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  • Fashion Radar: Michele Coulton for Soho Boutique

    Fashion Radar: Michele Coulton for Soho Boutique

    In an exclusive feature with Tuesday Style Fashion, Soho Boutique principal Michele Coulton reveals the strategic philosophy behind her retail enterprise’s remarkable 35-year longevity in Jamaica’s competitive fashion landscape.

    Coulton’s journey into fashion entrepreneurship emerged from both heritage and necessity. With a mother who sewed professionally and sisters educated at New York’s French Fashion Academy, she leveraged her innate sense of style after diverse career experiences in nursing and aviation. This foundation enabled her to establish two strategically located stores in Kingston and Montego Bay.

    The boutique’s enduring success rests upon three fundamental pillars: meticulously curated merchandise termed ‘gentle luxury,’ exceptional customer service, and genuine passion for client satisfaction. Coulton emphasizes that quality garments with attention to detail and affordability form the core of Soho’s DNA, while her highly trained stylists—including Crystal Porter-Jackson (14-year veteran) and Dionne Sadler (19-year veteran)—provide personalized attention without intrusion.

    In adapting to modern retail challenges, Soho Boutique has implemented strategic digital engagement while maintaining its physical storefront presence. The brand has expanded its global sourcing to include previously untapped markets like Greece and broadened its demographic reach to include younger clients. Coulton notes that relevance stems from making customers feel ‘seen and appreciated’ beyond mere transactions.

    Looking toward 2026, Soho will continue prioritizing timeless, statement-making pieces over trend-driven collections. The boutique’s philosophy champions investment in quality pieces that endure beyond seasonal cycles, with Coulton noting that clients frequently report wearing Soho purchases ‘many moons later.’

    Current style recommendations include bold statement jewelry that transforms basic outfits, versatile white button-down shirts, denim pieces with unusual details, and scarves experiencing a resurgence as multifunctional accessories. Coulton concludes that effective styling ultimately presents ‘the best version of yourself to the world.’

    Soho Boutique operates at Lee Gore Business Centre, Unit 16, 31 Upper Waterloo Road, Kingston 10, with opening hours Monday through Saturday from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm.

  • Infant dies, child injured as fire rips through Montpelier home

    Infant dies, child injured as fire rips through Montpelier home

    A tragic early morning fire in Montpelier, St. James has resulted in the death of a six-month-old infant and injuries to another child, according to local reports from Jamaica. The devastating blaze erupted approximately at 1:00 am on Tuesday within the Guinep Tree area, completely destroying a board-and-zinc residential structure.

    Emergency responders confirmed the infant succumbed to severe burn injuries sustained during the incident. Another juvenile victim sustained injuries and is receiving medical treatment, though specific condition details remain undisclosed.

    Jamaica Fire Brigade personnel have deployed to the disaster site to conduct comprehensive investigations into the origin and cause of the catastrophic fire. The preliminary examination has not yet determined the ignition source or circumstances that led to the rapid spread of flames through the vulnerable housing structure.

    The incident has highlighted continuing concerns about fire safety in informal settlements across Jamaica’s parish regions. Community members have expressed grief over the tragic loss while awaiting official findings from fire investigators regarding preventable measures that might avert similar tragedies.

  • Harvey Weinstein says prison is ‘hell’

    Harvey Weinstein says prison is ‘hell’

    In a remarkable prison interview with The Hollywood Reporter, convicted sex offender and former Hollywood titan Harvey Weinstein portrayed his current existence as unbearable confinement while steadfastly denying all criminal allegations against him.

    The 73-year-old disgraced producer, currently incarcerated at New York’s Rikers Island facility, described his daily reality as profoundly isolated and dangerous. “It’s hell,” Weinstein stated, explaining that security concerns prevent him from interacting with other inmates. “It’s too dangerous for me to be around anyone else. Other inmates get to go to the yard. But every time I’m out there, I feel like I’m under siege.”

    Weinstein recounted a violent incident where another prisoner assaulted him while waiting to use a telephone. “He got off and punched me hard in the face. I fell on the floor, bleeding everywhere. I was hurt really badly.”

    The interview revealed a man grappling with his dramatic fall from being Hollywood’s most powerful producer—the force behind acclaimed films like “Shakespeare in Love” and “Pulp Fiction”—to a convicted felon serving multiple sentences. Despite his convictions in both New York and California courts for sexual assault and rape, resulting in decades of imprisonment, Weinstein persistently maintained his innocence.

    “I will be proven innocent. That I promise you,” he declared regarding an upcoming retrial on rape charges. Weinstein acknowledged inappropriate behavior but distinguished it from criminal conduct: “The thing I was doing wrong was not sexual assault. It was cheating on my wife. I was desperate to keep that secret from her.”

