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  • WATCH: Man dies in Manchester crash, five injured

    WATCH: Man dies in Manchester crash, five injured

    MANDEVILLE, JAMAICA – A devastating late-evening collision on the Winston Jones Highway in Mandeville has claimed one life and left five other people hospitalized, according to official law enforcement updates. The victim, identified by police and family members as Dave Ebanks Jr, widely known by his nickname “DJ”, worked at Holsum Bakery located in the Manchester community of Williamsfield. He died after succumbing to critical trauma suffered in the head-on crash that unfolded on Monday.

    Preliminary law enforcement accounts place the time of the incident at approximately 9:00 p.m. Reports outline that Ebanks was operating a Honda Integra heading uphill along the highway when he lost control of his vehicle. The car then collided head-on with a downhill-bound Toyota Wish, a vehicle registered as a public passenger taxi that was carrying five passengers at the time of the crash.

    First responders including local firefighters and police officers arrived at the crash site promptly, where they extricated Ebanks from his heavily damaged vehicle and coordinated emergency transport for all injured parties to a nearby medical facility. Ebanks was pronounced dead by medical staff shortly after arriving at the hospital, while the five occupants of the taxi were admitted for overnight care for their injuries.

    Investigating officers at the scene noted that the crash occurred in an area with solid unbroken white lane markings, an indicator that passing is prohibited. Based on initial site assessments, law enforcement says speeding and illegal improper overtaking are the most likely contributing factors to the fatal collision. The case is currently being handled jointly by the Manchester Traffic Department and the Area Three Accident Investigation and Reconstruction Unit, which are conducting a full probe to confirm the exact cause of the incident.

    Local authorities have reminded motorists to obey all traffic markings and speed limits, particularly on winding or hilly highways, to prevent similar tragic incidents.

  • Three Jamaican U15 girls secure bronze at DR Youth Championships

    Three Jamaican U15 girls secure bronze at DR Youth Championships

    KINGSTON, Jamaica — In a promising display of growing competitive strength, three young Jamaican table tennis prospects secured bronze medals at the Dominican Republic Youth Table Tennis Championship on April 20, marking a notable milestone in the island nation’s ongoing youth development program for the sport.

    Christina Royes, Kira Scott and Taherra Allison landed on the podium in third place, finishing behind top squads from Puerto Rico and the host Dominican Republic. Throughout the multi-match tournament, the teen athletes showcased measurable improvements in their core competitive skills: they maintained sharper ball control during high-stakes rallies, made smarter tactical decisions under intense pressure, and sustained a far more consistent rhythm across every game they played.

    Leadership figures from the Jamaica Table Tennis Association (JTTA) have lauded the young athletes’ performance, framing the result as a clear indicator of long-term, steady progress within the association’s development pipeline. Aubyn Henry, JTTA’s chief development and strategy officer, emphasized that the medals reflect far more than a single competition win—they signal key growth in the players’ overall understanding of the sport.

    “Allison, Royes, and Scott have shown real, tangible progress over recent months,” Henry noted. “This result comes from them beginning to understand matches better, and applying their training in a more complete, cohesive way when they step onto the court. It’s a strong step forward for all three young competitors.”

    JTTA President Ingrid Graham underlined the transformative impact of international competition for emerging young athletes, pointing out that cross-regional tournaments provide invaluable experience that cannot be replicated in domestic training or local matches. “This result reflects the steady development we’re building within our national youth programme,” Graham explained. “The experience gained competing at this international level is critical for their continued growth as elite competitors.”

    General Secretary Sean Wallace connected the team’s bronze medal achievement to the upcoming global celebration of the sport, noting that the win arrives just three days ahead of World Table Tennis Day on April 23. “As we approach World Table Tennis Day, this bronze medal earned in the Dominican Republic reflects the steady progress taking place across every level of the JTTA,” Wallace said.

    Now, all attention within Jamaica’s table tennis community is shifting to the April 23 World Table Tennis Day celebrations. The young athletes’ regional podium finish stands as a powerful reminder of how targeted development and consistent dedication can elevate Jamaica’s emerging young talent on the regional competitive stage, laying the groundwork for future success at higher levels of international play.

