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标签： Jamaica

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  • Frisco Kid co-headlines Saturday Night Live

    Frisco Kid co-headlines Saturday Night Live

    While the fashion trends of the 1990s—stonewash jeans and high-top hairstyles—have faded into history, the vibrant dancehall music from that decade continues to resonate with fans. Artist Frisco Kid, a seminal figure from that era, remains a passionate performer of his classic hits, including ‘Little And Cute,’ ‘Bashment Time,’ ‘Big Speech,’ and ‘Rubbers.’

    Reflecting on the 1990s, Frisco Kid describes it as a period defined by ‘joy, love, an’ happiness.’ He was an integral part of producer Dave Kelly’s influential Mad House Records, alongside renowned acts like Wayne Wonder, (Baby) Cham, Bounty Killer, and Mr Easy. According to Frisco Kid, the music created then was driven by genuine emotion and artistic integrity rather than financial motives. ‘Back inna dem time deh, everything come from di heart, it a come wid love. It wasn’t from what yuh can gain or what yuh can achieve [financially],’ he recalled.

    The veteran deejay is set to co-headline the ‘Saturday Night Live’ event at Sky Ultra Lounge in St Andrew on December 27. He will share the stage with Louie Culture, another celebrated artist who dominated the charts during the 1990s. This event marks the second installment of a monthly concert series organized by Global Grove Saturday Night Live, following a successful November showcase featuring reggae icon Marcia Griffiths.

    Hailing from West Kingston, Frisco Kid built his reputation through performances on sound systems in Portmore, St Catherine. His career skyrocketed thirty years ago with a string of hit singles, many produced by Dave Kelly. Now in his mid-50s, Frisco Kid attributes his enduring relevance to the timeless quality of his music. ‘Wi always busy, ‘cause di chune dem weh wi do nuh have nuh limit pon dem. Our song dem, all di next hundred years people still waan hear wi sing dem an’ perform dem,’ he stated.

    Despite his deep connection to his classic repertoire, Frisco Kid emphasizes the importance of creating new music. His latest single, ‘King of The Street,’ is part of an ambitious double EP project that will feature both reggae and dancehall tracks, scheduled for release in 2026.

  • ‘Does JFJ understand the realities on the ground?’

    ‘Does JFJ understand the realities on the ground?’

    A contentious debate has erupted in Jamaica following a controversial proposal from human rights organization Jamaicans For Justice (JFJ) that would establish legal defenses for sexual relationships between minors and adults. The group’s 42-page report, ‘A Civil Society Review of the Diversion and Alternative Measures for Children in Conflict with the Law in Jamaica,’ argues against prosecuting consenting minors in court, claiming current approaches misallocate resources and unnecessarily burden the justice system.

    JFJ’s recommendations include two primary defenses: a ‘statutory defense’ for partners both under 16 with less than two years age difference, and a more controversial ‘further defense’ that would apply to age differences up to five years when the younger party is 12-14 years old, the activity is consensual, and no position of authority exists. This latter provision has drawn significant criticism as it could potentially legalize sexual relationships between 14-year-olds and 19-year-olds.

    Prominent voices including criminologist Dr. Jason McKay have raised serious concerns about the proposal. McKay questioned whether JFJ understands community realities, noting that ‘the 19-year-old could be a gunman’ pressuring vulnerable minors. He warned that case-by-case approaches would ‘open a floodgate, enabling and empowering predators’ rather than protecting children.

    Children’s Advocate Diahann Gordon-Harrison expressed partial alignment with JFJ’s goals, having herself recommended decriminalizing consensual sex among minors seven years ago. However, she sharply distinguished her position, emphasizing that her proposed ‘close-in-age exception’ was strictly limited to relationships between minors, not between adults and minors. Gordon-Harrison stressed that any exemption would require both parties to be minors of very similar ages in completely consensual circumstances without coercion.

    The proposal has ignited a broader discussion about balancing adolescent sexual development with child protection frameworks, pitting judicial efficiency concerns against safeguarding vulnerabilities in Jamaica’s complex social landscape.

