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  • Week.day, 450 collab for V-Day track

    Week.day, 450 collab for V-Day track

    Jamaican dancehall producer Week.day has crafted a special Valentine’s Day tribute with the release of a new romantic single titled ‘I Love You,’ performed by rising artist 450. The track was specifically designed to provide female listeners with fresh content for their intimate playlists during the romantic season.

    The producer, renowned for his hit-making capabilities, explained the creative vision behind the project: ‘We wanted to give the ladies something new that they could add to their bedroom play list,’ Week.day shared with the Jamaica Observer.

    Week.day’s production credentials extend across numerous successful tracks including ‘Lonely,’ ‘Demon Gyal,’ ‘Beast Mode,’ ‘Levels,’ ‘Know Weh Yah Do,’ and Jquan’s ‘Hands Up,’ plus Deno Crazy’s EP ‘Winning Season.’ His collaborative portfolio features work with prominent artists including Alkaline, Mavado, Kranium, Jahmiel, Jesse Royal, and Julian Marley.

    Regarding his ongoing partnership with 450, who continues to achieve international recognition, Week.day described their creative synergy as exceptional: ‘Working with him is one of the realest artiste/producer chemistry there is right now. Every time we work on a project it’s always a hit.’

    The producer highlighted specific musical elements that distinguish the new single: ‘I think the chord progression has a very sexy feel to it, and the small guitar phrases here and there to complement that. It’s also a nice dancehall drum pattern to gel everything together.’

    Week.day’s musical foundation stems from formal training in jazz and popular music at Edna Manley College of the Visual and Performing Arts. Growing up with a musician father and as the younger brother of producer Jahvy Ambassador, he developed a distinctive production style that blends multiple genres.

    ‘I’d say the way how I make my beats; [I’m] always trying to fuse other genres with dancehall to create a fresh vibe. For example, using R&B progressions with dancehall drum patterns et cetera,’ he explained.

    His career milestone includes accumulating over 100 million streams for 450’s ‘Wild n’ Rich’ across digital platforms. Currently, Week.day is developing multiple tracks scheduled for both local and international release throughout the year.

  • Valedictorian sets sights on advancing deaf community advocacy

    Valedictorian sets sights on advancing deaf community advocacy

    KINGSTON, Jamaica — Zantaye Thomas, recently crowned valedictorian of the University of the West Indies Mona Campus’ Faculty of Humanities and Education, is channeling her academic excellence into transformative advocacy for Jamaica’s deaf community. The 23-year-old graduate, who earned a Bachelor of Arts in Integrated Marketing and Communication with a minor in Sign Language, has declared her intention to become a professional sign language interpreter to address critical communication barriers.

    Thomas identified a severe shortage of qualified interpreters throughout Jamaica as a primary motivation for her career path. “I want to become one of those qualified interpreters to help bridge that language gap,” she stated, emphasizing the urgent need for improved accessibility between deaf and hearing communities.

    Her commitment extends beyond theoretical studies. Thomas established and currently serves as executive director of Sign Clubs of Jamaica, an organization that mobilizes high school and university students to promote sign language literacy and cultural awareness through community outreach programs.

    Securing the valedictorian honor represented the culmination of deliberate effort, having placed this ambitious objective on her 2023 vision board. The announcement triggered an emotional response. “I cried a lot because it was just a sense of relief that the hard work paid off,” Thomas recalled.

    Her university journey included significant leadership roles, beginning with a guild position campaign in her first year and evolving into her service as the Faculty of Humanities and Education Guild representative during the 2023–2024 academic year. Thomas openly acknowledged encountering academic challenges, including one semester where she missed the dean’s list, requiring strategic refocusing to regain her trajectory.

    Professionally, Thomas is currently developing her expertise as a management trainee at First Global Bank, a GraceKennedy Group subsidiary. She simultaneously nurtures aspirations in media, with long-term ambitions of hosting on Jamaican television. Expressing profound national pride, she aims to enhance Jamaica’s global reputation through her multifaceted work.

    “I just really want to build brand Jamaica,” Thomas affirmed.

    She offers pragmatic advice to current students, encouraging maximal engagement with university life through involvement in activities, developing resilience, and cultivating strong support networks.

  • Portmore United reclaim third place in JPL after beating Arnett 2-0

    Portmore United reclaim third place in JPL after beating Arnett 2-0

    KINGSTON, Jamaica — In a decisive Monday night fixture at the Anthony Spaulding Sports Complex, Portmore United delivered a commanding performance to defeat Arnett Gardens 2-0, a result that propels them back into third place in the ongoing Jamaica Premier League (JPL) season.

