store openings across US

    Juici Patties announces four new store openings across US

    Jamaican fast-food franchise Juici Patties is embarking on an aggressive expansion strategy across the United States, with four new restaurant openings scheduled within the next month. The establishment of these new outlets marks a significant milestone in the brand’s strategic growth plan following the successful launch of its flagship US store in March 2024.

    The expansion will introduce Juici Patties’ Caribbean culinary offerings to strategic locations including Pompano Beach, Florida; West Orlando’s Hiawassee area, Florida; and two separate Brooklyn, New York locations on Church Avenue and Flatbush Avenue. This multi-state deployment demonstrates the company’s systematic approach to capturing the American market.

    Stuart Levy, Managing Director of Juici Patties USA, revealed the company has achieved an impressive operational capacity enabling sustainable growth at an accelerated pace. “Our strategic systems and disciplined approach developed over the past two years have positioned us to open new locations approximately every eight days,” Levy stated. “This expansion rhythm isn’t limited to the current month but represents our ongoing growth trajectory for the foreseeable future.”

    The company’s ambitious growth strategy extends beyond these immediate openings, with development already underway for additional locations scheduled to launch in 2026. The next phase will see Juici Patties entering markets across Georgia, Texas, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Connecticut, and Massachusetts, establishing the brand as one of the fastest-growing Caribbean food enterprises in the American market.

    The specific addresses for the four new locations are: 3502 N Powerline Road, Pompano Beach, FL 33069; 2842 N Hiawassee Road, Orlando, FL 32818; 3005 Church Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11226; and 19 Flatbush Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11217.

  • Deep discounts, deeper debt? Shoppers cautioned as recovery costs mount

    Deep discounts, deeper debt? Shoppers cautioned as recovery costs mount

    As Jamaica confronts substantial recovery costs in the wake of Hurricane Melissa, financial experts are issuing strong warnings to consumers about responsible spending during the holiday shopping season. The JN Foundation’s financial education consultant Rose Miller emphasizes that while Christmas deals and Cyber Monday promotions appear attractive, they present significant financial risks for vulnerable shoppers.

    Miller identifies multiple concerns surrounding seasonal shopping, including potentially deceptive discounts that might not represent genuine savings. The psychological pressure to replace lost items, support rebuilding efforts, or fulfill traditional gift-giving expectations could lead to poor financial decisions. She specifically cautions against accumulating unnecessary debt that could derail long-term financial security.

    The financial consultant advocates for strategic budgeting and emergency fund development as critical alternatives to impulsive spending. She recommends systematic monthly savings throughout the year to create financial cushions that don’t depend on year-end bonuses or fortunate circumstances. This approach becomes particularly crucial given the additional economic strain caused by recent natural disasters.

    Miller also highlights behavioral economic challenges, noting that emotional spending driven by guilt, the desire to please others, or as coping mechanism for difficult experiences often results in regrettable purchases. She urges consumers to carefully distinguish between needs and wants, suggesting they question whether discounted items align with predetermined shopping lists rather than sale-induced impulses.

    For those who must make purchases, Miller provides specific protective measures: shopping through reputable websites and verified retailers, thoroughly evaluating advertised discounts against regular prices, using secure payment systems with fraud protection, and maintaining detailed transaction records. These precautions become especially important during periods of increased financial vulnerability.

    The consultant predicts that holiday spending will likely decline this season, though primarily due to financial necessity rather than conscious choice. She hopes this moment will catalyze a broader shift in financial behavior among Jamaican consumers, emphasizing that the coming years require adjusted spending habits to navigate ongoing recovery challenges.

  • Multi-agency partnership launched to strengthen Jamaica’s Hurricane recovery

    Multi-agency partnership launched to strengthen Jamaica’s Hurricane recovery

    KINGSTON, Jamaica — A powerful consortium of international and local organizations has united to spearhead Jamaica’s comprehensive rehabilitation in the aftermath of Category 5 Hurricane Melissa’s catastrophic impact. The coalition comprises BridgePoint Foundation, Jamaica Defence Force (JDF), Operation Blessing, Ruka Storm Foundation, World Vision USA, and WhyNot International, all formally collaborating to reconstruct devastated communities and assist families in rebuilding their lives.