  • Retro meets Christmas at Footloose tonight

    Retro meets Christmas at Footloose tonight

    The Mas Camp at Stadium North is set to host a vibrant fusion of retro music and Christmas festivities tonight with the staging of Stone’s Ginger Wine Footloose. Event organizers promise an evening where patrons can dance through the decades, featuring non-stop musical entertainment curated by expert selectors dedicated to keeping the energy high and the dance floor active.

    Tyrone Dixon of Broadway Productions, the organizing body behind the event, described the night as a convergence of retro nostalgia and seasonal celebration. “This is where retro meets Christmas,” Dixon stated. “Patrons can expect the same beloved old-school Footloose energy and music, now amplified by a festive atmosphere. It’s designed as a high-energy Christmas party that celebrates the sheer joy of the season—dancing to iconic hits from the past while enjoying special offers throughout the night.”

    A staple on Jamaica’s entertainment calendar for nearly two decades, Footloose has established itself as a premier retro-themed party. Since its inception in 2006, the event has experienced substantial growth in popularity and scale. It is now held a minimum of three times each year, consistently drawing crowds eager to relive the musical magic of past eras in a dynamic, communal setting.

  • Zelensky says US must pile pressure on Russia to end war

    Zelensky says US must pile pressure on Russia to end war

    MIAMI – Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has intensified his appeal for heightened American pressure on Moscow to terminate the ongoing conflict, even as diplomatic envoys assembled in Miami for renewed peace negotiations. Speaking from Kyiv, Zelensky emphasized that only the United States possesses the influence necessary to compel Russia toward a resolution, advocating for enhanced military support and comprehensive economic sanctions against Moscow.

    The diplomatic developments unfolded as Russian representative Kirill Dmitriev arrived in Miami, joining Ukrainian and European delegations for talks mediated by U.S. Special Envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, son-in-law of former President Donald Trump. Dmitriev signaled his participation with a symbolic social media post featuring a peace dove emoji and sunrise imagery, though Russian sources maintained anonymity regarding specific dialogue agendas.

    This gathering marks a notable shift in negotiation formats, as it represents the first instance of simultaneous Russian and European presence at U.S.-mediated talks. Previous discussions had been conducted separately with each party in different locations. The proposed American peace framework reportedly includes security guarantees for Ukraine in exchange for territorial concessions – a condition that has generated significant opposition among Ukrainian citizens.

    U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio sought to alleviate concerns by affirming that Washington would not impose any agreement without Kyiv’s consent, stating that Ukrainian approval remains prerequisite to any potential settlement.

    Despite these diplomatic efforts, military operations continued unabated. Russian forces announced the capture of two Ukrainian villages in the Sumy and Donetsk regions, while Ukrainian officials reported eight fatalities from a ballistic missile strike on port infrastructure in the Odesa region. Simultaneously, Ukraine claimed successful operations against Russian military assets in occupied Crimea and the Caspian Sea.

    President Vladimir Putin reiterated his commitment to military objectives during his annual news conference, though he suggested a potential temporary cessation of attacks to facilitate Ukrainian presidential elections – an offer promptly dismissed by Zelensky. The conflict continues to represent the most devastating military engagement on European soil since World War II, with profoundly divergent narratives regarding its origins and objectives persisting between Moscow and Western allies.

  • Senator praises Gov’t for ‘largest crime management strategy ever’

    Senator praises Gov’t for ‘largest crime management strategy ever’

    Jamaica’s governing administration has implemented what it describes as one of the most comprehensive crime management initiatives ever witnessed in the Western Hemisphere, resulting in unprecedented reductions in violent crimes. Government Senator Christian Tavares-Finson revealed Friday that strategic investments exceeding $87 billion in national security since 2016 have driven a remarkable 43.3% decrease in murders compared to previous years.

