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  • Stephen ‘Cat’ Coore was ‘The Reggae Ambassador’ — Grange

    Stephen ‘Cat’ Coore was ‘The Reggae Ambassador’ — Grange

    KINGSTON, Jamaica — The Jamaican cultural landscape is in mourning following the passing of renowned musician Stephen ‘Cat’ Coore, celebrated by the nation’s Ministry of Culture as an irreplaceable talent and genuine ‘Reggae Ambassador.’ Minister Olivia Grange, overseeing Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport, issued an official statement honoring Coore’s extraordinary contributions to music both locally and internationally.

    Coore, who co-founded the legendary Third World Band, was remembered as a pioneering force in reggae music whose influence transcended generations. Minister Grange emphasized the profound sense of loss felt across Jamaica, extending heartfelt condolences to his wife Lisa, children Shiah, Kanna, Stephen, and Ashley, along with his grandchildren and wide circle of friends and collaborators.

    The government officially acknowledged the Coore family’s generosity in sharing the musician’s exceptional talents with the world. Grange specifically highlighted Coore’s musical journey, noting his early involvement with the successful group Inner Circle before establishing Third World Band, which produced iconic hits including ‘Now That We Found Love,’ ’96 Degrees in the Shade,’ and the fitting anthem ‘Reggae Ambassador.’

    His artistic excellence earned him national recognition, including the prestigious Order of Distinction. While his physical presence will be deeply missed, Minister Grange affirmed that Coore’s enduring legacy would continue to inspire both contemporary and future musicians. The statement concluded with a poignant farewell: ‘Rest well, reggae ambassador.’

  • Jamaica Brew Literary and Film Festival serves up stellar lineup on Jan 31

    Jamaica Brew Literary and Film Festival serves up stellar lineup on Jan 31

    The vibrant tapestry of Jamaican culture takes center stage at the third annual Jamaica Brew Literary and Film Festival, orchestrated by the Consulate of Jamaica in Miami. Scheduled for Saturday, January 31, at the Broward South West Regional Library in Pembroke Pines, the event promises a rich exploration of creative expression. The day commences at 9:00 AM with complimentary Blue Mountain coffee, honoring Jamaica Blue Mountain Coffee Day (January 9), alongside a bustling marketplace for book signings by a diverse ensemble of authors and poets. A compelling schedule of special presentations unfolds throughout the day, culminating in a two-hour short film showcase concluding at 5:00 PM.

    Consul General Oliver Mair articulated the festival’s core mission: to platform Jamaica’s creative industries and provide a global stage for its narratives. “It’s an event that’s a platform to tell our stories to the world – about our worth and who we are as a people,” Mair stated. A notable new addition for this year is the ‘Children’s Corner,’ dedicated to the legacy of cultural icon Louise ‘Miss Lou’ Bennett Coverly. This interactive space will feature traditional Ring-Ding games and filmmaking workshops led by writer-director Cleon A. James, set within an area showcasing exhibitions from emerging artists.

    The festival’s thematic anchor is resilience, particularly in the aftermath of Hurricane Melissa. This narrative thread will be powerfully woven through video features documenting recovery efforts and a dedicated panel discussion. Acclaimed dub poet Malachi Smith will lead a conversation on this theme, informed by his recent nomadic college tour to schools in hurricane-affected regions. Author and farmer Keith Wedderburn will share his firsthand account from his latest book, ‘Give Thanks For Life – Surviving Hurricane Melissa.’

    Serving as a poignant prelude to Black History Month, the festival will also delve into historical cultural resistance. A special presentation will examine the life of Alexander Bedward and his establishment of the Jamaica Native Free Baptist Church, a movement that challenged colonial religious structures. The Talawah Mento Band and Jamaican Folk Revue will perform selections from their upcoming musical ‘Bedward,’ bringing this history to life. The film segment will further celebrate Jamaican legacy with a highlight on the legendary musician Jimmy Cliff.

    The event boasts an impressive roster of multidisciplinary talent. Attendees can engage with figures like Sharon Gordon, a multifaceted author and media personality whose audiobook ‘Sheribaby’ is the first in Jamaican dialect to receive Grammy consideration. The festival will also feature Kacy Garvey, Richard Blackford, Simone Russell, storyteller Raul ‘Blaze’ Davis, attorney Kaysia Earley, and communications specialist Gail Abrahams, who will present her debut corporate guide for women, ‘Heels, Hustle, HEART.’

