KINGSTON, Jamaica — The National Museum Jamaica (NMJ), a division of the Institute of Jamaica (IOJ), is set to host its first-ever Heritage Debate on October 3, in collaboration with the Jamaican Association for Debate and Empowerment Limited (JADE). The debate will center on the provocative question: ‘Should Jamaican Patois Be Considered an Official Language?’ This event marks a departure from the traditional Heritage Lecture, which has been a staple of National Heritage Month activities organized by the Ministry of Culture, Gender, Entertainment, and Sport. Stephanie Rose, Assistant Outreach Officer at NMJ, explained to JIS News that the shift to a debate format aims to create a more interactive and engaging platform for cultural discourse. ‘We wanted to encourage more participation and dialogue, allowing people to express their views in a museum setting,’ she said. The debate will feature teams from Holy Trinity High School and Pembroke Hall High School, competing at the IOJ Lecture Hall in downtown Kingston. Rose emphasized that the target audience remains high school and tertiary students, as the discussion will be more formal and suited to their educational level. The topic was chosen after extensive consultation with educators, who expressed strong interest in the subject. ‘Patois has been debated at various levels, but never in a museum environment where students can openly share their perspectives,’ Rose added. The event will be moderated by Professor Sonjah Stanley Niaah from the University of the West Indies, Mona, and will be streamed live on the NMJ YouTube channel.
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The Bahamas government monitors passage of strengthening tropical storm Imelda
The Bahamas government has lifted the tropical storm warning for the Central Bahamas and parts of the northwestern Bahamas as Tropical Storm Imelda, projected to intensify into a hurricane by Tuesday, is set to traverse the northwestern Bahamas on Monday. According to the latest update from the Miami-based National Hurricane Centre (NHC), the storm is currently located approximately 60 miles south of Great Abaco Island, moving northward at a speed of eight miles per hour. Residents in Bermuda are also advised to monitor Imelda’s progress.
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Alkaline locked to headline Dream Weekend 2026
Dream Entertainment has officially announced that dancehall sensation Alkaline will headline Dream Weekend 2026, marking a significant shift for the iconic summer festival. After 16 years in Negril, the event will relocate to Montego Bay on Jamaica’s north coast in 2026, promising a fresh chapter for the beloved celebration. Known as the ‘Vendetta Boss,’ Alkaline is celebrated for his chart-topping hits and ability to draw massive crowds both locally and internationally. His inclusion in the lineup signifies a bold new direction for the Dream brand. Scott Dunn, Group Managing Director of Dream Entertainment Limited, emphasized Alkaline’s cultural significance, stating, ‘Alkaline represents the voice of a generation and the pinnacle of modern dancehall. His exclusive performance at Dream Weekend 2026 is not just a show but a cultural milestone, reflecting our commitment to innovation and boundary-pushing.’ Scheduled for July 30 to August 3, 2026, the festival will coincide with Emancipendence week, offering signature themed parties, premium entertainment, and an immersive cultural experience. The picturesque waterfront venues of Montego Bay will provide a stunning backdrop, ensuring a unique and unforgettable experience for loyal attendees.
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Visual Vibe expands into US, unlocks outdoor advertising on 175 digital trucks
Visual Vibe, a subsidiary of Kintyre Holdings (JA) Limited, has unveiled its strategic entry into the United States market through an innovative collaboration with Dalvey Media. This partnership grants Visual Vibe access to a fleet of 175 digital advertising trucks across the nation, marking a significant milestone in its global expansion strategy. The company announced the establishment of Kintyre Holdings Inc in Miami, which will serve as the operational hub for its US endeavors. A general manager will be appointed in Miami to spearhead the nationwide rollout and oversee the company’s growth trajectory. Tyrone Wilson, Founder, President, and CEO of Kintyre Holdings, emphasized the company’s commitment to assembling a world-class team by leveraging platforms like Upwork to attract top-tier talent. This move ensures the company possesses the expertise and agility required for international scaling. Marlon A Hill, a partner at Weiss Serota Helfman Cole & Bierman, specializing in corporate law, government affairs, and international transactions, serves as the legal counsel for Kintyre Holdings (JA) Limited. Wilson described the partnership as a transformative step for Visual Vibe, which was acquired by Kintyre Holdings in 2023. The company has since undergone significant upgrades, expanding its reach with indoor digital screens in over 40 prime locations in Jamaica and enhancing its outdoor presence. The US expansion will commence with a testing phase in the coming months, followed by a nationwide rollout. This initiative aims to provide brands with innovative ways to engage audiences through a dynamic digital advertising platform that moves with them. Visual Vibe, a pioneer in Jamaica’s digital out-of-home advertising industry for over 15 years, continues to align with Kintyre Holdings’ vision of building a robust global advertising network.
