标签: Jamaica

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  • Candlelight tribute to mark the start of Barry G’s final journey

    Candlelight tribute to mark the start of Barry G’s final journey

    The children of renowned Jamaican broadcasting pioneer Barrington ‘Barry G’ Gordon are organizing a ceremonial candlelight vigil to commemorate their father’s immense legacy, scheduled for this evening at the Police Officers’ Club in St Andrew. This tribute, deliberately postponed due to the catastrophic aftermath of Hurricane Melissa which coincided with Gordon’s passing on October 29, 2025, is designed as a national moment of reflection and celebration.

    Barry G, celebrated for his dynamic on-air persona and profound influence on Jamaican music and culture, fathered seven children. They have collaboratively designed an event that mirrors his passions, featuring performances from artists and colleagues whose careers he helped shape. The symbolism of candlelight was chosen to represent both remembrance and the guiding light of his legacy, inviting widespread public participation.

    The serendipitous scheduling of the tribute on February 6, which marks the birthday of reggae icon Bob Marley and initiates Jamaica’s Reggae Month, adds a layer of cultural significance. The family emphasizes this was unintentional yet profoundly fitting, given Barry G’s lifelong dedication to promoting Jamaican music globally.

    Beyond his professional acclaim as a ‘broadcast legend,’ his daughters Sade and Stacy Gordon fondly recalled his role as a devoted father, mentor, and confidant. They highlighted his core values of humility, discipline, and an unwavering belief in education and hard work. The family intends to channel the collective grief into positive action, announcing preliminary plans for a charitable foundation and youth development initiatives established in his name, ensuring his commitment to service endures.

    A formal thanksgiving service is also scheduled for February 7, 2026, at Boulevard Baptist Church, providing another opportunity for the nation to pay its respects to an icon whose voice defined an era.

  • Mexico to send food aid to Cuba while seeking end to oil siege — Sheinbaum

    Mexico to send food aid to Cuba while seeking end to oil siege — Sheinbaum

    MEXICO CITY — In a significant diplomatic maneuver, Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum announced on Friday that her administration will dispatch humanitarian assistance to Cuba while simultaneously engaging in delicate negotiations with the United States regarding potential circumvention of the American oil blockade against the Caribbean nation.

    The announcement comes amid escalating tensions following US President Donald Trump’s declaration to economically isolate communist Cuba by cutting off its oil supplies, accompanied by threats of imposing tariffs on any country attempting to assist Havana. The island nation, grappling with a severe energy crisis, has historically depended on subsidized petroleum from Venezuela, whose leadership was recently destabilized by US intervention.

    President Sheinbaum revealed that Mexico is preparing to send essential supplies consisting primarily of food items and other requested materials, with shipment expected no later than Monday. Simultaneously, Mexican diplomats are engaged in ongoing discussions with Washington to explore avenues for resuming oil exports without triggering sanctions against Mexico.

    According to data released by state-owned petroleum company Pemex, Mexico’s oil sales to Cuba amounted to $496 million in 2025, representing less than one percent of the company’s total production. Pemex maintains that these shipments serve exclusively humanitarian purposes amid Cuba’s worsening energy emergency.

    The US pressure campaign threatens to exacerbate Cuba’s power generation capabilities, with fuel shortages already causing significant blackouts across the island. In a contrasting approach, the US State Department disclosed on Thursday the allocation of $6 million in direct aid to Cuban citizens through Catholic Church channels, building upon previous assistance totaling $3 million distributed via similar mechanisms.

  • Sean Paul and Keyshia Cole’s Give it Up to Me returns to the charts after 20 years

    Sean Paul and Keyshia Cole’s Give it Up to Me returns to the charts after 20 years

    Two decades following its initial release, Sean Paul and Keyshia Cole’s collaborative single ‘When You Gonna (Give it Up to Me)’ is experiencing an extraordinary chart renaissance across global music platforms. The 2006 hit, which originally peaked at #3 on the Billboard Hot 100, has found remarkable renewed popularity through contemporary digital engagement.

    The song’s dramatic resurgence is primarily fueled by its massive adoption on TikTok, where it has become the soundtrack for a widespread dance phenomenon. Since January 2026, the track has accumulated over 40 million new streams worldwide, demonstrating its cross-generational appeal that connects with both nostalgic original fans and a new cohort of digital-native listeners.

    TikTok has served as the primary catalyst for this revival, with the song featuring prominently in content related to ‘Avatar: Fire and Ash’ and various nostalgia-themed edits that incorporate early-2000s pop culture references, film clips, and period-specific visuals. The audio has been incorporated into more than 1.5 million user-generated videos, collectively amassing over 1.3 billion views on the platform.

