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  • JLP Central Executive approves resolution to support intensification of hurricane recovery effort

    JLP Central Executive approves resolution to support intensification of hurricane recovery effort

    KINGSTON, Jamaica — Jamaica’s governing political force, the Jamaica Labour Party (JLP), has unanimously endorsed two critical resolutions during a Central Executive meeting held on Sunday. The decisions demonstrate the party’s strategic pivot toward national crisis management in the aftermath of a devastating natural disaster.

    The first resolution constitutes an official mandate of unwavering support for the government’s intensified Hurricane Melissa recovery initiative. JLP Chairman Robert Montague detailed that the directive commands all state agencies, departments, and institutions to accelerate relief and reconstruction operations in communities ravaged by the Category 5 hurricane, which struck the island on October 28.

    Acknowledging the unprecedented ferocity of the storm, the resolution commended the administration’s comprehensive preparedness and response strategy. This encompassed pre-emptive insurance protocols, shelter readiness, extensive drain clearance, and the strategic pre-positioning of vital relief materials. The government’s collaboration with both public and private sector entities has facilitated the distribution of an estimated 200,000 care packages to affected citizens.

    Significant progress has been reported, with electrical power restored to 80% of consumers and water services reinstated to approximately 70% of the island. Initiatives for distributing construction materials and executing broader reconstruction plans are currently in progress. However, the executive body soberly recognized the ongoing severe disruption to thousands of lives, with numerous residents still lacking permanent shelter and essential utilities. The resolution formally extended sympathies to families who suffered bereavement or property loss and reinforced the commitment to expedited rehabilitation efforts.

    The second resolution ratified the cancellation of the party’s scheduled 2025 Annual Conference. This move underscores the JLP’s prioritization of national recuperation over political activities. In a related organizational decision, the executive endorsed the en bloc re-election of the entire incumbent officer corps, ensuring leadership continuity during this period of focused governmental support.

  • Senator Sinclair proposes statue and museum to honour Jimmy Cliff

    Senator Sinclair proposes statue and museum to honour Jimmy Cliff

    KINGSTON, Jamaica — A prominent government official has put forward a formal proposal to establish permanent tributes honoring the late reggae icon Jimmy Cliff. Senator Charles Sinclair, during a parliamentary session in the Upper House on Friday, advocated for commemorative initiatives that would preserve the musical legend’s cultural legacy.

    The senator specifically recommended erecting a bronze statue at the entrance to Jimmy Cliff Boulevard, which also serves as the gateway to Harmony Park in St. James. Additionally, Senator Sinclair proposed transforming Cliff’s former residence in Somerton into a museum through collaboration between government authorities and the musician’s family. This would serve as an enduring memorial celebrating his life and artistic contributions.

    Senator Sinclair, who previously served as mayor of Montego Bay and represents the Flanker Division in St. James North West, emphasized the importance of ensuring Cliff’s work maintains its cultural resonance. He highlighted how the musician’s anthems—including ‘Many Rivers to Cross,’ ‘The Harder They Come,’ and ‘You Can Get It If You Really Want’—continue to inspire perseverance and resilience among Jamaicans.

    The senator noted that Cliff’s international success significantly enhanced Jamaica’s global cultural standing, embodying the national spirit captured in the phrase ‘We little but we tallawah’ (small but mighty). Sinclair concluded that Cliff’s journey from humble beginnings to international stardom serves as an inspirational blueprint for young Jamaicans, demonstrating that ‘every ghetto youth is and can be a star.’

  • St James residents express gratitude as Courts and Whirlpool offer laundry day

    St James residents express gratitude as Courts and Whirlpool offer laundry day

    In the wake of Hurricane Melissa’s devastation, a collaborative humanitarian effort between retail giant Unicomer Group and appliance manufacturer Whirlpool has brought much-needed relief to residents of St. James parish, Jamaica. The initiative, hosted at Courts’ Barnett Street location, provided complimentary laundry services using state-of-the-art 20KG impeller washers to community members grappling with disrupted water and electricity infrastructure.

    The Saturday event witnessed overwhelming participation from local residents who expressed profound gratitude for the practical assistance. Cordella Brown, a resident from the flood-affected Westgreen area, shared her emotional response: ‘I almost lost my hand in the hurricane and had to seek medical attention. When I learned about this service with provided detergent and everything, I thought—this is marvelous.’

    The timing proved particularly crucial for families preparing for school reopenings. Roneika Campbell from Hendon Norwood emphasized: ‘This enables us to wash our children’s uniforms and ensure they’re prepared for school despite our utility challenges.’

    Organizers implemented comprehensive support measures, providing not only machines and detergent but even garbage bags for transporting cleaned garments. Amoy Smith, another beneficiary, noted the exceptional organization: ‘They’ve thought of everything—we only needed to bring our clothes.’

