Radcliffe ‘Dougie’ Bryan, the celebrated guitarist whose iconic riffs graced numerous hits by Toots and The Maytals, The Sensations, and Gregory Isaacs, passed away at the age of 78 on October 16 in Florida. His longtime colleague and bassist Jackie Jackson of The Maytals confirmed the news in an interview with Observer Online. Bryan’s illustrious career spanned decades, leaving an indelible mark on reggae and ska music. Earlier this year, in July 2024, he was honored with seven Grammy certificates by the Recording Association of America, recognizing his contributions to three Grammy-winning albums and four nominated works. The ceremony, held at the Island SPACE Museum in Plantation, South Florida, was presided over by Kennedy Mensah, managing director of Back 2 Da Future Music Ltd, a London-based music publishing firm representing Bryan. Among the albums acknowledged were Black Uhuru’s ‘Anthem,’ Bunny Wailer’s ‘Crucial! Roots Classics,’ and Toots and The Maytals’ ‘Got to Be Tough,’ which won Best Reggae Album Grammys in 1985, 1995, and 2021, respectively. Bryan’s work on other classics, including Toots and The Maytals’ ‘Light Your Light’ and ‘Ska Father,’ Jimmy Cliff’s ‘Hanging Fire,’ and Sizzla’s ‘The Messiah,’ was also celebrated. Born in Trelawny, Bryan moved to Kingston in his early teens and began his musical journey in the mid-1960s. He joined The Sensations, a harmony group that achieved success with hits like ‘Those Guys’ and ‘Everyday is A Holiday.’ Bryan’s guitar riffs became synonymous with timeless tracks such as ‘Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner,’ ‘Soon Forward,’ ‘Monkey Man,’ and ‘Pressure Drop.’ As a core member of The Maytals, alongside Jackie Jackson, drummer Paul Douglas, guitarist Hux Brown, and organist Winston Wright, Bryan helped shape the band’s signature sound. In the 1970s, he was part of The Revolutionaries, the house band at Channel One, where he collaborated with legends like Black Uhuru, Gregory Isaacs, and Jimmy Riley under producers Joseph Hoo Kim and Sly and Robbie. Bryan’s legacy as a pioneering guitarist and reggae icon will continue to resonate across generations.
标签： Jamaica
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High interest ahead of 62nd Port Antonio International Marlin Tournament
The Sir Henry Morgan Anglers Association has officially launched the 62nd Annual Port Antonio International Marlin Tournament, setting the stage for one of the Caribbean’s most anticipated sportfishing events. The tournament, scheduled to take place from October 22 to 25, 2025, at the Ole’ Marina in Port Antonio, Portland, promises four days of world-class fishing, community engagement, and camaraderie. The launch event, held on October 9 at 100 Hope Road in Kingston, Jamaica, was marked by reflections on last year’s success and optimism for the upcoming competition. Chairman Maxim Rochester highlighted the impressive catch of 26 marlin in 2024, averaging nearly two per participating boat, and expressed confidence that this year’s event, timed with the moon phase, could yield even greater results. Sterling Asset Management Ltd., the title sponsor, reaffirmed its decade-long commitment to the tournament, emphasizing its alignment with values of sportsmanship, community, and environmental respect. A unique feature of the event is the Canoe Tournament, which provides a platform for traditional fishermen to showcase their skills, fostering local participation and inclusivity. Rochester also emphasized the association’s focus on generational transition, aiming to attract younger members and more women to leadership roles. With promising weather forecasts and growing excitement, the 62nd edition of the tournament is poised to deliver thrilling competition and strengthen the bonds between professional anglers, local fishermen, sponsors, and the community.
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Former boxing world champion Hatton found hanged at home, inquest told
LONDON, United Kingdom—The tragic death of former boxing world champion Ricky Hatton has sent shockwaves through the sports community. A coroner’s court in Manchester revealed on Thursday that Hatton, 46, was found hanged at his home in Greater Manchester on September 14. The inquest into his death was opened and subsequently adjourned until March 20, 2024.
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Honorebel, Alison Hinds, Ackah Dan for Roll Your Waist Remix
KINGSTON, Jamaica — International recording artist Honorebel has made a bold entry into the world of Soca with his debut track, *Roll Your Waist Remix*, featuring the iconic Alison Hinds and acclaimed producer/musician Ackah Dan. Released under Phantom Music Group/Zojak Worldwide, this remix builds on the phenomenal success of the original *Roll Your Waist* single, which amassed over 2.3 million YouTube views in just two weeks. The original music video, directed by Honorebel and Shadrac Milhomme, marked Honorebel’s 39th directorial venture. Alison Hinds, celebrated as the ‘Queen of Soca’, elevates the remix with her signature flair, blending elements of her global hit *Roll It Gal* into the track. Her commanding vocals and vibrant energy infuse the song with an irresistible Caribbean spirit, making it a standout collaboration. For Honorebel, this remix represents a significant milestone in his career. Renowned for his international hits and genre-spanning collaborations, his first Soca endeavor showcases his artistic versatility. ‘I see and hear a carnival hit. This song embodies the energy of Soca, the excitement of carnival, and the unity of Caribbean culture,’ Honorebel remarked. Producer Ackah Dan, whose roots span Antigua, Ghana, and Jamaica, brings his signature Afro-Caribbean fusion to the remix. Known for his ability to blend soulful melodies, modern electronic textures, and ancestral rhythms, Ackah Dan’s contribution cements *Roll Your Waist Remix* as both a Soca anthem and a cross-cultural masterpiece. Fans can anticipate the remix’s inclusion in Honorebel’s upcoming album, *Winner Circle*, set for release in February 2026, followed by his 15th studio project in summer 2026.