    The former mogul suggested some accusers had financial motivations, stating, “Maybe they saw an opportunity for a payout. But not all of them were as naive as they liked to pretend.” While admitting to creating intimidating power dynamics, he insisted this remained “a long way from sexual assault.”

    Weinstein, who uses a wheelchair and claims to suffer from bone cancer following heart surgery in prison, expressed profound fear about dying behind bars. “It scares the shit out of me,” he confessed. “I’m going to be 74 in March. I don’t want to die in here.”

  • Ras-I, Kabaka Pyramid unite on These Are the Days

    Ras-I, Kabaka Pyramid unite on These Are the Days

    In a significant collaboration within the reggae music scene, celebrated roots-reggae artist Ras-I has joined forces with Grammy Award-winning musician Kabaka Pyramid to release a potent new single titled ‘These Are the Days.’ The track emerges as a powerful call to action, moving beyond mere spiritual contemplation to emphasize the necessity of tangible effort and determination in achieving one’s goals.

    Centered on the compelling refrain that ‘prayers alone can’t do it,’ the song delivers a resonant message tailored for dreamers and creators actively engaged in pursuing their purpose. Ras-I describes the release as a profoundly personal milestone in his artistic evolution, reflecting a period of significant professional momentum. ‘This song felt right for this moment because I know that I am on the cusp of something great,’ he revealed, underscoring the philosophy that aspiration must be coupled with practical application.

    The single’s emotional core is drawn from Ras-I’s personal history, with the chorus echoing exchanges he shared with his mother during pivotal moments in his career. Musically, the track is anchored by authentic roots-reggae instrumentation, featuring live drums by producer Keniel Drumz of Koastal King, alongside guitar work by Nnamdi Robinson, keyboard by Oniel Keys, and bass by Joshua Jones.

    Kabaka Pyramid’s feature enriches the narrative with perspectives from his own unconventional journey to success. He emphasizes the value of perseverance and mentorship, stating, ‘I bring my unique journey, challenges, and experiences to the song. Collaborations helped me on my journey, so I feel a duty to do the same for the younger generation.’ Ras-I acknowledges this, noting that Kabaka’s career serves as an inspirational model of discipline for emerging artists.

    ‘These Are the Days’ also acts as the second preview of Ras-I’s forthcoming third studio album, ‘Heart of Love,’ scheduled for release on May 15, 2026. The album aims to explore the multifaceted nature of love, with this single focusing specifically on devotion to music, the artistic journey, and the inner passion that sustains creators through challenges. The track is now available across all major digital streaming platforms.

  • Barbados and T&T seeking closer cooperation within tourism sector

    Barbados and T&T seeking closer cooperation within tourism sector

    BRIDGETOWN, Barbados – In a significant move to bolster regional cooperation, Barbados and Trinidad and Tobago are advancing toward a formal memorandum of understanding (MOU) focused on tourism development and cultural exchange. The initiative aims to mutually enhance economic interests and strengthen bilateral ties between the two Caribbean nations.

    The discussions, held in Barbados between Tourism Minister Ian Gooding-Edghill and Trinidad’s Minister of Civil Aviation and Transport, Eli Zakour, emphasized several critical areas. Key topics included improving regional air connectivity, addressing the high cost of intra-regional travel, and launching enhanced training programs for air traffic controllers (ATCs).

    Minister Gooding-Edghill highlighted the robust state of Barbados’ tourism sector, noting substantial investments from Trinidadian entrepreneurs in ongoing hotel developments such as Hotel Indigo, the Hyatt, Pierhead Project, Royalton Vessence, Pendry Hotel, and the Blue Monkey Hotel and Beach Club. He emphasized that a structured MOU would provide a framework to maximize shared benefits and sustainable growth.

    A major focus was placed on addressing the shortage of qualified air traffic controllers. Gooding-Edghill identified a pressing training deficit and proposed utilizing Trinidad’s Civil Aviation Training Centre for accelerated instruction. He stressed the urgency of securing funding and formalizing collaboration to build capacity swiftly.

    In response, Minister Zakour expressed Trinidad’s willingness to support Barbados through a dedicated training MOU, acknowledging that ATC staffing challenges are a regional issue. He affirmed Trinidad’s commitment to assisting with aviation capacity building.

    Additional discussions covered pilot recruitment shortages, new air service agreements to improve connectivity, and strategies to engage youth in aviation careers. Both ministers agreed to continue high-level dialogues to finalize the agreement in the near future.

  • Budget Debate: Regulations to be amended to ease process for life insurance companies to invest in corporate debt

    Budget Debate: Regulations to be amended to ease process for life insurance companies to invest in corporate debt

    KINGSTON, Jamaica — The Jamaican government has announced significant reforms to Regulation 47 of the Insurance Regulation, aiming to liberalize investment options for life insurance companies and stimulate growth in the corporate debt market.