    Kera Swaby, a Whirlpool representative, explained the corporate motivation behind the initiative: ‘As household names, Courts and Whirlpool recognized our responsibility to support communities during this difficult recovery period. We aimed to provide practical assistance that would genuinely improve daily living conditions.’

    While celebrating this corporate citizenship, residents simultaneously appealed to utility providers for accelerated infrastructure restoration, highlighting the ongoing challenges in accessing basic necessities throughout the parish.

  • ‘Alone but not lonely’: 10 ways to spend Christmas by yourself

    ‘Alone but not lonely’: 10 ways to spend Christmas by yourself

    While Christmas traditionally evokes images of crowded family gatherings and social festivities, an increasing number of people are discovering the profound beauty of celebrating the holiday season in solitude. Whether due to geographical separation, work commitments, travel circumstances, or personal choice, spending Christmas alone has transformed from a potentially lonely experience into an opportunity for genuine self-connection and intentional joy.

    The conventional narrative that equates holiday happiness exclusively with social gatherings is being redefined by mental health experts and wellness advocates. Research in positive psychology indicates that solitary celebrations can yield comparable—and sometimes greater—emotional satisfaction when approached with mindfulness and purpose. The essence of the holiday spirit, psychologists suggest, resides not in external validation but in internal contentment.

    A curated selection of evidence-based strategies enables individuals to transform solitary Christmas observances into deeply rewarding experiences:

    1. **Personal Tradition Crafting**: Establishing customized rituals—whether a special morning meal, visiting meaningful locations, or sunrise walks—creates psychological anchors that foster emotional significance.

    2. **Luxurious Self-Care Initiation**: Beginning the day with deliberate relaxation techniques, comfortable attire, ambient lighting, and favorite music establishes a positive neuropsychological foundation for the entire day.

    3. **Comfort Media Immersion**: Engaging with personally meaningful films and programming activates nostalgia and comfort responses, creating psychological warmth regardless of physical solitude.

    4. **Therapeutic Culinary Exploration**: The dual benefits of cooking—creative expression and olfactory stimulation—generate natural mood elevation while creating tangible celebratory atmosphere.

    5. **Strategic Digital Connection**: Brief but meaningful virtual interactions trigger oxytocin release and social bonding effects, demonstrating that physical presence isn’t prerequisite for emotional connection.

    6. **Self-Gifting Ritualization**: The practice of self-presentation and unwrapping activates reward pathways in the brain, reinforcing self-worth and celebratory recognition.

    7. **Gratitude Cognitive Reframing**: Documenting personal achievements and blessings produces measurable psychological benefits, shifting focus from perceived lack to tangible abundance.

    8. **Nature Immersion Therapy**: Exposure to natural environments reduces cortisol levels and increases serotonin production, providing biochemical mood enhancement.

    9. **Creative Flow State Engagement**: Participating in creative activities induces therapeutic flow states that promote present-moment awareness and personal fulfillment.

    10. **Permission for Authentic Experience**: Releasing societal expectations and embracing personal comfort levels represents the ultimate act of self-honoring during the holidays.

    Neuroscientific research confirms that these approaches activate the brain’s reward centers similarly to social holiday experiences. The key psychological shift involves reconceptualizing solitude not as isolation but as opportunity—for reflection, restoration, and authentic celebration according to personal values and needs.

    This paradigm shift in holiday celebration acknowledges that meaningful connection begins with self-connection, and that the most enduring holiday spirit often emerges from quiet moments of genuine self-appreciation rather than obligatory social performances.

  • Stella Global Realty to host ‘Sip and See’ event this Saturday

    Stella Global Realty to host ‘Sip and See’ event this Saturday

    Stella Global Realty (SGR) is set to bridge the gap between ambition and acquisition for Jamaica’s business community with an exclusive Commercial Investment ‘Sip and See’ event this Saturday. The gathering, tailored for entrepreneurs, investors, and industry professionals, will unfold from 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM at the firm’s Kingston office located at 11-1/2 Connolley Avenue, Kingston 4.

    The event’s innovative format is designed to fuse practical property exploration with essential financial literacy. Attendees will be granted a first-look tour of two premium commercial properties exclusively listed by Stella Global Realty, providing a tangible sense of available opportunities.

    Moving beyond the showcase, the core of the event lies in its specialized educational workshops. These sessions are dedicated to deconstructing the intricate process of commercial financing. Key topics will include actionable strategies for securing loan approval, with direct advice on the necessary documentation and financial prerequisites. A significant focus will be placed on effective Loan-to-Value (LTV) offsetting strategies, offering businesses crucial tips on securing additional funding to make large-scale commercial purchases more accessible.