    Admission to the Jamaica Brew Festival is free and open to the public, though prior registration is mandatory via jamaicabrew2026.eventbrite.com.

  • Medical records mess

    Medical records mess

    MONTEGO BAY, St James — The devastating impact of Hurricane Melissa continues to reverberate through Jamaica’s healthcare infrastructure more than two months after the Category 5 storm made landfall. At Falmouth Hospital in Trelawny, an extraordinary recovery operation unfolds daily as medical staff spread water-damaged patient records across blue tarpaulins to dry under the Caribbean sun.

    Western Regional Health Authority (WRHA) Regional Director St Andrade Sinclair revealed the extensive damage to critical medical documentation during a healthcare workers’ support fair at Pier One last Friday. “We’re experiencing major losses here,” Sinclair stated. “Some records are simply irretrievable despite our recovery efforts.”

    The destroyed documents contain essential patient information including visit histories, diagnostic reports, prescription details, and treatment records. Where recovery proves impossible, healthcare providers must reconstruct patient databases from scratch—a process that may require patients to repeat diagnostic procedures including X-rays and laboratory work.

    Financial burden for this reconstruction won’t fall on patients, however. The Jamaican government has allocated approximately $666 million (JMD) to the WRHA specifically for hurricane recovery efforts, including healthcare facility restoration and staff support.

    Sinclair identified a silver lining within the disaster, noting that the catastrophe could accelerate Jamaica’s planned transition to electronic health records (EHR). “This situation encourages the Ministry of Health and Wellness to advance healthcare information technology implementation,” he explained. “Our current system is outdated by 25-30 years. This tragedy pushes us toward modernization.”

    Jamaica’s EHR system, launched two years ago with $50 million funding from the Inter-American Development Bank, represents a historic step toward paperless healthcare management. The system features patient registration capabilities, appointment scheduling, triage management, and digital imaging interfaces allowing healthcare professionals to access X-rays and CT scans via computers and tablets.

    Initial implementation began at May Pen Hospital in January 2024 after testing commenced in November 2023. Eleven other facilities across various regions were included in the first phase, though notably excluding areas most severely affected by Hurricane Melissa.

    The hurricane’s impact extended beyond medical facilities, damaging personal documents of healthcare workers whose homes were destroyed. The support fair brought together multiple government agencies including the Registrar General’s Department, Passport Immigration and Citizenship Agency, National Housing Trust, along with private sector entities like Courts furniture store to provide comprehensive assistance.

    Sinclair praised healthcare staff who maintained patient care despite personal hardships, noting that over 200 workers became homeless due to the hurricane, with more than 1,200 experiencing significant property damage. Many faced transportation challenges and personal crises while continuing to serve their communities.

    The event at Pier One served as both practical support and recognition of healthcare workers’ dedication during Jamaica’s ongoing recovery from one of its most destructive natural disasters in recent history.

  • Holness says Stephen ‘Cat’ Coore was a cultural ambassador in truest sense

    Holness says Stephen ‘Cat’ Coore was a cultural ambassador in truest sense

    KINGSTON, Jamaica — The Jamaican music community is in mourning following the sudden passing of legendary musician Stephen ‘Cat’ Coore at age 69. The co-founder and musical director of iconic reggae band Third World died on Sunday, leaving behind an indelible legacy in the nation’s cultural landscape.

    Prime Minister Andrew Holness publicly honored Coore’s extraordinary contributions, characterizing him as a monumental figure in Jamaica’s cultural history and a fundamental architect of the country’s global musical identity. Through an official statement on social media platform X, Holness emphasized how Coore’s work with Third World created a distinctive sound that transported Jamaica’s rhythm, spirit, and message to international audiences worldwide.

    “His artistic approach combined technical mastery with profound cultural awareness,” Holness noted, “producing music that remains both eternally relevant and distinctly Jamaican in character.”