    Finance and Public Service Minister Fayval Williams unveiled the policy shift during her opening address at the 2026/27 Budget Debate in Gordon House on Tuesday. The current regulatory framework imposes restrictive conditions that effectively limit insurers to investing exclusively in publicly-listed, rated, and collateralized securities.

    Minister Williams criticized the existing interpretation as overly prescriptive, noting that it forces insurers to meet multiple conditions simultaneously. This approach has inadvertently excluded numerous creditworthy domestic issuers from accessing insurance capital, thereby constraining investment returns and hindering the development of Jamaica’s corporate debt ecosystem.

    The revised regulation introduces a more flexible dual-criteria framework. Insurers will now be permitted to invest in corporate debt instruments if they meet either of two objective standards: the instruments must be secured by adequate collateral and bear fixed interest, or they must be issued, secured, or guaranteed by a solvent company deemed investment-grade by a recognized rating agency.

    Williams emphasized that these changes maintain essential investor protections while substantially expanding the universe of eligible investments. The reform is expected to create a robust new source of long-term local financing that can support corporate expansion, working capital needs, and project finance initiatives.

    Particularly beneficial for mid-sized companies and infrastructure projects that face limited access to long-term bank credit, the new framework offers an alternative funding channel with potential for longer maturities and more competitive pricing. The minister projected that the policy adjustment would foster a deeper, more dynamic domestic corporate debt market while preserving appropriate safeguards for institutional investors.

  • US attorneys general sue Trump over latest ‘illegal’ tariffs

    US attorneys general sue Trump over latest ‘illegal’ tariffs

    A multistate coalition spearheaded by New York Attorney General Letitia James has initiated legal action against former President Donald Trump’s administration over controversial tariffs targeting Caribbean nations and other countries. The lawsuit, joined by 21 attorneys general alongside the governors of Kentucky and Pennsylvania, contends that these sweeping trade measures exceed presidential authority and violate constitutional principles.

    The legal challenge emerges shortly after the US Supreme Court ruled against Trump’s previous tariff imposition under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA). In response to that defeat, the former president invoked Section 122 of the Trade Act of 1974 to enact new tariffs affecting Caribbean economies.

    The coalition’s central argument maintains that the presidential administration lacks legal standing to implement such comprehensive tariffs under this legislation. They assert that the measures fail to meet Section 122’s specific requirements while simultaneously infringing upon constitutional separation of powers protections.

    Attorney General James characterized the move as another example of Trump disregarding legal boundaries to effectively tax consumers and small businesses. ‘These tariffs will only drive up the cost of living,’ James stated in comments to Caribbean Media Corporation, ‘and I will continue to uphold the rule of law to protect New Yorkers.’

    New York Governor Kathy Hochul supported the legal action, noting that ‘illegal and reckless tariff policies continue to weigh on businesses, farmers and consumers across New York State.’ Hochul emphasized the state’s pursuit of recovering $13.5 billion in tariff costs from federal collections.

    The legal filing highlights that no previous administration has attempted to utilize Section 122 for broad tariff implementation. The statute was specifically designed to address monetary crises within fixed-rate exchange systems like the gold standard—a financial framework abandoned by the United States fifty years ago.

    Furthermore, the coalition challenges the administration’s justification based on trade deficits, arguing that such economic conditions are conceptually distinct from the balance of payments deficits that Section 122 was intended to address. The lawsuit also notes discriminatory application, as the tariffs exempt numerous goods from Canada, Mexico, and several Central American nations while including 84 pages of specific product exceptions.

    The legal action seeks judicial intervention from the United States Court of International Trade to declare the tariffs unlawful, prevent their implementation, and secure refunds for states that have already incurred costs under the proclamation.

  • Teen boy charged with murder of Ocho Rios High student

    Teen boy charged with murder of Ocho Rios High student

    A tragic incident at Ocho Rios High School in St. Ann, Jamaica has resulted in murder charges against a 17-year-old student following the death of his 16-year-old schoolmate, Devonie Shearer. The fatal altercation occurred on the afternoon of Wednesday, March 4, when the accused allegedly struck Shearer with a metal chair, causing severe head trauma that left the victim unconscious.

    According to official reports from the St. Ann’s Bay police, the assault took place approximately at 3:00 pm on school grounds. The weapon used in the attack—a metal chair—inflicted critical injuries to Shearer’s head. School staff and witnesses reportedly provided immediate assistance, transporting the injured teenager to a nearby medical facility. Despite emergency treatment efforts, Shearer succumbed to his injuries while undergoing care.

    The suspect was transferred to police custody later that same day. Following thorough investigation and collection of eyewitness testimonies that substantiated the allegations, formal murder charges were filed against the 17-year-old on Thursday, March 5. The charging procedure was conducted with the accused’s parent present, in compliance with juvenile justice protocols.