  • Dangerous pitch forces abandonment of Red Force, Hurricanes clash

    Dangerous pitch forces abandonment of Red Force, Hurricanes clash

    A top-tier domestic cricket match in the Caribbean has been called off entirely after unpredictable playing conditions left players at serious risk of injury, marking a major disruption to the 2026 West Indies Championship. The abandoned second-round contest, held at Antigua’s iconic Sir Viv Richards Stadium, pitted the home team Leeward Islands Hurricanes against the Trinidad and Tobago Red Force, with play stopped permanently during the opening session of the match’s third day.

    The chain of events that led to the abandonment began when Leeward Islands batter Jeremiah Louis was hit by a delivery from Red Force fast bowler Jayden Seales. The incident drew immediate attention to the erratic behavior of the pitch, which had begun producing inconsistent, unpredictable bounces that put batters in constant danger. On-field umpires Leslie Reifer and Zahid Bassarath quickly called a halt to play and raised their safety concerns to match referee Johnathan Blades, who launched immediate consultations to resolve the issue.

    At the time of the stoppage, the Leeward Islands held a 96-run overall lead, with seven wickets down for 140 runs in their second innings. Following medical evaluation, Louis was transported to a local hospital for assessment of a potential concussion. Cricket West Indies (CWI) later confirmed that the batter remained in stable condition after receiving prompt treatment from on-site medical staff.

    In an official statement released after the decision, CWI clarified that the abandonment followed all official competition rules. After talks with the venue’s curator, officials determined that the problematic pitch could not be repaired to a safe standard without creating an unfair competitive advantage for one side. With no path to safely resume play, the match was formally declared a draw. Both squads will receive the full points they had accumulated in the contest up to the point of the stoppage, aligned with the championship’s published playing conditions.

    The announcement also addressed lingering concerns about the upcoming championship final, scheduled to be hosted at the Sir Viv Richards Stadium between May 17 and 20. CWI moved quickly to reassure players, fans and stakeholders that no further matches will be held at the venue before the final, and that all necessary resources and groundskeeping expertise will be deployed to prepare a safe, high-quality playing surface for the title decider.

    Officials added context to note that the damaged pitch used for this match is just one of six playing surfaces available at the Sir Viv Richards complex, and is distinct from the pitch used for an earlier series fixture between Guyana and the Windward Islands. CWI reaffirmed its commitment to prioritizing player safety across all its hosted events, and pledged to uphold rigorous standards for pitch preparation and match operations at every venue throughout the 2026 championship.

  • ‘LET ME HELP!’

    ‘LET ME HELP!’

    Nine years after hanging up his sprint spikes as the most decorated sprinter in Olympic history, Jamaican track and field icon Usain Bolt still holds an unshakeable grip on the sport’s record books — and he’s now pushing for sweeping change to bring back the fan engagement that defined his legendary career.

    Bolt, who retired in 2016 with eight Olympic gold medals and 11 World Championship titles, still owns three world records that have stood unbroken for nearly 15 years: his 9.58-second 100m and 19.19-second 200m marks, both set at the 2009 World Athletics Championships, and the 36.84-second 4x100m relay record he helped secure at the 2012 London Olympics. Since his departure from competitive running, the sport has faced consistent criticism that it lacks the star power and electric energy Bolt brought to every track he stepped on, a gap that has left many casual fans tuning out.

    World Athletics leadership has pushed back on that narrative in recent months. Last December, association president Sebastian Coe highlighted robust growth across the sport, pointing to sold-out event attendance, a record-breaking 40 billion global digital impressions, and an unprecedented 84 countries qualifying athletes for the World Athletics Championships finals. He also teased new, high-stakes opportunities coming in 2026, headlined by the inaugural Ultimate Championships set to take place in Budapest. In September 2024, Bolt was named the Ultimate Legend for the new event, a ceremonial role intended to build hype for the competition. But the sprint legend says that title isn’t enough — he is pushing for a far more expanded role to help steer the sport’s growth, and has made his desire for change clear to World Athletics leadership.

    In an interview with CNN Sports, Bolt argued that the sport needs a full revamp to recapture the attention of casual viewers, saying that the current product lacks the excitement that keeps audiences coming back. “People watch for excitement, and I think the sport needs to figure out a way to get people engaged in track and field,” he explained. “I’m not the only one saying it. People always say to me, ‘Usain, track and field is going down.’ Even now when I travel, people tell me they don’t watch anymore because I left. It’s missing that excitement, that vibe, that energy people crave. It’s not always about the clock — it’s about the competition, the personality athletes bring, that’s what draws people in.”