    This strategic alliance combines decades of cumulative expertise in disaster response, humanitarian aid, logistical operations, and sustainable community development. In a unified declaration, the partners emphasized their collective dedication: “Together, we are building back hope one home, one family, one community at a time.”

    BridgePoint Foundation serves as the coordinating body for this national recovery endeavor, directing objective-setting, field coordination, and maintaining constant communication among partners and community stakeholders. The foundation’s methodical, grassroots strategy is engineered to optimize each organization’s unique capabilities to provide enduring, outcome-oriented support across the island.

    Initial relief operations have already delivered nourishment, potable water, and critical supplies to over 300 affected families in Black River. Ongoing logistical coordination with NGOs and the JDF prioritizes reaching vulnerable communities including Black River, Accompong, Belmont, Montego Bay, and remote surrounding regions.

    The coalition has implemented extensive relief measures featuring shelter assistance, housing construction, and support for local enterprises. Operation Blessing emerged as a leading contributor, distributing substantial aid across multiple parishes: 90,000 hot meals, protective tarping for seven homes, structural stabilization for one school roof, 10,391 gallons of purified water, 2,000 solar lamps, 2,400 care packages, over 40,000 water bottles, and five church-based water filtration systems each producing up to 1,000 gallons daily.

    Laura Butler, Director of Operations and Strategic Relationships at BridgePoint Foundation, commended the collaborative efforts of partners, JDF, and nationwide volunteers: “It’s impossible to overstate the level of destruction our country has endured. It will take all of us—every effort, every partner, every hand—to rebuild our beautiful Jamaica. I have the privilege of working alongside these groups on the ground, and it is truly an honor to be part of this extended team that is doing wonders daily for our people.”

    Butler highlighted the inspirational resilience of Jamaican citizens, noting, “It’s also beautiful to see the Jamaicans working overtime to help those affected by the hurricane. True solidarity when it’s needed the most.”

    The United Cajun Navy has significantly contributed by shipping 200,000 ready-to-eat meals and 50,000 liters of water to the island. The organization pre-deployed search and rescue teams before Melissa’s landfall and established an incident management team, medical resources, and a primary distribution hub in St Elizabeth.

    Their continuing support includes: coordinated roof repairs for educational institutions, medical clinics, churches, and residences; creation of logistical staging areas and resource distribution points; agricultural land rehabilitation in St Elizabeth; sustenance distribution in mountainous communities near Negril and Westmoreland; assistance to Maggoty church in clearing damaged library materials and restoring shelter space; generator provisions for schools and clinics; Starlink units for emergency responders; consistent delivery of hot meals and water to isolated households; and specialized expertise in freshwater procurement.

    Collectively, these organizations have extended aid to hundreds of families across Jamaica, concentrating on severely affected and inaccessible communities. Their synchronized initiatives additionally bolster local vendors, enhance community-driven recovery programs, and expand shelter and housing construction projects.

  • Gramps Morgan completes first solo headlining US tour

    Gramps Morgan completes first solo headlining US tour

    Reggae artist Gramps Morgan has successfully concluded his inaugural headlining solo tour across the United States, a significant milestone in his decades-long career. The extensive ‘Water in My Whiskey Fall Tour’ spanned over 25 performances, reaching audiences from the Northeast to the Deep South with stops in Connecticut, New York, Maryland, Minnesota, North Carolina, Missouri, Mississippi, Texas, and Louisiana. The tour culminated on November 22nd in West Palm Beach, Florida, with a special appearance by legendary dancehall artist Buju Banton, who joined Morgan for a powerful performance of their collaborative hit ’23rd Psalm’. Morgan described these shared moments with Bantu as ‘spiritual experiences,’ noting their unique on-stage chemistry that has persisted since their first performance together. The tour held special significance as a family affair, featuring Morgan’s sons Jemere and Priel as accompanying performers, symbolizing the continuation of the Morgan musical legacy. Despite previous extensive touring as part of Morgan Heritage and as an opening act for major artists, Morgan expressed particular gratitude for the opportunity to establish his solo presence in new markets, acknowledging both sold-out venues and those still building an audience. Beyond the musical achievements, Morgan addressed the impact of Hurricane Melissa on his family’s properties in St. Thomas, Jamaica, while emphasizing that damage to their farm was minimal compared to the devastation experienced in western regions of the island. Looking forward, Morgan announced his participation in a major fundraising concert on December 12th at New York’s UBS Arena, joining forces with Shaggy, Sean Paul, Inner Circle, and other artists to raise critical funds for hurricane relief efforts in Jamaica through the Morgan Heritage Foundation. The organization plans to provide essential supplies including clothing, water, toiletries, and financial support for rebuilding efforts, particularly focusing on providing shelter for those affected.