    The match’s outcome was solidified by goals from two key players. Dunstin Cohen broke the deadlock early in the second half, notching his inaugural goal of the campaign with a precise header from a right-sided corner in the 47th minute, expertly placing it beyond the reach of Arnett’s goalkeeper, Anthony Bennett. The victory was sealed deep into stoppage time by substitute Orlando Russell, who clinically finished a low cross into the far corner, ensuring all three points for his team.

    This triumph marks Portmore United’s fifth consecutive victory over Arnett Gardens, underscoring a dominant streak in this particular rivalry. More crucially, the win elevates Portmore to 42 points, drawing them level with second-placed Racing United and establishing a one-point buffer over fourth-placed Mount Pleasant FA in a tightly contested league table.

    For Arnett Gardens, the defeat represents their 11th loss of the season, a significant setback that leaves them stagnant in seventh position with 30 points. They now hold a mere one-point advantage over the defending champions, Cavalier SC, and Tivoli Gardens, intensifying the pressure in the lower half of the standings.

  • Boost for Catherine Hall

    Boost for Catherine Hall

    MONTEGO BAY, St James — The St James Municipal Corporation has unveiled two transformative economic development projects set to reshape the Catherine Hall area through strategic public-private partnerships. Mayor Richard Vernon announced following last Thursday’s council meeting that these initiatives will simultaneously drive commercial growth and revitalize sports infrastructure in western Jamaica.

    The cornerstone project involves a landmark partnership with Tailwind Jamaica Limited to establish a special economic zone (SEZ) adjacent to the Catherine Hall Sports Complex. The municipal corporation has made a strategic decision to divest land for this development, which represents a significant shift in how the city manages its assets for economic benefit.

    Tailwind Jamaica Limited is committing approximately $3 billion to develop a comprehensive commercial complex featuring 110,000 square feet of integrated warehousing, office, and retail spaces. This substantial investment is projected to create more than 750 permanent jobs, providing a major boost to local employment. Construction is scheduled to commence this year with anticipated completion by next year.

    Mayor Vernon emphasized that this initiative aligns with the corporation’s broader strategy to leverage municipal assets for economic development. “We’re strategically examining lands we can divest to expand commercial space within Montego Bay,” he stated, highlighting the shift from traditional municipal operations toward economic innovation.

    Concurrently, the municipality has finalized lease arrangements for the Catherine Hall Sports Complex, addressing years of infrastructure challenges. The multi-purpose facility, originally gifted to the city, has experienced significant deterioration—particularly its athletic track—and suffered additional damage from Hurricane Melissa. The complex never fully realized its potential for hosting multiple sports disciplines.

    Following approval from the Ministry of Local Government and Community Development, the corporation has negotiated lease terms with a private operator. A formal signing ceremony scheduled for Tuesday will officially transfer management responsibilities to the lessee, ensuring proper maintenance and expanded utilization of the sports facility.

    These dual developments complement the ongoing transformation of the Catherine Hall area, which already includes the construction of a new National Bakery plant. Together, these projects position Catherine Hall as an emerging economic hub while addressing critical infrastructure needs through innovative public-private collaboration.

  • JTA dismisses ‘fake’ media release claiming 50% salary increase for teachers

    JTA dismisses ‘fake’ media release claiming 50% salary increase for teachers

    KINGSTON, Jamaica—The Jamaica Teachers’ Association (JTA) has issued an official statement vehemently denying the authenticity of a counterfeit communication circulating within public domains. The fraudulent document, which improperly utilized the JTA’s official logo, falsely claimed that educators had secured an immediate 50% salary enhancement alongside incremental payment arrangements.

    In a formal media release, the association explicitly disavowed the fabricated announcement, clarifying that it constitutes neither official communication nor reflects any legitimate stance of the JTA. The organization has strongly condemned the creation and distribution of this misleading correspondence, characterizing it as a deliberate attempt to misinform both educators and the general public.

    The JTA emphasized that authentic negotiations with the Ministry of Finance and the Public Service remain ongoing through proper diplomatic channels. The association’s president is expected to provide membership updates regarding compensation discussions at the appropriate time through verified communication platforms.

    Additionally, the JTA reminded stakeholders that all legitimate association communications are disseminated exclusively through authorized channels and will consistently identify responsible officers or authorized correspondence owners. The association noted that official documents may incorporate proper signatures and adhere to established authentication protocols to ensure validity.

  • Refunds no impact on NHT loan portfolio, cash flow says Berbick

    Refunds no impact on NHT loan portfolio, cash flow says Berbick

    KINGSTON, Jamaica — Jamaica’s National Housing Trust (NHT) has moved to reassure stakeholders that its recently expanded cash refund policy will not negatively affect the agency’s financial operations or liquidity. The policy shift, which took effect in July of last year, extends cash reimbursement eligibility to all qualified contributors, including private-sector employees and self-employed individuals.