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Trump announces 100% tariff on movies made abroad
In a bold move, former US President Donald Trump has once again threatened to impose a 100% tariff on films produced outside the United States, accusing other nations of undermining the American film industry. Trump’s latest declaration, made via a Truth Social post on Monday, likened the situation to “stealing candy from a baby” and criticized California Governor Gavin Newsom for his handling of the state’s economic challenges. Trump’s proposal, which lacks specific details or a timeline, mirrors a similar threat he issued in May, when he claimed the US film industry was “dying a very fast death” and directed the Department of Commerce and US Trade Representative to explore such tariffs. The potential impact on Hollywood, a cornerstone of the US economy, remains uncertain. The industry, which contributed $279 billion in sales and supported over 2.3 million jobs in 2022, has faced significant setbacks due to the COVID-19 pandemic and recent labor strikes. Trump’s latest remarks come amid a broader push for tariffs on various imports, including branded pharmaceuticals, furniture, and heavy trucks, with some duties set to take effect as early as this week. Notably, his statements did not address whether television series, a growing segment of the entertainment sector, would be affected.
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‘Bunny’ Shaw bags brace in Man City win over London City in WSL
Manchester City delivered a commanding performance in the Women’s Super League (WSL) on Sunday, securing a 4-1 victory against the London City Lionesses. Jamaican international Khadija “Bunny” Shaw was the standout player, netting two crucial goals from the penalty spot in the second half. This win propelled Manchester City to third place in the league standings, with nine points from four games, trailing behind Manchester United and Chelsea, who have 10 and 12 points, respectively. Shaw’s brace brought her season tally to three goals, placing her among the top three goal scorers in the WSL. The match began with Manchester City taking an early lead, as Vivianne Miedema headed in a cross from Kerstin Casparij in the 11th minute. Laura Blindkilde Brown extended the lead just three minutes later with a precise low shot through a crowded box. London City managed to pull one back in the 19th minute, thanks to a clinical finish by Nikita Parris following a defensive lapse. However, Shaw’s composure from the penalty spot in the 69th and 89th minutes, following fouls by Saki Kumagai and Wassa Sangare, sealed the victory for Manchester City.
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Trump’s 20-point Gaza peace plan
In a significant move to address the prolonged conflict in Gaza, the White House has unveiled a detailed 20-point plan aimed at ending the nearly two-year war, securing the release of hostages held by Hamas, and outlining a sustainable future for the Palestinian enclave. The plan, announced on Monday, was presented by President Donald Trump alongside Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who expressed cautious support for the initiative.
The proposal begins with the establishment of Gaza as a deradicalised, terror-free zone, ensuring it no longer poses a threat to neighboring regions. It emphasizes the redevelopment of Gaza to benefit its residents, who have endured immense suffering. A key component of the plan is the immediate cessation of hostilities upon mutual agreement, with Israeli forces withdrawing to pre-defined lines to facilitate the release of hostages. Military operations, including aerial and artillery bombardments, will be suspended during this period.
Within 72 hours of Israel’s acceptance of the agreement, all hostages, both alive and deceased, are to be returned. In exchange, Israel will release 250 life-sentence prisoners and 1,700 Gazans detained after October 7, 2023, including all women and children. Hamas members committed to peaceful coexistence will be granted amnesty, and those wishing to leave Gaza will be provided safe passage.