    Current analytics indicate sustained engagement rather than a temporary viral spike, with recent peaks reaching 480,000 video creations and 548 million views within specific measurement periods. This consistent performance has directly translated to significant chart reappearances across multiple territories.

    As of February 4, the track holds position #114 on Spotify’s Global Top 200 Weekly chart, with particularly strong performances in Germany (#16), the United Kingdom (#66), and France (#131). The most active markets driving this resurgence include the United States, Germany, the United Kingdom, Russia, and France.

    Originally released through Atlantic Records and VP Records as part of the ‘Step-Up’ movie soundtrack and the fourth single from Sean Paul’s ‘The Trinity’ album, the song achieved substantial international success upon its original release. It previously reached #17 in Australia, #30 in Austria, #14 in Belgium, and achieved top-ten placements in Canada, Finland, Netherlands, Russia, Switzerland, and multiple Billboard genre charts.

    The current chart performance demonstrates even broader international reach than its original release, with new placements at #53 on the UK Singles chart (improving from its previous #31 peak), #26 in Austria, #12 in Greece, #130 on Billboard’s Global 200 chart, #71 in Ireland, #17 in Lithuania, #52 in Norway, #39 in Poland, #6 in Romania, and #46 in Sweden.

  • HOT ON ICE!

    HOT ON ICE!

    As the Winter Olympics commence in Milan, Italy, Jamaica’s sporting narrative undergoes a profound transformation. Sport Minister Olivia Grange declares the nation has shed its novelty status to emerge as a legitimate competitive force in winter sports, despite its tropical climate.

    The Jamaican team will compete across three bobsleigh disciplines and alpine skiing during the Games running through February 22. This marks the country’s tenth Winter Olympic appearance and fourth consecutive in bobsledding, demonstrating sustained commitment beyond the underdog story popularized by the 1993 film ‘Cool Runnings’ inspired by Jamaica’s 1988 Calgary debut.

    ‘Our active winter sports program without natural snow proves our athletes aren’t just ordinary competitors,’ Minister Grange emphasized. ‘We demonstrate extraordinary daring, courage and bravery by excelling in environments contrary to our climatic identity.’

    The roster features captain Shane Pitter leading the four-man bobsled team with Andrae Dacres, Junior Harris, Joel Fearon and former 100m champion Tyquendo Tracey. Pitter and Tracey will additionally compete in the two-man event, while Welsh-born Mica Moore represents Jamaica in women’s monobob. Henri Rivers completes the delegation in alpine skiing.

    Recent achievements have fundamentally shifted perceptions of Jamaican winter sports. The program reached a milestone last year by securing its first regional competition gold medals, validating years of development. ‘We’re now respected because we’re winning, not just because we lost and were novel,’ Grange noted, referencing the team’s progression since her early involvement.

    Despite competitive gains, the Jamaica Bobsleigh and Skeleton Federation continues advocating for enhanced financial and corporate support. Communications manager Rolando Reid acknowledged equipment disparities, noting current sleds are ‘fast but not German-fast.’ The federation has pursued crowdfunding initiatives to acquire world-class equipment comparable to leading nations.

    The government has provided support through the Athletes’ Assistance Programme, allocating $2.16 million to qualified bobsledders. Additional backing includes coverage under the National Athletes’ Insurance Plan and developmental documentation through the sports ministry.

    Jamaica seeks its first Winter Olympic medal while continuing to redefine expectations of tropical nations in cold-weather sports, combining athletic excellence with groundbreaking perseverance.

  • ‘Liz’ charged in relation to 2024 murder

    ‘Liz’ charged in relation to 2024 murder

    KINGSTON, Jamaica — Jamaican authorities have formally brought criminal charges against a 27-year-old construction worker in connection with the fatal August shooting of a local electrician. Jason Campbell, also known by the alias “Liz,” faces multiple charges including murder, possession of a prohibited weapon, unauthorized possession of ammunition, and utilizing a firearm to commit a felony.

    The case centers on the death of 55-year-old Paul Brown, who was known in his community as “Bringle.” According to official reports from the Denham Town police division, the violent incident occurred on the afternoon of Thursday, August 8, 2024, within the victim’s residential community.

    Police investigators report that at approximately 4:30 p.m., Brown was standing on a roadway when he was approached by Campbell and another unidentified individual. Campbell allegedly produced a firearm and discharged multiple rounds, striking the electrician in the upper body. The assailants subsequently fled the scene.

