Samuel K Golden, a poet-turned-musician, is carving a unique niche in the world of art with his deeply personal and heartfelt creations. His latest release, ‘Countdown to Our Time,’ marks the beginning of his EP titled ‘Footsteps: Love and Sweetness.’ This project is a testament to his belief that art, when rooted in authenticity and delivered with an honest inner voice, can leave a lasting impact on audiences long after the artist is gone. Golden’s journey into music was inspired by his romantic poetry, which he has now transformed into melodic expressions of love. His work has garnered excitement from both fans and industry insiders, drawn to the soothing sound and tender messages of his compositions. In a world marred by conflict, division, and instability, Golden’s philosophy is simple yet profound: love conquers all. He describes his artistic vision as a ‘lake of love,’ where art is seen as a contribution to humanity rather than a commodity. ‘I believe there is still sweetness in the world. I would like to think my poetic music adds to the lake of love,’ he shared. Golden’s creative process involves turning written words into living, breathing songs, a transformation made possible with the help of his talented production team, including Michael Winters, Clifford Coats, and Roger Rodriguez. With years of experience writing love poems, Golden has published two poetry collections, and his debut album shares the name of his second book. Balancing his artistic pursuits with a full-time job, Golden has honed his craft through open mic nights at local venues in Washington, D.C. Now, he is poised to take the next step in promoting his introspective album, each track meticulously crafted with patience and precision. While he labels his sound as ‘alternative,’ it defies simple categorization, embodying a rich tapestry of emotions and experiences. For Golden, music is more than a passion—it’s a way to connect with others and spread joy. ‘Making music helps me feel whole. Bringing love to others and seeing their joy is next level for me,’ he said.
标签： Jamaica
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Farmer charged with murder after allegedly stabbing elderly man
KINGSTON, Jamaica — A tragic incident in the Mount Pleasant district of St Elizabeth has resulted in the death of a 60-year-old laborer, Jerome Laws, following a violent altercation on Saturday, September 20. Shamar Barnes, a 29-year-old farmer from the Lititz district, has been charged with murder and wounding with intent in connection with the fatal stabbing.
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INTO THE FRAY
Ian Fray, a defender for Inter Miami, is determined to assist Jamaica, the country of his heritage, in securing a spot in the upcoming FIFA World Cup. Born and raised in the United States, Fray is eligible to represent Jamaica through his Jamaican father. The 23-year-old has been included in the Reggae Boyz 26-man squad for the Concacaf World Cup Qualifiers, with matches against Curacao on Friday and Bermuda on Tuesday at the National Stadium. Although Fray was previously called up during the September international window, he did not join the team after discussions with Inter Miami. This time, however, he has traveled to Jamaica and participated in the team’s training session at Sabina Park. Fray, who is versatile enough to play as a center back, full back, or defensive midfielder, expressed his satisfaction with the acclimatization process. ‘It’s been really nice. There’s a lot of energy, the guys are really welcoming; it’s been really fun,’ he said. Fray comes from a family with a strong connection to Jamaican football; his father, Michael, played for the youth team, and his sister, Marlee, has represented the Reggae Girlz at the under-20 and under-17 levels. Ian is now focused on continuing this family legacy and helping Jamaica end its nearly three-decade absence from the World Cup. ‘Six points out of two games? You can’t ask for a better start than that,’ he remarked. Despite the talent in the Jamaican squad, Fray is unlikely to be star-struck, as he plays alongside some of the greatest footballers of all time at Inter Miami, including Lionel Messi, Sergio Busquets, and Luis Suarez. Fray is also looking forward to playing in front of the home fans next week, recalling the sold-out crowd at the National Stadium during Inter Miami’s match against Cavalier FC in the Concacaf Champions Cup. ‘To be able to represent my country here in Jamaica, I’m really excited for it,’ he said. Jamaica currently leads the group with six points after victories over Bermuda and Trinidad and Tobago last month. Two more wins would secure their place in the World Cup.