    The Prime Minister further highlighted Coore’s role as a genuine cultural ambassador who represented Jamaica with exceptional dignity, excellence, and national pride. His pioneering contributions to the creative arts, Holness stated, significantly enriched Jamaica’s national identity while inspiring multiple generations of musicians both within the country and across the global music scene.

    Recognizing Coore’s previous honor of receiving the Order of Distinction for his cultural contributions, Holness extended official condolences on behalf of the Jamaican government and its citizens. The Prime Minister specifically addressed sympathies to Coore’s wife Lisa, his children, grandchildren, family members, fellow bandmates, and the international community of admirers whose lives were profoundly impacted by his artistic work.

    “May his musical legacy endure as a perpetual reminder of our national identity,” Holness concluded, “and demonstrate the unique power of Jamaican creativity to foster global unity through artistic expression.”

  • Holness urges vigilance against exploitation of ROOFS programme

    Holness urges vigilance against exploitation of ROOFS programme

    KINGSTON, Jamaica — Prime Minister Andrew Holness has issued a stern public warning to citizens applying for the government’s hurricane relief housing program, alerting them to sophisticated scams that seek to exploit vulnerable beneficiaries. The caution was delivered during the official launch of the Shelter Recovery Programme (SRP) at the Office of the Prime Minister on January 15.

    The Restoration of Owner or Occupant Family Shelters (ROOFS) initiative, a cornerstone of the SRP, offers tiered financial grants of J$75,000, J$200,000, and J$500,000 to homeowners based on the assessed damage from recent hurricanes. With an initial funding pool of J$10 billion, the program is designed to restore safe and habitable living conditions for those affected.

    In his address, Prime Minister Holness highlighted the growing threat of fraudsters using advanced technological means, including artificial intelligence, to create deceptive scenarios. He specifically warned against intermediaries falsely offering to ‘help’ citizens secure the grants for a fee. “We have to be absolutely careful that there is no hijacking of a programme like this,” Holness stated, emphasizing that the Ministry of Labour and Social Security is the sole administrator of the grants and does not employ any external agents or intermediaries.

    Eligibility for the ROOFS program requires official assessment and verification by the Ministry. To streamline this process, a self-reporting tool has been introduced, allowing citizens to alert the ministry directly and expedite damage assessments. The first grant disbursements are scheduled to begin by the end of January.

    The government urges all applicants to disregard any unsolicited offers of assistance on social media or in person and to report such attempts directly to the authorities.

  • No light, no water

    No light, no water

    PETERSFIELD, Westmoreland — A stark discrepancy exists between official statements and on-the-ground reality in this hurricane-ravaged Jamaican parish. Despite claims by the Jamaica Public Service Company Ltd (JPS) of significant progress in restoring utilities, residents across multiple communities report ongoing struggles more than two months after Hurricane Melissa’s devastation.

    The Category 5 storm, which struck in October, severely damaged critical infrastructure throughout Westmoreland, one of the five hardest-hit parishes. The interconnected nature of utility services means that without electricity to power water pumps, residents simultaneously lack both power and piped water from the National Water Commission (NWC).

    JPS announced Friday that it had successfully energized power lines leading to the NWC treatment plant in Roaring River—a crucial facility serving the parish—claiming this achievement had stabilized water supplies and restored electricity to residential areas in Petersfield, Waterworks, and Shrewsbury. The company stated subsequent testing confirmed active supply, offering what appeared to be promising news for the disaster-stricken region.

    While resident Randy Martin from Shrewsbury acknowledged improved water consistency following the plant reconnection, he clarified that electricity has not yet reached actual homes in his area, despite visible infrastructure repairs including newly planted poles in nearby housing schemes.

    Contrary to JPS assertions, numerous residents report completely dry taps and absent electricity. Audley, a Waterworks resident located on the Roaring River line, revealed he continues transporting water via motorcycle from Dean’s Valley to meet basic household needs.

    The restoration appears highly localized according to community members. Reds Don from Petersfield noted that while two housing schemes in Waterworks have electricity, surrounding areas remain without power. He further contradicted plant restoration claims, stating, ‘The plant, we hear that it got current, but there’s no water in the pipe.’