    Tiffany Gray, Founder and CEO of Stella Global Realty, emphasized the mission: ‘In today’s market, ownership is the ultimate tool for wealth building. Leveraging our international resources and experience across Jamaica and 13 U.S. states, we are uniquely positioned to teach entrepreneurs how to use real estate to build generational wealth.’

    Adding considerable weight to the financial discourse, CIBC FirstCaribbean International Bank, alongside other major financial institutions, will lead conversations. This provides attendees with direct expert insight into the current lending landscape and a rare opportunity to network with key decision-makers capable of financing their next acquisition.

    The overarching aim is to empower the local business community by providing the knowledge and resources necessary to transition from leasing to powerfully owning commercial real estate. Attendance is limited and requires registration via the official Eventbrite page.

  • Shaggy’s ‘Lottery’, a safe bet in March

    Shaggy’s ‘Lottery’, a safe bet in March

    Grammy-winning dancehall icon Shaggy is poised to release his fourteenth studio album, titled ‘Lottery’, in March. This highly anticipated project marks his first full-length release since the 2022 album ‘Come Fly With Me’. Industry sources confirm the album will feature an impressive roster of collaborations with prominent American artists, including R&B sensation Jeremih, pop and soul artist Robin Thicke, and acclaimed neo-soul singer Anthony Hamilton.

    The album’s promotional campaign is already underway with the release of two advance singles. ‘Til A Mawning’, a collaboration with legendary artist Sting, previously gained traction by charting on Billboard’s Rhythmic Airplay chart. The more recent single, ‘Boom Body’ featuring Akon and Aidonia, has been officially serviced to US Rhythmic radio stations, generating significant buzz ahead of the album’s launch.

    Each featured artist brings substantial credentials to the project. Anthony Hamilton is celebrated for his 2004 double platinum hit ‘Charlene’, while Jeremih is widely recognized for his top-five Billboard Hot 100 success ‘Birthday Sex’. Robin Thicke, whose career was shaped by his entertainment industry lineage, contributes his signature style exemplified by hits such as ‘Lost Without You’ and the chart-topping phenomenon ‘Blurred Lines’ featuring TI and Pharrell.

  • WATCH: ‘My Maison’ debuts with handpicked lifestyle and skincare brands

    WATCH: ‘My Maison’ debuts with handpicked lifestyle and skincare brands

    KINGSTON, Jamaica — A new retail establishment has emerged in the Corporate Area, transforming the local shopping scene for home décor, fashion, and specialty gifts. My Maison, a lifestyle boutique founded by the entrepreneurial in-law duo Alexa Bicknell and Krista Bicknell, represents the culmination of a shared vision between the two partners.

    Strategically positioned at Shop #8 within McMaster Plaza, the boutique presents an extensive array of meticulously selected merchandise. The inventory spans children’s items and toys to contemporary clothing lines, beauty essentials, and an assortment of distinctive gifts. The founders have placed significant emphasis on curating products that meet specific quality and aesthetic standards, distinguishing their offering in the local market.

    In a detailed commentary on their product philosophy, the founders highlighted their commitment to creating a retail environment that harmonizes style with substance. Krista Bicknell provided specific insight into their beauty selections, noting, ‘These formulations are ideal for individuals with highly sensitive skin, as they prevent irritation. Specifically engineered for Jamaica’s tropical climate, the products deliver a soft, gentle sensation without any residual heaviness.’

    Early market reception has been markedly positive. An eager customer shared, ‘The arrival of such a store has been long anticipated. Its charm is undeniable, and the product range is comprehensively appealing.’

    The founding partners conveyed profound enthusiasm regarding their launch and issued a warm invitation to the community: ‘We are thrilled to open our doors and invite everyone to experience My Maison firsthand.’

  • Fee cuts for recovery

    Fee cuts for recovery

    In a significant move to accelerate economic recovery, the Jamaican government has unveiled a comprehensive package of business fee reductions for seven parishes severely impacted by Hurricane Melissa. Industry Minister Aubyn Hill announced the measures in the Senate on Friday, targeting both immediate relief and longer-term business revitalization.

    The centerpiece of the initiative involves a 50% reduction in incorporation fees for charities specifically established to support hurricane recovery efforts. This special rate will be available during a four-month window from December 1, 2025, through March 31, 2026, recognizing the crucial role community organizations play in disaster response.

    Additionally, the Companies Office of Jamaica will extend its late fee waiver program for existing businesses in affected areas, now covering the period from October 27, 2025, to October 31, 2026. The agency will also reduce costs for essential documentation services, including letters of good standing and certified copies, which many businesses need to verify their operational status after losing critical paperwork in the storm.

    To improve accessibility, the office will deploy mobile pop-up services across affected parishes between December 2025 and March 2026, bringing essential business services directly to communities still grappling with transportation challenges.