    Dwayne Berbick, Assistant General Manager for Corporate Communications and Public Affairs, clarified the financial implications during a recent JIS Think Tank session. He emphasized that the revised approach merely alters the disbursement mechanism without impacting the Trust’s fiscal planning. “These refunds represent customer-owned funds that the NHT temporarily holds and invests primarily in mortgage and construction portfolios,” Berbick explained. “The agency anticipates these disbursements and maintains full capacity to process all valid claims without operational constraints.”

    The policy democratization eliminates the previous preferential treatment for public-sector workers, who previously enjoyed exclusive access to cash refunds. Other contributors previously received automatic credits toward their mortgage balances. Berbick characterized the change as primarily administrative: “This represents a shift in disbursement method rather than additional financial exposure. These funds would have reached customers regardless—either as mortgage credits or direct cash payments.”

    The NHT encourages eligible contributors to utilize their online portal for streamlined processing, noting that refund claims for 2018 contributions can be submitted year-round from any location. This digital-first approach aims to enhance accessibility while maintaining processing efficiency during expected application surges.

  • Len Brown to feature on IMC 2026 panel

    Len Brown to feature on IMC 2026 panel

    The 2026 Island Music Conference (IMC), scheduled for February 25-28 at Kingston’s Courtleigh Auditorium, is set to feature a significant appearance by Recording Academy executive Len Brown. As the senior manager of hip hop, R&B, and reggae at the prestigious organization behind the Grammy Awards, Brown will participate in an educational panel titled ‘The Grammys and your career’ on February 28, alongside colleague Ashley Thomas and Jamaican artist Lila Iké.

    Brown emphasized the critical importance of this opportunity for Caribbean musical talent, stating: “This represents a vital platform to disseminate crucial information throughout Jamaica and the Caribbean region. Artists and professionals need comprehensive understanding of how the Recording Academy operates and what genuine Grammy recognition entails.”

    The conference, operating under the unifying theme ‘Music is the unifying force’, aims to demonstrate sound’s enduring capacity to transcend geographical, cultural, and generational boundaries. Brown stressed the essential role of such educational forums in combating industry misinformation, noting that many rely on hearsay rather than authoritative knowledge about music industry mechanisms.

    Addressing regional participation in Grammy processes, Brown acknowledged progress while highlighting continued need for improvement: “I’ve observed increased vocal advocacy, but there remains substantial opportunity to enhance engagement. We must develop more effective methods for educating Caribbean creatives about participation in the Academy’s voting procedures.”

    The event will also feature notable keynote addresses, including former Bad Boy Records artist Shyne (Moses Michael Levi Barrow), who transitioned from international music stardom to political leadership in Belize. His presentation ‘From Stage to State’ will explore themes of cultural influence, personal transformation, and resilience, drawing from his unique journey from entertainment to serving as opposition leader in Belize’s House of Representatives.

  • Sister of slain policewoman using foundation to help other gun violence victims

    Sister of slain policewoman using foundation to help other gun violence victims

    KINGSTON, Jamaica — Transforming profound personal tragedy into a force for communal healing, Denise Johnston has established the Pamella Sunrise Foundation to support victims of gun violence and trauma. Her inspiration stems from devastating personal losses that began in 1987 when armed assailants shot her mother in their Fairfield Road home. The violence escalated nine months later when her sister, Constable Pamella Johnston, became the first female police officer in Jamaica killed in the line of duty after being raped and murdered by gunmen who boarded a public bus in Greendale. Another passenger, Fendel Pearson, was fatally shot during the same incident in front of his eight-year-old daughter.

    Johnston describes the enduring nature of such trauma: “It’s not something you just get over. Without knowing the extent of your pain, people keep asking in disbelief if you’ve not gotten over it yet, why haven’t you healed as yet…and why is it taking you so long.” She recalls her sister as “the glue of the family” whose death shattered their family unit, making it painfully difficult for them to even occupy the same room together.

    After carrying this pain for more than two decades, Johnston relocated to California following the parole granted to one of her sister’s murderers, whom she was unexpectedly asked to pardon. This geographical shift eventually led her to seek grief counseling through Christian ministry, which became the catalyst for establishing her faith-based organization.

    The Pamella Sunrise Foundation, launched in December 2024 with operations in both California and Jamaica, provides specialized support through licensed therapists who are also Christians, with particular emphasis on children affected by violence. “One of the reasons why the foundation places an emphasis on children is because that troubled child could want to grow up and be different,” Johnston explained. “We are about changing the mind, changing emotional patterns.”