    The transformative security blueprint, developed by the Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) Administration, represents a fundamental restructuring of the nation’s approach to law enforcement. Senator Tavares-Finson emphasized that while political opponents repeatedly demanded public disclosure of crime prevention strategies, the government had been systematically executing a multi-faceted plan focusing on three critical domains: personnel expansion, technological modernization, and infrastructure enhancement.

    Human capital development has been paramount to the strategy’s success. The Jamaica Constabulary Force has grown from under 11,000 officers to more than 14,000, with approximately 6,000 recruits trained even during the COVID-19 pandemic. This substantial workforce increase has significantly improved police visibility, community engagement capabilities, and rapid response effectiveness across all parishes.

    Technological advancement has equally been a cornerstone of the security overhaul. In 2025 alone, the government deployed over $650 million worth of cutting-edge equipment including portable data radios, hand-held devices, and mobile printers to police personnel nationwide. The JamaicaEye CCTV network expansion, vehicle fleet modernization, and digital transformation of station records have revolutionized information sharing and operational coordination.

    The infrastructure revitalization program has seen numerous police stations constructed or refurbished, creating professional environments that enhance officer morale and community trust. These physical improvements complement the technological and personnel investments, forming an integrated ecosystem of crime prevention.

    The results speak unequivocally: Jamaica is projected to record fewer than 700 murders in 2025—the first time this threshold has been breached in three decades. This represents a dramatic decline from the period when annual murders exceeded 1,000. Senator Abka Fitz-Henley, while acknowledging that any murder remains unacceptable, characterized these developments as a monumental step toward establishing lasting public safety.

    Government officials specifically commended Police Commissioner Dr. Kevin Blake, security personnel, and National Security Minister Dr. Horace Chang for their pivotal roles in achieving these historic crime reduction milestones through coordinated intelligence-led operations and sustained strategic investment.

  • Argentina’s president welcomes Trump pressure ‘to free the Venezuelan people’

    Argentina’s president welcomes Trump pressure ‘to free the Venezuelan people’

    FOZ DO IGUAÇU, Brazil — Argentine President Javier Milei publicly endorsed former U.S. President Donald Trump’s escalating pressure campaign against Venezuela during his address at the Mercosur regional summit on Saturday. Milei’s remarks signaled strong support for potential U.S. military posturing near the Venezuelan coast, which Caracas perceives as a direct threat to the Maduro administration.

    In a decisive statement that broke with diplomatic caution, Milei declared: “Argentina welcomes the pressure from the United States and Donald Trump to free the Venezuelan people. The time for a timid approach on this matter has run out.” This endorsement comes amid heightened tensions following Trump’s recent NBC News interview where he refused to dismiss the possibility of military confrontation with Venezuela.

    The Argentine leader’s comments align with Trump’s accusations against Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, whom the former U.S. president has repeatedly accused of involvement in international drug trafficking operations. Milei’s position marks a significant shift in regional diplomacy, potentially fracturing unified South American approaches to the Venezuelan political crisis.

    The summit, traditionally focused on economic cooperation, became an unexpected platform for Milei to advance his alignment with Trump’s foreign policy objectives, suggesting a realignment of Argentina’s international alliances and a hardening stance against left-wing governments in the region.

  • Daybreak’s @10

    Daybreak’s @10

    The upcoming Daybreak breakfast party at Sabina Park this Sunday, December 21, will serve a dual purpose of celebration and humanitarian aid following Hurricane Melissa’s devastating impact on Jamaica. Event organizers announced a significant portion of proceeds will be directed toward hurricane relief efforts after several team members and community partners experienced direct effects from the natural disaster.

    Jywanza Hall, a director of the Daybreak event, emphasized the gathering’s fundamental community ethos in statements to the Jamaica Observer’s Splash. “Daybreak has always been about community, not just celebration. After the hurricane we knew many of our patrons, partners, and wider Jamaican family were directly affected. Giving back wasn’t an add-on, it was a responsibility,” Hall explained, framing the initiative as an organic response to national need rather than detached philanthropy.