The plan also prioritizes humanitarian aid, ensuring the immediate delivery of essential supplies and the rehabilitation of critical infrastructure such as water, electricity, and hospitals. A temporary transitional governance structure, led by a technocratic Palestinian committee and overseen by an international ‘Board of Peace,’ will manage Gaza’s administration until the Palestinian Authority completes its reform program.
Economic revitalization is a cornerstone of the proposal, with the creation of a special economic zone and the involvement of international experts to attract investment and foster job creation. The plan guarantees that no one will be forced to leave Gaza, while encouraging residents to stay and contribute to rebuilding their homeland.
To ensure long-term security, the United States will collaborate with regional partners to establish an International Stabilisation Force (ISF) to train and support Palestinian police forces. The ISF will work alongside Israel and Egypt to secure border areas and prevent the flow of munitions into Gaza. Israel has committed to not occupying or annexing Gaza, with the IDF progressively withdrawing as stability is achieved.
The plan also includes measures to promote interfaith dialogue, foster peaceful coexistence, and create a credible pathway to Palestinian self-determination and statehood. The United States will facilitate ongoing dialogue between Israel and the Palestinians to ensure a political horizon for peaceful and prosperous coexistence.
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Jamaica Food and Drink Festival 2025 to serve up culinary innovation, cultural flair
The Jamaica Food and Drink Festival 2025, set to take place from November 13 to 16, is poised to be a groundbreaking celebration of culinary creativity and cultural heritage. This year’s event, themed ‘Jamaican Food Reimagined,’ will feature a series of immersive experiences designed to elevate traditional Jamaican cuisine through innovative interpretations by renowned chefs. The festival kicks off on November 13 at ‘Kuyah’ in downtown Kingston, where patrons will savor inventive dishes crafted by 10 chefs, paired with local spirits and rums, all accompanied by live music. The festivities continue on November 14 at Hope Gardens with ‘Decade 2.0,’ showcasing a diverse culinary lineup, including pork palooza, chopstick, and picante, prepared by 25 chefs. On November 15, Ocean Boulevard will transform into a vibrant hub of street food, music, and entertainment, while the festival concludes on November 16 with the beloved ‘Boozy Brunch.’ The event, endorsed by Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Mining Floyd Green, aims to promote Jamaican food and culture on a global scale. Minister Green emphasized the festival’s role in expanding the export of Jamaican products, such as sauces and seasonings, while Minister of Culture, Gender, Entertainment, and Sport Olivia Grange highlighted its significance in preserving and celebrating Jamaica’s rich food heritage. Festival Director Alicia Bogues noted the event’s growing popularity, both locally and internationally, and its ability to attract tourists seeking unique culinary experiences. Pre-sale tickets will be available from October 1, with purchases possible online or at designated outlets.
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UPDATE: Police identify man killed at St Toolies River
In a tragic incident near the Manchester/Clarendon border in Jamaica, 26-year-old Lavar Malcolm, a resident of Kintyre district in St Andrew, was fatally shot by an armed assailant on Sunday. Malcolm, who was also known as ‘Jamie Warlock’ on TikTok, was among a group of patrons at a section of the St Toolies River when the attack occurred. According to police reports, the gunman demanded Malcolm’s belongings, but Malcolm resisted, leading to multiple gunshots to his upper body. Law enforcement officials discovered five Blaze Luger 9mm spent casings at the scene. A senior police source suggested that the killing might be connected to an ongoing feud in the Papine area. The incident has sparked widespread attention on social media, where Malcolm was recognized as a popular influencer.
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YFL Junior Cup more than celebration of football, says lead organiser
The highly anticipated fourth edition of the Youth Football League’s (YFL) Junior Cup is set to commence on October 4 at the Constant Spring field, with subsequent matches moving to Kirkvine, Manchester, on October 11. The all-island final will return to Constant Spring on October 18, where the top six teams will compete for the championship title. Hillel Prep, the defending champions, will aim to retain their crown in this prestigious tournament.