    Despite sustaining critical injuries, Brown managed to retreat into his yard for safety and alerted neighbors that Campbell had been responsible for the shooting. Local residents assisted the wounded man to a medical facility, where he succumbed to his injuries during emergency treatment.

    The investigation into Brown’s death prompted Campbell to surrender himself to law enforcement authorities on Tuesday. After questioning and evidence review, prosecutors formally filed charges against the suspect on Thursday, moving the case toward judicial proceedings.

  • Datenight partners with Sanejo for exclusive Valentine’s experience

    Datenight partners with Sanejo for exclusive Valentine’s experience

    KINGSTON, Jamaica—Datenight.JM has unveiled an ambitious luxury partnership with Sanejo, realizing a long-developed vision for premium romantic experiences. CEO Saidah Denniser confirmed the venture’s debut aligns strategically with the 2026 Valentine’s season, despite Jamaica’s ongoing recovery from Hurricane Melissa and economic challenges.

    The innovative service, branded ‘Datenight on the Dock’, transforms yacht-based evenings into curated luxury experiences. Patrons receive meticulously arranged picnic setups featuring premium blankets, cushions, and wine accessories, complemented by personalized beverage selections and customizable charcuterie boards. Denniser emphasizes this offering represents the evolution of her company’s eight-year journey from floral arrangements to comprehensive experience curation.

    ‘This concept embodies the true essence of date night—exuding love, passion, and premium quality for couples,’ Denniser stated. The partnership with Sanejo enabled the realization of a vision several years in development, exceeding initial customer expectations according to early feedback.

    Contrary to seasonal limitations, the service will operate year-round catering to anniversaries, proposals, and birthday celebrations. Despite broader economic pressures affecting Jamaican consumers, Denniser anticipates strong demand for the 2026 Valentine’s period, noting it consistently ranks among their busiest seasons. The company is implementing expanded training programs and operational systems to maintain service quality during peak demand periods.

    The 2026 launch coincides with Datenight.JM’s eighth anniversary, marking the company’s commitment to innovation and meaningful experience creation within Jamaica’s hospitality sector.

  • ‘Shocked & disappointed’

    ‘Shocked & disappointed’

    A significant accounting failure at Jamaica Broilers Group (JBG) has triggered a financial crisis for one of its largest institutional investors, Mayberry Jamaican Equities Limited (MJE), erasing nearly $1 billion in portfolio value and contributing to one of the worst annual performances in MJE’s history.

    The scandal emerged from JBG’s U.S. operations, where accounting irregularities necessitated a massive $46 billion restatement of its 2024 audited financial statements. This restatement, primarily involving overstated inventories and biological assets, precipitated a catastrophic 53% plunge in JBG’s stock price throughout 2025.

    For MJE, the collapse was devastating. The investment firm recorded an $899 million unrealized loss on its JBG holdings, forming part of a broader $4.93 billion net loss for the year. MJE Chairman Chris Berry expressed profound shock and disappointment during an investor briefing, stating, “We still don’t really understand how it happened, why it happened… It’s a great tragedy for Jamaica, the Jamaica Stock Exchange, and for the company.”

    The fallout continues as accountability remains unclear. When questioned about remedial actions at JBG’s U.S. operations, Berry declined to elaborate. MJE’s exposure to JBG grew substantially over several years, with investments exceeding $1 billion since 2022, making MJE JBG’s fifth-largest shareholder before the collapse.

    JBG has implemented sweeping reforms including management overhaul, strengthened financial controls with IBM’s assistance, appointment of a new U.S. auditor, and a $24 billion refinancing package. The company’s audit committee is pursuing an electronic communication search requested by auditor PwC Jamaica, which issued a qualified opinion due to the absence of this investigation.

    Despite these measures, uncertainty persists. Bruce Bowen, chairman of JBG’s audit committee, revealed no intention to pursue further recovery actions related to the U.S. operations at this time. The company continues negotiations to resolve approximately $120 million in U.S.-related debt while implementing governance reforms including a comprehensive review by Cube Corporate Support Limited.

    The scandal has eroded investor confidence significantly, with JBG shares losing $22.45 billion in market capitalization during 2025, highlighting the profound impact of accounting governance failures on market stability and investor trust.

  • Tatik taps Seanizzle for ‘Favorite Notification’

    Tatik taps Seanizzle for ‘Favorite Notification’

    Jamaican dancehall performer Tatik has unveiled his newest musical offering, “Favorite Notification,” a composition crafted under the production expertise of Seanizzle Production. Preliminary promotional materials have already begun cultivating significant audience anticipation for the official release.