    The event will feature an elite musical lineup including Coppershot Sound with DJ Cutty and Kitt, DJ Franco and Brush1, DJ Jigga, A-Team, Nico Lee and DJ Insaneo. These performers will guide attendees through a sonic journey from nostalgic classics to contemporary anthems, maintaining the event’s signature high-energy yet sophisticated atmosphere.

    This special staging marks Daybreak’s 10th anniversary with elevated production elements including premium culinary experiences, immersive décor, and carefully curated sensory moments. Hall noted the intentional design of “surprise ‘wow’ moments throughout the event” aimed at providing attendees with temporary respite and emotional uplift amid recovery efforts.

    The transformation of this celebration into a relief mechanism represents what Hall describes as “support coming from within the same shared experience”—a demonstration of community solidarity following natural disaster.

  • FRF delivers 7,000 gallons of fuel to hurricane relief efforts

    FRF delivers 7,000 gallons of fuel to hurricane relief efforts

    KINGSTON, Jamaica — In the devastating aftermath of Category 5 Hurricane Melissa, which crippled Jamaica’s infrastructure with widespread power outages and severe fuel shortages, a Houston-based humanitarian organization has emerged as a critical lifeline for emergency services. The Fuel Relief Fund (FRF) provided over 7,000 gallons of complimentary fuel to sustain medical facilities and first responders across the hardest-hit regions.

    The strategic fuel distribution prioritized healthcare institutions including Black River Hospital, the Samaritan’s Purse-operated Black River Field Hospital, Savanna-la-Mar Hospital, Falmouth Hospital, and Cornwall Regional Hospital. This intervention addressed overwhelming demand in areas where conventional fuel supply chains had been completely disrupted.

    FRF executed a rapid deployment initiative within days of the catastrophe, mobilizing a specialized five-member team to Montego Bay. The team—comprising Joe Lee, Ted Honcharik, Sean Wilson, Brendan Lee, and Ray Travers—coordinated relief operations recognizing the urgent need for energy solutions.

    “Medical professionals have demonstrated extraordinary resilience,” stated FRF team member Joe Lee. “Many nurses and doctors are working consecutive shifts despite experiencing significant personal property damage, with some currently residing in their vehicles.”

    The successful mobilization was facilitated through collaborative partnerships with Airlink, American Airlines, MEDIC Corps, and local Jamaican entities including PetroJam Limited, Johnson’s Petroleum, and regional law enforcement agencies.

    FRF emphasized the multidimensional importance of fuel in disaster scenarios, noting its necessity for powering hospital generators, facilitating water treatment processes, enabling emergency transportation, and supporting basic family needs including food preparation, water sanitation, and communication capabilities through device charging.

    Elon Parkinson, Communications Manager at Petrojam, confirmed the company’s coordination support, highlighting their commitment to maintaining Jamaica’s energy security through strategic fuel reserves that ensure continuous service availability during crises.

  • 2025 MG HS High quality stuff

    2025 MG HS High quality stuff

    The automotive landscape has witnessed a significant shift as legendary sports car manufacturers embrace the SUV segment, a transition now met with widespread acceptance rather than skepticism. This evolution demonstrates that engineering prowess can indeed transcend vehicle categories, often yielding exceptional results or, at the very least, elevating SUVs beyond conventional standards. The 2025 MG HS firmly establishes itself in this transformative movement.

    EXTERIOR DESIGN
    MG’s design language translates effectively into the HS model, presenting a distinctive yet conservative aesthetic. The front fascia features an unmistakably large grille complemented by sleek LED daytime running lights, creating an immediate brand association. While the overall profile maintains cleaner lines than the bold front presentation, the cohesive design achieves a modern appearance that respects MG’s heritage without excessive flamboyance.

    INTERIOR EXPERIENCE
    The cabin continues the exterior’s cohesive design philosophy with a modern, spacious environment that offers generous rear passenger accommodation and trunk capacity. Practical storage solutions abound throughout the interior. Technology integration strikes an ideal balance between innovation and usability, featuring dual 12.9-inch screens without overwhelming occupants. Most convenience features remain accessible through intuitive infotainment menus, while critical functions retain physical controls for immediate access. The interface operates seamlessly with razor-sharp graphics, complemented by high-quality switchgear.