  • One Love Jamaica Rebuild concert to be held this Saturday

    One Love Jamaica Rebuild concert to be held this Saturday

    South Florida’s Jamaican community and supporters are mobilizing for a major humanitarian effort this weekend as prominent gospel artists prepare for the ‘One Love Jamaica Rebuild’ benefit concert. Scheduled for Saturday at The Faith Centre in Sunrise, the event aims to generate crucial funding for recovery efforts following Hurricane Melissa’s devastating impact on the Caribbean nation.

    The concert represents a collaborative initiative between humanitarian organization Dare to Care and the Consul General of Jamaica, orchestrated to address the estimated $7 billion in damages inflicted by the late October storm. Among the featured performers are gospel luminaries including Papa San, Carlene Davis, Marion Hall, Kevin Downswell, and Sharon Wiles.

    Tyrone Thompson, professionally known as Papa San, expressed profound commitment to the cause, stating: “Our hearts are in a place where we are just ready and willing to help Jamaica. I am so glad to participate and be a part of that.” The artist emphasized the transparent allocation of funds, noting that every cent raised would be directed toward relief efforts rather than performer compensation.

    Organizers have established an ambitious target of $250,000 through various fundraising mechanisms including merchandise sales, voluntary donations, and offerings. Additionally, the event will serve as a collection point for essential relief supplies, with detailed item requirements available on the official registration portal at Onelovejamaicarebuild.org.

    Despite offering free admission, the event requires advance registration to manage attendance. Consul General of Jamaica to the Southern United States Oliver Mair and Lauderhill Mayor Denise Grant are among the key figures supporting the initiative.

    Papa San appealed to collective responsibility, invoking the Jamaican proverb “one one coco full basket” to illustrate how individual contributions accumulate into meaningful support. The artist confirmed that beyond financial donations, organizers are coordinating container shipments of food and necessary supplies to ensure comprehensive assistance reaches affected communities.

  • ‘Disaster looming’: Spring Mount residents worried breakaway could be a nasty surprise

    ‘Disaster looming’: Spring Mount residents worried breakaway could be a nasty surprise

    Residents of Spring Mount in southern St James, Jamaica, are issuing urgent appeals for visible warning signage after Hurricane Melissa carved a massive 30-foot chasm through a critical section of the main highway connecting Montego Bay to Kingston. With the area still without electricity, the gaping precipice becomes virtually invisible after dark, creating an imminent lethal hazard for unsuspecting motorists.

    Local resident Nicole Heaven articulated the community’s primary fear: travelers unfamiliar with the catastrophic road damage risk plunging into the abyss. Despite residents’ improvised efforts to direct traffic, the situation remains perilous. The only vehicular detour available is through the notoriously dangerous Hampton route via Charlie Mount—a narrow, winding, and poorly lit corridor with steep drops, partial debris clearance, and frequent traffic bottlenecks that fuel driver frustration.

    Beyond the safety crisis, the infrastructure collapse has triggered severe socioeconomic repercussions. Transportation costs have doubled, with taxi fares skyrocketing from $250 to $500 JMD for the journey to Montego Bay. Elderly and medically vulnerable residents face isolation, as emergency vehicle access is now impossible. Community member ‘Bibs’ expressed additional concerns that impending rainfall could further erode the unstable terrain, expanding the chasm.

    While representatives from the National Works Agency have assessed the site, no timeline for repairs has been provided. The agency’s Community Relations Officer, Janel Ricketts, has advised residents to avoid the unstable area entirely. Currently, only pedestrian access is permitted to the Spring Mount Police Station, leaving the community grappling with both immediate danger and long-term accessibility challenges.