    Bolt’s comments echo a widespread belief that track and field has struggled to produce transcendent, charismatic stars with the cross-over appeal that turned the Jamaican into a global household name. He added that he actively celebrates emerging athletes who bring distinct personalities to the sport, noting that that authenticity is what helps new fans connect.

    For Bolt, who turned 30 the year he retired and says he has no regrets about stepping away when he did, the pull of the sport remains deeply personal. “It’s pretty much my life, it made me who I am,” he said of his connection to track and field. “So I’ll play any role possible to help to uplift it, help to push it and help to keep it afloat and get better. I’ve been saying it, I’ve told them all the time that I’m willing to be a bigger part of this.”

    Even away from the track, Bolt says he still feels the rush of competition. He recalled attending a recent World Championships as a spectator, saying the experience was surreal. “It felt weird not being on the track, and I felt a lot more nervous than I normally would be competing myself,” he said. “When I watch my fellow Jamaicans compete, I get more nervous than anything else. I do miss just the excitement and just the energy from the crowd.”

    Outside of his work with World Athletics, Bolt recently partnered with luxury watch brand Hublot to launch a limited-edition timepiece that honors the milestones of his iconic sprint career.

  • YACJ calls for greater parental responsibility amid rising school violence

    YACJ calls for greater parental responsibility amid rising school violence

    KINGSTON, Jamaica — Amid a wave of violent incidents spreading through Jamaica’s national education system and rising public anxiety over shifting student conduct and campus culture, the Youth Advisory Council of Jamaica (YACJ) has publicly highlighted the urgent need for systemic intervention to address the growing crisis.

    In an official press statement, YACJ Chair Rodain Richardson emphasized that problematic student behavior does not emerge spontaneously. Instead, negative conduct patterns develop gradually, shaped by the lessons taught to young people, the norms that communities choose to reinforce, and the behaviors that institutions and families allow to go unaddressed. “If we are truly committed to rooting out school violence, we must dedicate equal effort to rebuilding the foundational value systems that guide young Jamaicans, both in domestic settings and within school walls,” Richardson noted.

    The youth-led advisory body has already developed a set of targeted policy proposals designed to improve student performance and foster healthy long-term behavioral growth. One of its flagship proposals is the Boys’ in Education Policy, which was crafted to tackle the unique structural and social barriers that disproportionately impact male students across the country. At the same time, the YACJ stressed that its approach remains intentionally inclusive and balanced, with built-in support for female students who navigate their own specific societal pressures and unbalanced behavioral expectations.

    Council leaders argue that any long-term, sustainable solution to school violence must center on deeper, more structured parental involvement in student development. The values and social norms children absorb at home directly shape the attitudes they bring to classroom settings, they explained, and ultimately contribute to the challenging conduct that education systems are currently grappling with.

    To address this gap, the YACJ will submit a national Parenting Engagement and Support Framework for government and stakeholder consideration. The framework is designed to strengthen parental accountability, promote evidence-based positive discipline practices, and support the early formation of pro-social values in children from a young age.

    Additionally, the organization backs comprehensive reforms to school-level support systems, calling for expanded investment in structured initiatives that intentionally build character, boost emotional intelligence, and encourage personal accountability for behavior through targeted guidance, long-term mentorship programs, and early intervention frameworks. Richardson clarified that the push for systemic change is not about assigning blame to parents, educators, or students themselves, but rather about ensuring consistent, supportive norms across all the environments that shape young people’s development.

    Moving forward, the YACJ reaffirmed its commitment to collaborating with Jamaica’s Ministry of Education, frontline educators, family groups, and all relevant stakeholders to advance a more proactive, coordinated national approach. The organization’s ultimate goal is to embed stronger values, healthier attitudes, and more positive behavioral norms across the entire education system.