    Builder Roy Bruce echoed these sentiments, indicating that power service seemingly terminates at Waterworks without reaching the broader community. He emphasized the water crisis remains paramount: ‘They say they [are] going to set up the plant but only a few people [are] getting the water. Only a few pipes [are] getting the water right now.’

    The situation highlights the complex challenges of post-disaster infrastructure recovery and the communication gap between utility providers and affected communities still grappling with essential service shortages months after the hurricane.

  • Portmore Community College appoints new principal

    Portmore Community College appoints new principal

    ST CATHERINE, Jamaica — In a significant leadership transition, Portmore Community College (PCC) has announced the appointment of Reverend Dr. Austin Wright as its new principal. The college’s board of directors confirmed the decision through an official statement released on Monday, highlighting Dr. Wright’s exceptional qualifications and decades of service to Jamaican education.

    Dr. Wright brings to the position an extraordinary depth of experience, having served as principal at multiple educational institutions across Jamaica. His administrative leadership includes tenures at Mount James All-Age School, Greenwich All-Age School, Constant Spring Primary and Junior High School, and a remarkable 16-year period as Principal of José Martí Technical High School.

    Beyond his principal roles, Dr. Wright’s distinguished career encompasses significant contributions to teacher education and policy development. He has served as an education officer within Jamaica’s Ministry of Education and has lectured at several prestigious teacher training institutions, including St. Joseph’s Teachers’ College, The Mico University College, and the International University of the Caribbean. Additionally, he brings over 27 years of experience as chief external assessor for teacher education programs.

    The newly appointed principal holds certification from Jamaica’s National College for Educational Leadership (NCEL), underscoring his professional preparedness for institutional leadership. His exemplary service has been recognized with numerous awards, most notably the Golden Torch Award from the Jamaica Teachers’ Association, which honored his 38 years of outstanding contribution to education.

    Donmayne Gyles, Chairman of PCC’s Board, expressed strong confidence in the appointment, stating: ‘We are confident that Dr. Wright’s vision, experience and servant-leadership approach will further strengthen Portmore Community College and advance its mission of providing equal educational opportunities.’ Gyles emphasized that Dr. Wright’s values-driven leadership philosophy aligns perfectly with the college’s commitment to accessible, quality education.

  • Gunmen kidnap 163 worshippers from two Nigerian churches—clergy

    Gunmen kidnap 163 worshippers from two Nigerian churches—clergy

    KADUNA STATE, Nigeria — A coordinated assault by armed militants on multiple churches in Nigeria’s northern Kaduna State has resulted in the mass abduction of over 160 Christian worshippers, igniting a fierce dispute between local community leaders and state authorities who are publicly denying the incident occurred.

    The attacks unfolded on Sunday when large numbers of assailants, locally referred to as ‘bandits,’ blockaded church entrances in the Kurmin Wali village area during worship services and forcibly marched congregants into nearby wilderness. Reverend Joseph Hayab, regional head of the Christian Association of Nigeria, confirmed that 172 individuals were initially seized, with nine managing to escape, leaving 163 in captivity.

    Contradicting this account, Kaduna State police commissioner Muhammad Rabiu asserted that after dispatching officers to the alleged crime scene, no evidence of an attack or kidnappings was found. State commissioner for internal security Sule Shauibu similarly dismissed reports as ‘totally false,’ citing absence of proof.

    However, Ishaku Dan’azumi, a traditional chief in Kurmin Wali, provided a detailed testimony indicating even higher numbers—177 abducted from three churches, with 11 escapes, resulting in 166 currently held. He emphasized the community’s prolonged suffering from recurrent kidnappings, which have severely disrupted agricultural activities and local livelihoods.

    This incident reflects broader patterns of violence in northwestern and central Nigeria, where criminal gangs routinely execute village raids, mass abductions, and lootings. According to a recent SBM Intelligence report, kidnapping has evolved into a structured, profit-driven industry, generating approximately $1.66 million in ransoms between mid-2024 and mid-2025.

    Kaduna State, particularly the Kajuru district, remains a hotspot for such violence, often superficially framed along religious lines—Christian farmers versus Fulani Muslim herders—but fundamentally rooted in competition over land and scarce resources. Nigeria’s pervasive security challenges continue to draw international concern, exemplified by recent U.S. military strikes in neighboring Sokoto State targeting ISIS-affiliated militants.