    The single delves into a universally recognizable contemporary romantic scenario—the profound effect of receiving communication from a specific individual at a precisely opportune moment. Thematically, the song investigates concepts of emotional synchronicity and interpersonal bonds, articulating how a basic digital interaction—a call or message—can dramatically alter one’s emotional state following a taxing day.

    A-Town, Tatik’s managerial representative, provided insight into the track’s foundational concept, indicating it mirrors authentic relational dynamics. He elaborated that within modern partnerships, a single message from one individual to the other possesses the capacity to immediately transform the recipient’s “day, mood and temperature,” thereby emphasizing the theme of emotional comfort and security that underpins the song.

    Diverging from musical trends that prioritize extravagant production, “Favorite Notification” concentrates on the subtleties of daily closeness and the solace derived from significant digital dialogue. This artistic decision imbues the track with a highly relatable quality, positioning it to profoundly connect with audiences who prioritize genuine emotional availability over demonstrative romantic actions.

    Production for the song’s official visual accompaniment is presently underway. Concurrently, teaser clips distributed across various platforms persist in amplifying visibility and stimulating listener engagement ahead of the full release.

  • Market Bag: Tomato at $100, lettuce for $200 as prices lower at ‘Curry’

    Market Bag: Tomato at $100, lettuce for $200 as prices lower at ‘Curry’

    KINGSTON, Jamaica – A notable improvement in food affordability is being observed at Kingston’s renowned Coronation Market this week, signaling a positive turn in agricultural recovery efforts following Hurricane Melissa’s devastation three months prior.

    Vendors report significantly improved conditions, with one merchant popularly known as ‘Princess’ stating, ‘Post-hurricane, our crops have rebounded remarkably well. We now offer tomatoes at $100 and $60 per pound, though bananas, plantains, and papayas remain in limited supply.’

    Shoppers at the downtown market during Thursday’s operations echoed this sentiment regarding market conditions. A female consumer informed Observer Online, ‘Market conditions are satisfactory today with favorable pricing. The sole exception was lemons, which carried a premium cost.’

    Beyond tomatoes, several produce items are experiencing price reductions this weekend. Lettuce is currently marketed at $200 per pound, melons at $150, and onions at $200. The market’s revitalization story will be featured in an upcoming episode of ‘Market Bag’ hosted by Carlysia Ramdeen, offering viewers comprehensive insights into Jamaica’s ongoing agricultural recovery.

  • The story behind Bob Marley’s iconic ‘Survival’ album cover

    The story behind Bob Marley’s iconic ‘Survival’ album cover

    Released in October 1979, Bob Marley’s ‘Survival’ stands as arguably his most politically charged album, conceived during a pivotal era of African anti-colonial movements. The album’s distinctive visual identity emerged from the creative genius of Neville Garrick, Marley’s longtime art director, who recently revealed the profound conceptual thinking behind the iconic cover in an interview with journalist Chris Morrow.

    Garrick described ‘Survival’ as his personal favorite among the twelve album covers he created for Marley and The Wailers. Originally titled ‘Black Survival,’ the project underwent significant reconsideration to ensure its message would resonate universally rather than alienate non-black audiences. This philosophical shift prompted Garrick to develop a powerful visual language that conveyed black identity without explicit verbal declaration.

    The groundbreaking cover design featured the assembled flags of independent African nations, meticulously handcrafted by Garrick using construction paper at twice the standard album size to achieve perfect color fidelity upon reduction. Notably, Garrick made a conscious political statement by excluding Rhodesia’s flag—then still under white minority rule—and instead incorporating the banners of liberation movements ZANU and ZAPU fighting for what would become Zimbabwe.

    Garrick’s most inspired innovation came through a sudden ‘mind-flash’ addressing the African diaspora’s lack of national symbols. He conceptually reversed the word ‘Survival’ from the blueprint of a slave ship, powerfully connecting contemporary liberation struggles with the historical trauma of slavery.

    The album’s release coincided with extraordinary historical momentum, culminating in Marley’s historic performance at Zimbabwe’s independence celebrations in April 1980 before over 100,000 people in Harare. Featuring anthems like ‘Africa Unite’ and ‘Zimbabwe,’ the album presented a stark contrast to the more relaxed ‘Kaya’ released the previous year.

    This retrospective gains poignancy considering Marley’s untimely death at 36 in May 1981—he would have turned 81 this week—and Garrick’s recent passing in November 2023 at age 73, closing a chapter on one of music’s most visually and politically significant collaborations.