  • SMA highlights digital sovereignty and resilience at global telecommunications forum

    SMA highlights digital sovereignty and resilience at global telecommunications forum

    At the 30th annual general meeting, business forum, and expo hosted by the Pacific Islands Telecommunications Association (PITA) recently, Jamaica’s Spectrum Management Authority (SMA) brought critical, underrepresented perspectives from small island developing states to a global stage of digital policymakers and industry leaders. Speaking as SMA’s Managing Director during the virtual gathering, Dr. Maria Myers-Hamilton delivered a compelling keynote address centered on the interconnected priorities of digital resilience, national digital sovereignty, and closing persistent investment gaps amid the rapid global expansion of artificial intelligence.

    Dr. Myers-Hamilton opened her address by reframing core elements of the digital age, arguing that today’s global digital ecosystem has undergone a fundamental shift. What once were viewed as secondary utilities — data, connectivity, and computing infrastructure — have now emerged as defining strategic national assets that shape a country’s long-term economic and political standing. For small island nations in particular, spectrum management and digital infrastructure development are no longer niche technical concerns confined to regulator meetings; they are central pillars of protecting national sovereignty and carving out a strong position in the competitive global digital economy.

    Crucially, Dr. Myers-Hamilton clarified that the push for digital sovereignty does not equate to cutting off small island states from global digital networks or innovation. “Digital sovereignty is not about isolation; it is about ensuring that participation in the global digital economy happens on our terms,” she explained. This framing emphasizes the right of small island nations to retain full control over their domestic data, digital infrastructure, and independent policy decision-making, rather than ceding authority to external commercial or political actors.

    The keynote also laid bare the unique structural barriers that continue to hold back digital development in small island states. These challenges include exorbitant upfront costs for building and maintaining digital infrastructure, the inherent limitations of small domestic markets that prevent economies of scale, and widespread overreliance on foreign digital service and infrastructure providers. Combined, these factors have created a widening investment gap that leaves small island nations ill-equipped to meet the surging global demand for high-speed connectivity and AI-powered digital services. As AI adoption accelerates across the world, these pre-existing constraints make proactive resilience planning and strategic investment far more urgent than ever before.

    Drawing on decades of practical experience from Jamaica and the broader Caribbean region, Dr. Myers-Hamilton outlined a clear path forward centered on regional collaboration. She noted that aligned, harmonized approaches to spectrum management and licensing across neighboring island states can drive major efficiency gains, cut collective operational costs, and drastically improve the bargaining power of small nations when negotiating with large global technology and infrastructure providers.

    She also outlined four core priorities that small island states must prioritize to build robust, inclusive digital ecosystems: First, constructing resilient digital infrastructure that integrates built-in redundancy and explicit disaster preparedness, a critical requirement for geographically vulnerable island nations prone to extreme weather events. Second, establishing clear, transparent, and stable regulatory frameworks that build investor confidence and attract sustained private and public investment. Third, expanding domestic technical capacity to manage and govern emerging technologies including artificial intelligence. Fourth, leveraging innovative spectrum management practices to boost operational efficiency and regulatory oversight.

    Notably, Dr. Myers-Hamilton did not dismiss AI as an overwhelming threat to small states; instead, she highlighted its tangible benefits for core regulatory work, noting that AI can transform spectrum management by enabling more accurate real-time monitoring, data-driven predictive planning, and far more efficient allocation of scarce spectrum resources. These improvements in turn translate to faster response to service outages and better digital service delivery for domestic users. At the same time, she emphasized the critical need for responsible AI adoption, stressing that robust governance, strict data protection standards, and regulatory agility must remain front and center as AI technologies continue to evolve.

    Closing her address, Dr. Myers-Hamilton rejected the common narrative that small population and geographic size limits small island states’ ability to shape the future of the global digital economy. “Our size does not limit our influence; our strategy determines it,” she said, calling on small island nations across the world to take a more active, unified stance in global digital policy discussions. As global demand for digital services continues its steep upward trajectory, she argued that progress depends on treating resilience, sovereignty, and targeted investment not as separate goals, but as interconnected priorities that require coordinated collective action.

    The PITA forum itself serves as a key annual convening point for digital policymakers, regulators, and industry leaders from island economies across the globe. Its core mission is to strengthen cross-national collaboration, expand access to reliable connectivity, upgrade regional digital infrastructure, and address shared challenges ranging from persistent infrastructure gaps and limited investment access to the disruptive impacts of fast-growing emerging technologies like AI.