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Number of children displaced in Haiti nearly doubles to 680,000—UNICEF
The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) revealed on Wednesday that approximately 680,000 children in Haiti have been displaced due to escalating gang violence, marking a near doubling of the figure from the previous year. The agency emphasized the urgent need for international intervention to address the humanitarian crisis engulfing the Caribbean nation. In a stark report, UNICEF highlighted that over 3.3 million children are in dire need of humanitarian aid, describing their plight as a ‘daily struggle for survival.’ Roberto Benes, UNICEF’s Regional Director for Latin America and the Caribbean, underscored the severity of the situation, stating, ‘Haiti is at a breaking point. This generation cannot keep waiting for help to come.’ The UN has documented over 2,269 grave violations against 1,373 children in 2024 alone, including killings, injuries, sexual violence, and forced recruitment by gangs. Alarmingly, UNICEF estimates that 2.7 million people, including 1.6 million women and children, reside in gang-controlled territories, constituting nearly a quarter of Haiti’s population. The report warned that without immediate restoration of protection services, an entire generation risks growing up in a perpetual state of fear, violence, and exploitation.
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Trump says Israel, Hamas agree to first phase of peace plan
In a significant development, former U.S. President Donald Trump revealed on Wednesday that Israel and Hamas have agreed to the initial phase of his Gaza peace plan, describing it as a “historic and unprecedented” move toward ending the two-year conflict. The agreement, brokered during talks in Egypt, outlines a hostage-prisoner exchange and the entry of humanitarian aid into Gaza. Trump, via his Truth Social network, stated that Hamas will release all hostages, while Israel will withdraw its troops to a mutually agreed line, marking the first steps toward a lasting peace. He extended gratitude to mediators Qatar, Egypt, and Turkey, emphasizing their pivotal role in the negotiations. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu expressed optimism about bringing the hostages home, while Hamas submitted a list of Palestinian prisoners it seeks to have released. The negotiations, attended by key figures including Trump’s son-in-law Jared Kushner and Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff, unfolded amidst global pressure to end the war, which has devastated Gaza and claimed thousands of lives. The deal also includes provisions for a ceasefire, Hamas’s disarmament, and a gradual Israeli withdrawal from the territory. As anticipation built in Gaza, residents expressed cautious hope, with celebratory chants and gunfire echoing in the air. The agreement, however, comes against the backdrop of immense human suffering, with over 67,000 casualties reported in Gaza and ongoing humanitarian crises. Trump hinted at a potential visit to the region to solidify the deal, underscoring his commitment to the peace process.
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RED STICKER REALITY
In the aisles of supermarkets, bright red stickers promising ‘special offers,’ ‘value packs,’ and ‘buy one, get one free’ deals are a common sight. For many shoppers, these promotions are a welcome relief during tough economic times. However, a closer look reveals that not all deals are as they seem. A recent mini-poll conducted by the Jamaica Observer highlighted mixed experiences among consumers. While some shoppers found genuine value in these promotions, others encountered products nearing their expiry dates or even infested with bugs.
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PAHO releases new guidelines to help combat vaccine misinformation
The Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) has unveiled a set of innovative guidelines aimed at equipping health professionals and other key stakeholders with the tools necessary to identify and counteract vaccine misinformation. This initiative comes in response to the escalating threat posed by false information, which has the potential to erode public trust in immunization and hinder public health advancements across the Americas. The guidelines are tailored for a diverse audience, including health workers, national immunization program managers, health communicators, journalists, educators, and content creators, to enhance their ability to discern and address misleading vaccine-related narratives. Daniel Salas, executive manager of PAHO’s Special Programme for Comprehensive Immunization, emphasized that even brief exposure to vaccine misinformation can significantly impact individuals’ perceptions and their willingness to get vaccinated. The documents highlight common tactics used to disseminate false information, such as the misuse of data, emotional appeals, conspiracy theories, and the selective use of facts to lend credibility to false claims. Additionally, the guidelines provide practical advice on identifying red flags in misleading materials, such as grammatical errors, sensationalist headlines, and excessive use of capitalization. PAHO underscores the critical role of health workers as trusted sources of information and offers recommendations for addressing patient concerns with empathy and transparency. For journalists, the guidelines suggest strategies for balanced, evidence-based reporting to avoid inadvertently spreading anti-science narratives. Educators are provided with classroom activities designed to enhance students’ media, digital, and health literacy, encouraging critical evaluation of information encountered online. PAHO stresses that combating misinformation must be part of broader efforts to build trust and increase vaccination coverage. Salas noted that while addressing misinformation is crucial, it is not a standalone solution. In regions with low vaccination rates, PAHO encourages the use of tools like microplanning and insights into social and behavioral drivers to better understand community perceptions and logistical barriers. Through these guidelines, PAHO aims to bolster vaccine confidence, strengthen national immunization programs, and sustain the Americas’ leadership in vaccination, a cornerstone of public health achievement in the region.