    The announcement came as part of a broader update on post-hurricane recovery efforts that have already involved assessments of 1,293 businesses despite significant infrastructure obstacles. Minister Hill acknowledged the difficulties faced by assessment teams, including blocked roads and communication breakdowns in the immediate aftermath of the disaster.

    While opposition spokesperson Kisha Anderson welcomed the measures, she called for more extensive support, particularly for micro-enterprises that form the backbone of local economies. Anderson argued that many small operators—from hairdressers to craft vendors—typically maintain less than two weeks of cash reserves and may require complete fee waivers rather than reductions to survive. She advocated for establishing a national task force incorporating government, opposition, private sector, and civil society representatives to develop a more structured recovery plan.

  • Flow issues rebates to over 230,000 customers affected by Hurricane Melissa

    Flow issues rebates to over 230,000 customers affected by Hurricane Melissa

    KINGSTON, Jamaica — In response to widespread service disruptions caused by Hurricane Melissa’s devastating impact on telecommunications infrastructure, provider Flow Jamaica has unveiled comprehensive relief measures including automatic rebates for over 230,000 fixed-line customers affected by extended outages.

    The hurricane particularly devastated western Jamaica regions, where communication infrastructure suffered severe damage resulting in prolonged service interruptions. The company’s rebate program forms part of a multi-tiered customer support strategy implemented throughout the hurricane crisis.

    Preemptive measures taken before Melissa’s arrival included providing all mobile customers with complimentary 1GB data packages and guaranteeing no service disconnections regardless of outstanding balances, ensuring Jamaicans could maintain vital communications during the emergency.

    Following the hurricane’s passage, Flow deployed emergency response teams to severely affected communities, distributing free SIM cards, mobile devices, and data plans to facilitate reconnection during recovery operations.

    Nyree Coke, Flow’s Customer Experience Director, emphasized the company’s customer-centric approach: “Our communities have endured tremendous hardship, and we recognize communication’s critical role in crisis situations. These rebates demonstrate our steadfast commitment to supporting customers through recovery. We maintain our focus on compassionate service, transparent communication, and sustained support during island-wide restoration.”

    The automated rebate system will credit affected fixed-line customers from October 29th until their service restoration date, with continuing monthly credits until full service resumes. Customers will receive electronic notifications via email and SMS for each credit application.

    Billing implementation will see November credits reflected on December statements, with subsequent rebates for November 21-December 8 and December 9-23 periods appearing on January 2026 bills. Flow advises customers with active services to maintain regular payment schedules to ensure seamless credit applications and avoid disconnections related to pre-November arrears.

    The company confirmed technical teams are collaborating with national emergency services and utility partners to accelerate restoration, deploying technicians immediately as commercial power returns to affected areas.

    Customers requiring additional support can contact Flow’s customer experience team through email at customerfirst@cwc.com or WhatsApp 876-620-2200.

  • Melissa’s hard lesson

    Melissa’s hard lesson

    In the elevated terrains of Bog Hole, Clarendon, an 81-year-old retiree exemplifies Jamaica’s renowned spirit of resilience as he personally directs reconstruction efforts following Hurricane Melissa’s devastation. Reginald Campbell, who humorously references his age as “81 plus tax,” has transformed his storm-damaged property into a vibrant reconstruction site, refusing to await external assistance while actively tilling his fields alongside construction crews.

    The Category 5 hurricane dramatically altered Campbell’s circumstances when it tore the roof from his dwelling. Recalling the event with characteristic humor, he described witnessing airborne roofing materials during the storm’s peak: “I was wondering where the breeze carry that roof come throw in the yard, when I looked [up] a the sky me see.

    Rather than dwelling on the destruction, Campbell initiated immediate repairs with support from family abroad, embodying his philosophy that “hard work nuh do you anything.” His practical approach demonstrates self-reliance while remaining open to supplemental support: “I don’t bother to wait on the Government — try and help yourself. I’m not saying I would not accept help, but I don’t wait.

    MKC Construction, the local team facilitating Campbell’s roof replacement, operates under equally determined circumstances. Despite lacking restored grid electricity, crew members utilize generator-powered equipment to maintain progress. Shane Campbell of MKC articulated the project’s symbolic significance: “The people need to see some things like this, rebuilding going on, that’s motivation to know that we don’t just stop there because a Jamaica say resilience and brilliance.

    The construction team specifically addresses the region’s vulnerability by replacing traditional zinc roofing with more durable decking systems. Torre Ricketts explained this strategic improvement: “This is a flood-prone area also, so this is a bad spot when it comes on to the weather, so we are trying to at least get off some of the pressure.

    MKC owner Marlon Campbell emphasized their commitment to affordable pricing despite increased demand post-hurricane, noting the symbolic coincidence of shared surnames without familial relation. The collective effort represents microcosm of national recovery—where community initiative, generational wisdom, and professional dedication converge to rebuild stronger than before.