  • Digicel marks 25 years with star-studded bash

    Digicel marks 25 years with star-studded bash

    On a vibrant Saturday in downtown Kingston, Digicel’s corporate headquarters was transformed into a sea of deep crimson, as hundreds of attendees gathered to mark the telecommunications giant’s 25 years of operations in Jamaica. Loyal customers, senior company leadership, government representatives, and some of Jamaica’s biggest music stars all dressed in the brand’s signature red to join the anniversary celebrations, turning the company’s parking lot into one of the year’s most energetic public gatherings.

    From the first hours of the event, electric anticipation filled the air, with popular hosts Talia Soares-Brown and Christopher “Johnny” Daley keeping the growing crowd engaged and entertained. Early arrivals were rewarded with exclusive giveaways, where quick reflexes and a bit of luck let dozens of happy customers walk away with hundreds of dollars in free mobile credit.

    The centerpiece of the day was a star-studded musical showcase that highlighted the full breadth of Jamaica’s iconic musical talent. Opening the performances was instrumentalist Verlando Small, whose smooth, soulful set featuring reimagined versions of *Loving You*, *I Wanna Know*, *Can We Talk*, and *Best Part* resonated deeply with the audience, drawing particularly warm applause from female attendees. Next up was beloved gospel artist Jermaine Edwards, who shifted the energy with uplifting, soul-stirring performances of *God Is With Me* and *It’s a Beautiful Day*, adding a heartfelt spiritual layer to the celebratory occasion.

    Fresh off his 2024 Digicel Rising Stars win, Akeen Fennell took the stage next with a nostalgic set paying tribute to Jamaican reggae legends. He worked through classic tracks including Sanchez’s remake of *Missing You Now* and Wayne Wade’s *I Love You Too Much*, before transitioning into fan favorites *Oh Me Oh My* and *Stuck on You*. He ramped up the energy with a rousing rendition of Buju Banton’s *Love Me Browning*, closing his set with his own original hit *It’s Over*.

    Powerhouse vocalist Tessanne Chin kept the momentum building, drawing from her decades-long catalog of hits to deliver crowd-pleasing performances of *Messenger*, *Underneath It All*, and *Hideaway*. Following Chin was iconic reggae artist Bugle, one of the event’s special invited guests, who turned the venue into a lively Rasta party with his electrifying set. His performances of *What I’m Gonna Do*, *Don’t Blame Life*, *Pearly Gate*, and *Nuh Compatible* served as an unexpected bonus for the already hyped gathering, leaving fans cheering for more.

    Dancehall breakout star Valiant took command of the stage next, delivering a short but high-octane set packed with his viral fan favorites, including *100 Milli*, *Passenger Princess*, *West Indies*, *Narcissistic*, and *Baddiedeh*, leaving the crowd buzzing with raw energy.

    The night came to a close with a headline set from Chris Martin, one of Digicel Rising Stars’ most successful alumni, who took the stage after a dazzling cake-cutting ceremony and fireworks display that drew gasps from the crowd. Martin took attendees on a nostalgic journey through his 21-year career, opening with *A Change Is Gonna Come*, the track that first launched him to fame on the Digicel singing competition. He followed with a string of his biggest hits, including *Big Deal*, *Cheaters Prayer*, *Giving It*, *Chill Spot*, *Paper Loving*, and *Wife and Sweetheart*. The night’s biggest highlight came when Martin brought out fellow Digicel Rising Stars winner Romain Virgo for a surprise joint performance. The two artists wowed the crowd with their natural chemistry on *Leave People Business*, before Virgo transitioned into *Fade Away*, his popular collaboration with Agent Sasco. Martin stepped seamlessly into Sasco’s verse, showcasing the close camaraderie and shared musical roots between the two Jamaican stars.

    In a reflective speech marking the 25-year milestone, Digicel Jamaica CEO Stephen Murad shared his pride in the company’s transformative journey across Jamaica. “Who would have thought 25 years ago Digicel would come along and change the face of the telecommunications industry in Jamaica? We now have thousands of employees here in Jamaica and over 2 million mobile customers that we serve every year. Tonight we’re here in the car park of our headquarters, and just seeing everyone in the crowd listening in on this amazing concert I’m so proud and I want to say thank you to all of our customers,” Murad said.