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US faces travel delays as government shutdown wears on
The ongoing US government shutdown has intensified concerns over widespread flight delays and unpaid federal workers, as senators failed to reach a resolution on Wednesday. Democrats have repeatedly blocked Republican proposals to reopen government departments, leaving much of the federal workforce either at home or working without pay. Now in its eighth day, the shutdown has led to increased absenteeism among airport security and safety staff, causing growing lines at major hubs across the country. Air traffic controllers, deemed essential, are required to work but are increasingly calling in sick due to financial stress, resulting in staffing shortages. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has reported issues at nearly a dozen airports, including Chicago, Boston, and Houston, with further disruptions anticipated at Newark, a key hub for the New York City area. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy acknowledged the strain on air traffic controllers, urging them to return to work despite their financial anxieties. He noted that over half of current flight delays are due to staffing shortages, a significant increase from the usual 5 percent. FlightAware reported approximately 10,000 delayed flights on Monday and Tuesday, with the FAA warning of potential worsening conditions. The shutdown shows no signs of ending soon, as Democrats insist on extending health care subsidies for 24 million people in any funding bill. Senate Majority Leader John Thune has repeatedly pushed for a temporary fix, but Democratic opposition remains steadfast. Meanwhile, President Trump has hinted at converting furloughs into permanent layoffs, exacerbating fears among federal workers. A White House memo has further unsettled employees by suggesting they may not receive back pay. The crisis is set to deepen next Wednesday when 1.3 million active-duty service members and thousands of National Guard and Coast Guard personnel miss their first paychecks.
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Relief and regret
Jamaica’s Health and Wellness Minister, Dr. Christopher Tufton, has been exonerated by the Integrity Commission (IC) regarding allegations of involvement in the awarding of a $15-million contract to the communications agency Market Me. The IC’s investigation, which spanned over five years, concluded that there was no evidence of direct involvement by Tufton in the procurement process. However, the commission noted that his introduction of Market Me to the ministry could have indirectly influenced the contract awards, totaling $78.5 million over four years. The IC also highlighted procurement irregularities, particularly the use of direct contracting methods, and recommended stricter adherence to procurement laws. Tufton expressed relief at the findings, stating that they vindicate his integrity and allow the public to understand the facts clearly. He also emphasized the success of the Jamaica Moves campaign, which aimed to reduce non-communicable diseases, and apologized for the reputational damage caused to non-political actors involved in the controversy. Market Me, in its response, affirmed its commitment to integrity and professionalism, expressing readiness to continue serving its clients.
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WATCH: Children, teenagers among 6 shot in Kingston Central drive-by
KINGSTON, Jamaica — A shocking drive-by shooting in Kingston Central on Tuesday night left six individuals injured, including two nine-year-old children and two teenagers. The violent incident unfolded at the intersection of Text Lane and Charles Street, where a group of people were reportedly targeted by armed assailants in a vehicle. The attackers opened fire indiscriminately before swiftly fleeing the scene. Fortunately, no fatalities have been reported thus far. Beresford Williams, Head of the Kingston Central Police Division, confirmed that law enforcement officers are actively monitoring the area to prevent potential reprisals. ‘We are taking a pre-emptive approach to secure the place and ensure public safety,’ Williams stated in an interview with Observer Online. The police have launched a thorough investigation into the incident, though no suspects have been identified as of yet. This brazen act of violence has raised concerns about public safety in the region, prompting calls for increased security measures.