    Connectivity options include wireless capability and four strategically placed USB ports. The audio system delivers authentic sound reproduction regardless of input source. Interior quality surpasses segment expectations with soft-touch materials at key contact points, enhanced by contrast stitching and refined accent elements that elevate the cabin beyond many class competitors.

    DRIVING DYNAMICS
    MG’s engineering expertise manifests clearly in the driving experience. Urban navigation proves exceptionally smooth, with the 1.5-liter turbocharged engine delivering 170 horsepower to the front wheels through a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission that avoids typical CVT drawbacks. Low-speed operation leverages a fat torque curve for seamless shifts while achieving fuel efficiency exceeding 30mpg.

    The MG Pilot driver assistance suite enhances safety and comfort with features including full-range automatic cruise control capable of operating down to 0 km/h—particularly valuable in heavy traffic conditions. For enthusiastic drivers, deep throttle application unlocks additional power reserves, while a dedicated SPORT transmission mode enables faster shifts and extended gear retention.

    Chassis tuning demonstrates particular brilliance for varied road conditions, striking an ideal balance between sportiness and comfort. The suspension system outperforms many premium models, exhibiting remarkable compliance across Jamaica’s diverse road surfaces—from unpaved stretches to cratered sections and smooth highways. This engineering achievement maintains impeccable body control while preserving passenger comfort, inspiring confidence across all driving scenarios.

    CONCLUSION
    Though the substantial leather-wrapped steering wheel suggests performance intentions, the MG HS makes no pretenses as a sports car. Instead, it excels as a comfortable, practical, and efficient daily driver capable of handling urban commutes and long-distance journeys with equal competence. The harmonious integration of suspension, power delivery, and braking systems enables confident navigation of smaller roads at pace.

    While not designed primarily for high-speed enjoyment, the HS proves fully capable when necessity demands rapid progress—such as navigating returning country traffic—though drivers should advise passengers before increasing pace. With a starting price below six million dollars, the 2025 MG HS delivers exceptional value that significantly exceeds expectations in the competitive compact SUV segment.

  • WATCH: Zoo giving ‘hope’ to displaced Melissa animals

    WATCH: Zoo giving ‘hope’ to displaced Melissa animals

    KINGSTON, Jamaica — In the aftermath of Hurricane Melissa, the Hope Zoo Preservation Foundation has emerged as a critical sanctuary for Jamaica’s displaced wildlife. The institution is currently conducting intensive rehabilitation operations for numerous animal species adversely affected by the catastrophic weather event, ranging from parrots and owls to crocodiles and snakes.

    Many of these creatures represent Jamaica’s unique ecological heritage, including globally endemic species such as the Jamaican yellow-billed parrot, black-billed parrot, Jamaican owl, and the Jamaican boa. According to General Curator Joey Brown, animals arrive through multiple channels: public reports, coordinated responses with the National Environment and Planning Agency (NEPA), and confiscations of illegally kept pets.

    The rehabilitation process is both complex and costly. Upon arrival, animals undergo a mandatory one-month quarantine period involving deworming, parasite treatments, and comprehensive health assessments. For birds, the initial phase resembles an intensive care unit, with daily administrations of fluids, painkillers, and antibiotics.

    Financial and spatial constraints present significant challenges. Brown emphasized that specialized diets—such as fruits for parrots and mice for birds of prey—along with prolonged housing in large flight enclosures for muscle rehabilitation, incur substantial expenses. The facility is currently operating at full capacity, prompting active grant proposals for expansion.

    Beyond avian species, the foundation also assists in reptile rescues, often relocating displaced crocodiles to safer habitats or providing medical care when necessary. Brown advocates for equal respect toward all native species, regardless of public perception, noting that animals like crocodiles are embedded in national symbolism and ecological balance.

    Jamaicans encountering distressed wildlife are encouraged to contact NEPA or the Hope Zoo Preservation Foundation for assistance.