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Rights groups demand legal memo on Caribbean boat strikes
The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) and the Center for Constitutional Rights (CCR) have jointly filed a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request to uncover the Office of Legal Counsel’s (OLC) guidance and related documents concerning lethal strikes on alleged drug smugglers in the Caribbean. This move follows U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi’s refusal to confirm the existence of such guidance during her testimony before the Senate Judiciary Committee. However, Charles Young, nominee for U.S. Army General Counsel, acknowledged the guidance’s existence in a separate hearing, revealing it was developed through an interagency lawyers’ working group involving the White House and executive branch agencies. Public reports suggest the OLC’s opinion asserts expansive presidential authority to use military force against individuals linked to drug cartels. Jeffrey Stein of the ACLU’s National Security Project condemned these strikes as ‘murder, pure and simple,’ emphasizing the need for public scrutiny of the administration’s legal justifications. Since early September, President Trump has reportedly ordered five strikes in the Caribbean, resulting in at least 27 deaths. The administration defends these actions by labeling drug cartels as ‘non-state armed groups’ engaged in armed conflict with the U.S. However, critics, including bipartisan lawmakers, legal experts, and international bodies, argue the strikes violate both international and domestic law. Baher Azmy of CCR warned of the administration’s ‘indiscriminate pattern of lawlessness,’ stressing the importance of transparency. Amnesty International’s Daphne Eviatar condemned the strikes as ‘murder—plain and simple,’ urging Congress to halt these actions and hold those responsible accountable.
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Danece Jacas is Miss Jamaica World Talent, advances to MJW top ten
KINGSTON, Jamaica — Danece Jacas, a resident of St. Mary, has emerged as the first-place winner in the Miss Jamaica World Talent fast track event, held at the Ranny Williams Entertainment Centre. Organized by the Jamaica Cultural Development Commission (JCDC), the competition featured all 20 finalists vying for an automatic spot in the top ten. Jacas captivated the judges with her performance of Teddy Swims’ 2023 hit ‘Lose Control,’ securing her place in the finals.
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SQUAD GOALS
Jamaica’s national senior men’s football team, the Reggae Boyz, are on the brink of securing a spot in the 2026 FIFA World Cup, following a series of impressive performances in the Concacaf World Cup Qualifiers. Head Coach Steve McClaren expressed his confidence in the squad, which he believes has finally come together as a cohesive unit. The team currently leads Group B after a commanding 4-0 victory over Bermuda and a favorable 1-1 draw between Curacao and Trinidad and Tobago. This puts Jamaica in a strong position with nine points, ahead of Curacao with eight, Trinidad with five, and Bermuda at the bottom with zero points. McClaren highlighted the impact of key players such as Bobby Reid, Shamar Nicholson, and Dujuan Richards, who all contributed to the win against Bermuda. The return of midfielders Isaac Hayden and Kasey Palmer, who missed the previous game due to suspension, was also pivotal. McClaren praised their performances, particularly Palmer’s work rate and Hayden’s stability in the midfield. Since taking charge in July 2024, McClaren has made several adjustments to the squad, with 11 new players compared to the team from a year ago. He emphasized the importance of trust and competition within the squad, which has seen significant improvement over the past year. With two crucial matches remaining—against Trinidad on November 13 and Curacao on November 18—McClaren remains cautious but optimistic. He stressed the need for players to stay fit and healthy, as the team aims to secure their place in the World Cup. The overseas contingent of the Reggae Boyz and technical staff departed Jamaica on Wednesday and are expected to return to Kingston on November 10, ready for the final push towards qualification.
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Investigation launched into cash stolen from Beryllium truck
KINGSTON, Jamaica — Beryllium, a prominent local security firm, has initiated an internal investigation and is collaborating closely with the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) following a significant cash theft from one of its armored vehicles last Saturday. The incident has prompted heightened scrutiny and swift action from the company. In a statement released on Thursday, Beryllium expressed confidence in the ongoing advanced investigative efforts, anticipating positive outcomes that will lead to the recovery of the stolen assets and the apprehension of the perpetrators. The company reassured its clients that the safety and integrity of its operations remain its utmost priority. Beryllium emphasized that every possible measure is being taken to resolve the matter quickly and effectively, ensuring minimal disruption to its services and maintaining trust with its customers.
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‘NO BRUTE FORCE’
In a decisive move to address the growing concerns surrounding the homeless population at Justice Square in downtown Kingston, Local Government Minister Desmond McKenzie, alongside Kingston Mayor Andrew Swaby, announced on Wednesday that individuals loitering in the area will no longer be permitted to remain. The announcement came after a night and early morning visit to the square, which houses the Supreme and Appeal courts, where McKenzie and Swaby engaged with dozens of homeless individuals.
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Policewoman found dead at home in St James
In a somber turn of events, 59-year-old police corporal Bibzie Foster was discovered unresponsive at her residence in Brooks Close, Granville, St James, Jamaica, on Wednesday morning. Foster, who was on the verge of retirement, was rushed to a nearby medical facility, where she was pronounced dead. Preliminary reports have not yet disclosed the cause of her sudden passing. Foster was set to retire in November, marking the end of her dedicated service with the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF). The JCF’s Corporate Communications Network (CCN) has officially confirmed her untimely demise. The incident has left the local community and her colleagues in mourning, as they reflect on her contributions to law enforcement and her impending retirement that will now remain unfulfilled.