  • Big win for Jamaica

    Big win for Jamaica

    MONTEGO BAY, Jamaica — Jamaica’s tourism industry has welcomed the United States’ decision to downgrade its travel advisory for the island nation from Level 3 to Level 2, characterizing the move as a critical boost for winter season prospects. The adjustment comes just two months after Hurricane Melissa triggered elevated safety concerns across western parishes.

    The updated advisory, issued by U.S. authorities on Saturday, continues to advise vigilance regarding crime, health, and natural disaster risks but acknowledges significant improvements in traveler safety conditions. Notably, it confirms the reopening of all major airports for commercial operations while recommending travelers verify the availability of specific services before departure. The advisory further distinguishes that while violent crime remains a nationwide concern, tourist zones typically experience lower incidence rates than other regions.

    Christopher Jarrett, President of the Jamaica Hotel and Tourist Association (JHTA), revealed that the association had been engaged in discreet advocacy for the revision. “We’re obviously pleased with it,” Jarrett stated. “JHTA has been lobbying quietly behind the scenes for this change because we know the previous advisory was implemented due to the hurricane. We believed our recovery has been robust by any measure and remarkably swift compared to hurricane events of similar magnitude.”

    Industry leaders emphasized the broader economic implications of the improved advisory. John Byles, Executive Deputy Chairman of Chukka Caribbean Adventures, highlighted the potential ripple effects: “Without question, we welcome the adjustment. It has meaningful implications for group and events business, encouraging more visitors to explore beyond resort properties and experience genuine Jamaican hospitality.”

    Ian Dear, CEO of Margaritaville Caribbean Group and Chairman of the Tourism Product Development Company, framed the revision as a testament to national resilience. “This truly demonstrates Jamaica’s capacity for rapid and sustainable recovery,” Dear noted. “We had achieved Level 2 status before Hurricane Melissa, and returning to this level so quickly is an accomplishment we should celebrate.”

    The business community echoed this sentiment, with Montego Bay Chamber of Commerce President Jason Russell applauding the upgrade as “testimony to good governance and crime reduction efforts.” Russell emphasized that safety considerations significantly influence group travel decisions, predicting increased corporate clientele for convention facilities.

    While stakeholders anticipate a gradual manifestation of benefits, particularly from the Canadian market which traditionally monitors advisories closely, the consensus remains overwhelmingly positive. The revision arrives at a strategically critical period as Jamaica prepares for peak winter tourism, with industry leaders expressing confidence in reclaiming pre-hurricane visitor levels through continued safety improvements and clear destination messaging.

  • Transport Authority investigating video which captures officer pulling gun on civilian

    Transport Authority investigating video which captures officer pulling gun on civilian

    KINGSTON, Jamaica — Jamaica’s Transport Authority (TA) has initiated an internal investigation following the viral circulation of a video showing one of its officers brandishing a firearm during a roadside operation. The incident, which unfolded during an attempted vehicle seizure, has prompted swift organizational response and raised questions about protocol adherence.

    The controversial footage captures escalating tensions between TA officials and civilians during an enforcement operation. Visual evidence shows a heated exchange between a civilian and a TA officer, culminating in the officer drawing his weapon while issuing commands to ‘step back.’ The situation intensified when the civilian challenged the armed officer by placing a stone under the vehicle’s tire and daring the official to shoot him. The confrontation continued with the subsequent involvement of a police officer who emerged from the operational vehicle.

    In an official statement released Monday, the Transport Authority explicitly distanced itself from the depicted actions, emphasizing that such conduct ‘does not form any part of its training protocols’ and violates established standard operating procedures and public interaction policies. As an immediate disciplinary measure, the involved officer has been removed from frontline duties pending investigation.

    The authority has engaged both the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) and the Firearm Licensing Authority (FLA) to ensure comprehensive review of the incident. Reaffirming its commitment to proper conduct, the TA emphasized expectations that all employees uphold organizational values including courtesy, professionalism, quality customer service, and respect for Jamaican citizens.

    Despite the incident, the authority maintains its dedication to providing efficient, safe, and reliable public transportation services while addressing this breach of operational standards.