    The foundation’s programs focus on understanding grief, achieving closure, and navigating the complex terrain of forgiveness. In a remarkable demonstration of this principle, Johnston forgave the daughter of one of her sister’s killers after the woman sought forgiveness through a TikTok video in 2024. They subsequently met, prayed together, and agreed to collaborate through the foundation to address the generational impact of violence.

    “How could I not want to forgive…it is not for me to be hanging on to unforgiveness,” Johnston reflected. “She wants what’s different for her family — and not for them to go the route of her father. It doesn’t have to be that because you have killed someone for me I have to kill someone for you.”

    The organization plans to expand its reach through camps and workshops in selected communities, training advocates for counseling while strengthening collaborations with the private sector, law enforcement, correctional services, educational institutions, and government ministries. Johnston summarizes their mission: “We aim to change the lives and the stories of people who have been disadvantaged by gun crimes from pain and defeat to promise and purpose.”

  • Campari, Valiant turn up the heat with Win Your Passion Moment

    Campari, Valiant turn up the heat with Win Your Passion Moment

    Campari Group is extending its celebration of self-expression through its ‘Win Your Passion Moment’ promotional campaign, which will continue through March 29th. The initiative offers participants opportunities to win premium experiences and products while embracing the brand’s core values of individuality and bold living.

    Central to this marketing effort is Jamaican artist Valiant, described by Campari as the embodiment of contemporary passion and fearless self-expression. The company’s communications manager, Dominic Bell, emphasized the natural alignment between Valiant’s public persona and Campari’s brand identity: “Valiant represents what Campari stands for – that sensual individual who effortlessly commands attention. He embodies our rough-yet-sensual character who expresses himself authentically during passionate moments.”

    The campaign features bi-weekly prize drawings throughout its duration, offering multiple opportunities for consumers to win. The premium prizes include: an all-expenses-paid four-night romantic getaway for two to the Dominican Republic; a luxurious four-night staycation at Sandals Jamaica resort; a complete bedroom makeover package; an exclusive Xodus Carnival costume; and a state-of-the-art 55-inch television.

    Valiant expressed enthusiasm about his role as campaign ambassador: “Being the face of Campari’s Win Your Passion Moment feels incredibly natural. Passion defines everything I value—music, personal growth, and life’s journey. Campari genuinely understands this energy and celebrates those bold moments when people pursue what they believe in.”

    The promotion encourages repeated participation, with consumers having multiple entry opportunities during the campaign period. Campari positions this initiative as more than a typical marketing campaign, framing it as a movement that rewards authentic living and unapologetic self-expression—values the brand has championed throughout its history.

  • Portland Health Department rolls out blood pressure screenings for Heart Month

    Portland Health Department rolls out blood pressure screenings for Heart Month

    PORTLAND, Jamaica – The Portland Health Department has initiated an extensive parish-wide blood pressure screening campaign throughout February in recognition of Heart Month, marking a significant push to enhance cardiovascular wellness among local residents.

    This collaborative endeavor with the National Health Fund (NHF) operates under the thematic banner ‘Love Your Heart, Check Your Blood Pressure,’ emphasizing preventive healthcare measures. Medical Officer of Health Dr. Sharon Lewis announced that the program commenced on February 11 during a specialized clinic for barbers and hairdressers, conducted within the Portland Health Department’s conference facilities.

    Addressing the Portland Municipal Corporation’s monthly assembly on February 12, Dr. Lewis detailed the comprehensive schedule of upcoming screening events. Additional blood pressure assessments will be conducted at food handlers’ clinics across all three health districts within the parish. Specific community locations include Buff Bay Methodist Church yard and Fairy Hill Health Centre on Thursday, February 19, followed by participation in a health fair at the College of Agriculture, Science and Education (CASE) on February 26.

    Dr. Lewis indicated that further venues are currently being finalized, with complete details to be publicly communicated once arrangements are confirmed. She actively encouraged residents to utilize these complimentary services, advising community members to watch for community health aides conducting screenings near major township centers throughout the parish.

    The initiative has established an ambitious target of screening 2,000 individuals during the awareness period. Dr. Lewis delivered these updates while presenting Portland’s January 2026 health status report, noting the parish maintained generally favorable health conditions throughout the month.

    Regarding syndromic surveillance, authorities recorded 32 cases of undifferentiated fever, all presenting at designated sentinel sites across Portland. This represents a significant reduction from the 63 cases documented in December 2025 and aligns closely with the 34 cases observed in November 2025.

    A parallel downward trend was observed in fever and respiratory cases, with only six instances reported – a 73% decrease from December’s 208 cases during the seasonal influenza-like illness surge. This figure corresponds with the 51 cases documented in November 2025. Dr. Lewis confirmed both undifferentiated fever and influenza-like illnesses are returning to endemic levels of approximately 10 cases weekly, indicating stabilization of community health trends.