    Daryl Vaz, Jamaica’s Minister of Science, Energy, Telecommunications and Transport, also praised Digicel’s far-reaching impact on the country beyond its telecommunications services. “This is a very huge achievement. Digicel came in as the new kid on the block 25 years ago and they have established themselves as a corporate entity with a lot of social benefits to Jamaica through their foundation which has proven to be one of their most successful foundations in terms of upliftment across Jamaica, and so I wish them well,” Vaz said.

    Fresh off his closing performance, Martin shared his gratitude for the opportunity to help mark the milestone that launched his own career. “I’m feeling great. It’s the 25th anniversary, my career started with this and now to close out this special occasion, it’s big vibes. They said 30 minutes so we tried to cram as much songs as we possibly could. The energy was awesome and the vibes from the people was infectious, so we give thanks. At the end of the day we can do music and it fall on deaf ears. So to be doing this for 21 years and people still love me and we stay relevant and we still in the people’s hearts, it’s a blessing.”

  • ‘Jamaicans inform for free’, says Chang

    ‘Jamaicans inform for free’, says Chang

    KINGSTON, Jamaica — Fresh data released by Jamaica’s top security official has upended common assumptions about citizen participation in crime fighting, revealing that a staggering 94% of Jamaicans who share actionable information leading to the arrest and charging of criminal suspects decline any offered financial compensation. The revelation was made public Tuesday by Minister of National Security and Peace Dr. Horace Chang during his opening address for the 2026/27 Sectoral Debate held at Gordon House, Jamaica’s seat of parliamentary governance.

    Chang told assembled legislators that while total payouts to tipsters have surged nearly tenfold over the past 10 years, a trend many might misinterpret as growing dependence on financial incentives to encourage public cooperation, the actual share of tip-seekers who accept payment tells a far more encouraging story. “The data tells a powerful story about the role of our citizens in making Jamaica safer,” Chang emphasized during his address.

    Against widespread expectations that financial rewards would be a primary driver for public engagement, only 6% of Jamaicans who come forward with critical crime-related information actually request and accept payment for their contribution. That leaves 94% of cooperating citizens choosing to act without any financial compensation, a statistic Chang framed as a defining marker of grassroots commitment to public safety across the island.

    “This is not about money,” Chang stressed. “It is about patriotism. It is about trust. It is about citizens taking a stand for their communities.” The minister went on to frame the high rate of uncompensated cooperation as a milestone worth celebrating, noting that the growing partnership between ordinary Jamaicans and law enforcement marks one of the clearest indicators that the country is not only becoming safer, but that safety improvements are being driven by the communities most affected by crime. “This is something we must celebrate. This partnership between citizens and law enforcement is one of the strongest signals that Jamaica is not only becoming safer, but that Jamaicans themselves are leading that change,” he added.

  • Terry Ganzie’s ‘Same Africans’ climbs on Spin Counts Top 150 Chart

    Terry Ganzie’s ‘Same Africans’ climbs on Spin Counts Top 150 Chart

    One of dancehall music’s most enduring veteran voices, Terry Ganzie, is in the midst of a remarkable career resurgence, and his latest milestone is turning heads across the global reggae and dancehall landscape: his hit single *Same Africans* has jumped 12 positions on the U.S.-focused Spin Counts Top 150 chart, landing at the No. 65 spot this week after claiming the No. 77 rank seven days prior.

    The Spin Counts Top 150 serves as a key industry benchmark for radio success, tracking the most supported singles across hundreds of radio markets throughout the United States. This consistent upward trajectory is far more than a one-week fluke; it reflects rapidly growing momentum for the track, which has been picking up steam across every major segment of the modern music industry, from traditional terrestrial radio rotation to on-demand digital streaming and viral social media engagement. As it continues its climb up the rankings, *Same Africans* has been building a robust national footprint for Ganzie in the competitive U.S. market, placing the veteran artist alongside contemporary chart-topping hitmakers and cementing a landmark moment in his decades-long career.

    Co-produced by Temps Music and AfroWorld Music, *Same Africans* carries more than just infectious rhythm—it delivers a timeless, unifying message centered on Black identity, cultural pride and shared African heritage. The track’s core thesis resonates deeply with listeners across the globe: all people of African descent, no matter where they were born or what citizenship they hold, are connected through centuries of shared culture, history and collective purpose. This meaningful, timely message has driven both the track’s cultural impact and its commercial performance, creating the organic momentum that has pushed it up the industry chart.