    The case has been referred to the Family Court system, with an initial appearance scheduled for Wednesday, March 18. Background information reveals that both students involved in this tragedy were relatively new to the institution, having been recently transferred to Ocho Rios High School according to statements from the school’s principal.

    The community remains in mourning as Devonie Shearer’s parents grieve the devastating loss of their son in what should have been a secure educational environment. This incident has raised serious concerns about school safety and conflict resolution among adolescents in Jamaica’s educational system.

  • Cavalier SC secure third straight win in JPL

    Cavalier SC secure third straight win in JPL

    KINGSTON, Jamaica — Cavalier Soccer Club achieved a significant milestone in the Jamaica Premier League season by securing their third consecutive victory with a narrow 1-0 triumph over Chapelton Maroons at Stadium East on Sunday. The defending champions, who had previously struggled to maintain consistent form this season, demonstrated renewed competitive strength with this critical win.

    The match’s sole goal came from substitute Romarion Thomas, who entered the game during the second half and found the net in the 71st minute. This marked Cavalier’s fourth consecutive victory against Chapelton Maroons, solidifying their dominance in this particular matchup. The loss halted Chapelton’s own two-game winning streak, leaving them in 10th position with 32 points.

    In other Sunday fixtures, Tivoli Gardens mounted an impressive comeback against Dunbeholden FC, overturning an early deficit to claim a 2-1 victory. Despite conceding an eighth-minute goal from Clive Wedderburn, Tivoli responded with equalizer from Alton Lewis in the 13th minute before Joshua Dewar secured the winning goal in the 22nd minute.

    Meanwhile, Portmore United missed a crucial opportunity to advance in the standings after being held to a 1-1 draw by Treasure Beach. Dunsting Cohen initially put Portmore ahead in the 22nd minute, but veteran player Afiba Chambers equalized for Treasure Beach in the 76th minute, extending their positive run to five points from their last three matches.

    The day’s action concluded with a goalless draw between Arnett Gardens and Molynes United, leaving Arnett without a victory in their last five outings while Molynes maintained a four-point cushion above the relegation zone.

  • Holland High’s Shanoya Douglas named in Jamaica’s team to World Indoor

    Holland High’s Shanoya Douglas named in Jamaica’s team to World Indoor

    Jamaican athletics has announced its 32-member national team roster for the upcoming World Athletics Indoor Championships scheduled for March 20-22 in Poland. The selection features a compelling blend of established international competitors and emerging domestic talent, headlined by 18-year-old prodigy Shanoya Douglas from Holland High School.

    Douglas secured her position following extraordinary performances at the recent Carifta Trials held at Kingston’s National Stadium. The teenage sprinter achieved a personal best and world-leading Under-20 time of 11.06 seconds (with 1.5m/s wind assistance) in the 100-meter dash on Friday, followed by a dominant 22.58-second finish (1.7m/s wind) in the Under-20 200-meter event on Sunday. Her selection marks a significant milestone as she becomes the first high school female athlete named to Jamaica’s World Indoor Championships team since 2003, when Holmwood Technical’s Sheryl Morgan and Anniesha McLaughlin earned similar honors for the Birmingham competition. Douglas has been included in the women’s 4×400-meter relay pool.

    The Jamaican selection committee also incorporated five athletes currently competing within the United States collegiate system. The team features several medal contenders including Ackeem Blake (bronze medalist in men’s 60m) and Carey McLeod (bronze in men’s long jump) from the 2024 Glasgow competition, alongside Jordan Scott, who reached the men’s triple jump finals at last year’s championships in Nanjing, China.

    The complete squad showcases Jamaica’s depth across multiple disciplines:

    Women’s Team: Jonielle Smith, Briana Lyston, and Tina Clayton (reserve) in 60m; Megan Simmonds-Tapper and Oneka Wilson in 60m hurdles; Nickisha Pryce in 400m; Natoya Goule-Toppin and Kelly Ann Beckford in 800m; Lamara Distin in high jump; Nia Robinson in long jump; Shantae Foreman in triple jump; and the 4x400m relay pool featuring Pryce, Shana Kaye Anderson, Leah Anderson, Beckford, Goule-Toppin, and Douglas.

    Men’s Team: Ackeem Blake, Kishane Thompson, Bryan Levell, and Kadrian Goldson (reserve) in 60m; Demario Prince, Jerome Campbell, and Vashaun Vascianna (reserve) in 60m hurdles; Delano Kennedy and Reheem Hayles in 400m; Navasky Anderson and Rivaldo Marshall in 800m; Carey McLeod, Tajay Gayle, and Jordan Turner (reserve) in long jump; Jordan Scott in triple jump; and the 4x400m relay team comprising Kennedy, Hayles, Kimar Farquharson, Tyrice Taylor, Marshall, and Demar Francis.