    This chart success follows hot on the heels of Ganzie’s previous release, *We Rise*, an inspiring anthem of resilience that the artist created in the aftermath of Hurricane Melissa to lift up affected communities. A defining voice of dancehall’s beloved golden era, Ganzie has built an extensive, celebrated discography over his career that includes fan-favorite tracks such as *Welcome The Outlaw*, *Whosoever Will May Come*, *Who’s Responsible*, *Jah Will Help* and the aforementioned *We Rise*. For long-time fans of the artist, this latest chart climb is just another well-deserved marker of his enduring talent and relevance in the global music space.

  • Scorpions all-rounder calls for patient bowling approach vs Pride

    Scorpions all-rounder calls for patient bowling approach vs Pride

    The ongoing four-day West Indies Championship match between Jamaica Scorpions and Barbados Pride at Kingston’s Sabina Park has been heavily disrupted by wet weather, leaving the two sides with contrasting but confident outlooks heading into the third day of play.

    By the close of play on the truncated second day, Barbados Pride had responded to Jamaica’s first-innings total of 457 all out with a solid 125 for one from 27 overs, leaving them well placed to challenge for the all-important first-innings advantage that often proves decisive in four-day first-class cricket.

    The day began with Jamaica Scorpions resuming from their overnight score of 354 for three wickets, with the visiting Barbados side delivering a disciplined bowling performance that quickly dragged the hosts into trouble. Within the first session, Jamaica lost four wickets for just 34 runs, sliding from 354 for three to 388 for eight. Overnight batsman Brad Barnes fell for 40 at 367 for five, Abhijai Mansingh was out for a duck just one run later, fellow overnight batter Romaine Morris departed for 25, and tailender Peat Salmon added only three to the score.

    It was a dogged, attacking late-wicket partnership between all-rounder Odean Smith and number nine batter Ojay Shields that pulled Jamaica past the 400-run mark and up to a final total of 457. Smith, in particular, delivered a thrilling half-century, hitting five fours and four sixes in a 70-ball 54 to anchor a 68-run ninth-wicket stand that transformed the innings. Shields eventually fell for 14 as Jamaica were dismissed all out in 103 overs.

    Barbados pace bowler Shamar Springer turned in the standout bowling performance for the Pride, finishing with impressive figures of three wickets for 99 runs from 24 overs. The 28-year-old all-rounder credited tighter execution of pre-match plans for his side’s improved showing on the second day, after a sloppy opening day display that allowed Jamaica to reach 331 for three at stumps on day one.

    “We had clear plans and we stuck to them a little longer than on Sunday, and we executed better as a result,” Springer explained.

    In response to Jamaica’s formidable 457, Barbados openers Kraigg Brathwaite and Shayne Moseley got the innings off to a flying start, putting on a fluent century opening stand against what Smith described as inconsistent, overly aggressive bowling from the Scorpions. The partnership was broken at 105, when off-spinner Salmon deceived the attacking Moseley to bowl him for a 60-ball 53.

    At the tea break, Brathwaite, the former West Indies Test captain, remained unbeaten on 51 from 87 deliveries, with Jonathan Drakes not out on 17 at the other end. However, persistent rain that set in during the interval wiped out the entire final session of the day, forcing umpires to call off play early.

    When play resumes at 9:30 on the third morning, Brathwaite and Drakes will return to the crease to build on Barbados’ solid start. For Jamaica, Smith says the side must adjust its approach if it is to dismiss Barbados before they can overhaul the first-innings total. The 29-year-old all-rounder admitted the Scorpions made a key error in their first day of bowling, prioritizing attacking wicket-taking over patient line-and-length pressure.

    “I think we tried to blast them out for most parts instead of being patient and staying on a good length for longer,” Smith told Jamaica Observer. “They got away but I think we have to come back tomorrow and work on the patience game. They have lost only one wicket but we still have a big lead and they have a long way to go if they are going to get first innings advantage. I think we have the quality to bowl them out before they even get close to 457.”

    For his part, Springer remained optimistic about the Pride’s chances, saying the opening partnership had given his side the perfect platform to push on for a first-innings lead.

    “I think it’s a good start, a good platform to have. We have some quality batters to come, but hopefully the guys at the crease can take us all the way through to get first innings and then we would assess from there,” he said.