Caribbean National Weekly August 10, 2023

for significant role in nation-building DIASPORA HAILED

During Jamaica’s 61st Independence celebration, Jamaica’s Prime Minister, Andrew Holness, acknowledged the role Jamaicans living abroad have played in the growth and development of their home country.

Ambassador to the United States, Her Excellency Audrey P Marks delivered the remarks on Holness’ behalf at a thanksgiving service in Takoma Park, Maryland

This service was part of a series of events planned by the Jamaican Embassy in Washington to commemorate both Emancipation and Independence days

Holness emphasized the importance of strengthening the relationship with the diaspora in enhancing Jamaica’s progress and future prosperity

The Prime Minister further praised the Jamaican Embassy in the US for its relentless efforts in advocating for and representing the diaspora

Holness mentioned the Jamaican government’s focus on infrastructure development Noteworthy undertakings spanned the entire country, connecting communities, boosting the economy, and enhancing access and convenience

Notable projects include the North-South Highway, which has cut travel times and promoted commerce, and the Montego Bay Perimeter Road designed to alleviate traffic congestion and enhance the connectivity in the tourism capital

Holness highlighted the government’s emphasis on housing as well, understanding that affordable and secure housing is not just a basic right but also an important aspect of societal stability and national prosperity

Economically, Holness shared that Jamaica is on a trajectory of fiscal discipline, which has led to a stable Jamaican dollar and a lower debt-to-GDP ratio

WHAT’S INSI

Meet the architect behind Jamaica’s progress in the

The Government of Jamaica recognizes the Diaspora as crucial partners and drivers of Jamaica’s economic development. Jamaicans overseas represent a wealth of human, social and nancial capital and are key actors and inuencers bringing tremendous value to Jamaica. We are actively pursuing opportunities to channel this value into mutually benecial policy initiatives.

– PM Andrew Holness

African, Caribbean bodies call for slavery reparations

Various African and Caribbean bodies came together at an unprecedented event last month in Bridgetown, Barbados. Their unified demand focused on compensation for slavery and the scars it has left on present-day society

He un g p p and bold policies have been implemented, attracting investments, encouraging entrepreneurship, and generating job opportunities

Holness praised Jamaica’s significant strides over 61 years as an independent country As the nation embarks on its future journey, he called on Jamaicans to uphold their inherent values of resilience, unity, and love

The event marked the debut of the Jamaica Diaspora DMV Awards, honoring notable Jamaican-born figures, retired Maryland

y of Caribbean Studies Founder and President, Dr Claire

A Nelson

The thanksgiving service also featured a sermon by Senior Pastor Rev Astor Carlyle, who urged Jamaicans abroad to reflect on their personal role in contributing to their homeland’s improvement

YEARS

Among those rallying for reparations for “historical crimes” were the University of the West Indies (UWI), the African Union’s Economic, Social and Cultural Council (AU), the Government of Barbados, the Open Society Foundations, a grant-making network, and the Caribbean Pan African Network

The Bridgetown assembly was alive with strategic discussions and plenaries This marked the launch of an “intercontinental campaign,” UWI announced, labeling it a “ground-breaking” event continues on B1 – Reparations

JAMAICA of independence

Patrons enjoyed the Jamaica Ole Time Fair in Miramar this past Saturday, August 5 at the Miramar Regional Park Amphitheater. The event was hosted by City of Miramar Mayor Wayne Messam. – Contributed

Consul General Oliver Mair snaps a photo with fellow Jamaicans at a Jamaica Independence event in South Florida. – Contributed

JAMAICA 61

A young girl performs a cultural piece at the Jamaica Ole Time Fair in Miramar this past Saturday, August 5 at the Miramar Regional Park Amphitheater. – Contributed

Janet, Juliet, and Morfydd having a great me at the Jamaica Independence motorcade in Lauderdale Lakes last Sunday. –Contributed

Soca arste Machel Montano and his wife Renee (right) poses with Jamaica’s Minister of Sports and Culture, Olivia “Babsy” Grange aer receiving the Keys to the City of Kingston, Jamaica, during the Independence Day celebraons on Sunday. – JIS Photo

Members of the Grammy-winning reggae group Morgan Heritage perform at the Independence Grand Gala held on Sunday, August 6 at the Naonal Stadium. They were recognised as the Jamaica Reggae Icon Awardees during this year’s staging of the Independence Day Grand Gala celebraons. – JIS Photo

City of Miramar Mayor Wayne Messam and VM Group President & CEO, Courtney Campbell, take a photo with honorees at the Jamaica Emancipendence Award Recepon. Awards were given to Miramar community leaders - Charmaine Palmer of Hope For Society Foundaon, Cleveland Smith of Cleveland's Old Fashioned Ice Cream Rick Crooks of EAC Consulng, and Kerri-Ann Nesbeth of EDFuel. – Contributed

Prime Minister, the Most Hon. Andrew Holness (centre) and his sons Adam (le) and Andrew Jnr greet the crowd at the Naonal Stadium for the Independence Day grand gala on Saturday – JIS photo

The architect behind Jamaica’s progress in the Women’s World Cup Lorne Donaldson

ByIanBurnett

Jamaica’s national women ’ s team head coach, Lorne Donaldson, had told FIFA that his Reggae Girlz would go toe-to-toe with rivals in Group F of the FIFA Women’s World Cup and try to get out of the group and make all hell break loose

Three games in and not only are the Jamaicans one of only three teams not to concede a goal, but the Caribbean’s top team created history by becoming the first team from the region to qualify for the Round of 16 at any World Cup Tournament

That result booted Brazil at the group stage, a first such failure in six cycles

But how did the 43rd-ranked Reggae Girlz defy the odds and secure a place among the top 16 teams at the end of the group stage?

The answer is simple Lorne Donaldson!

It appears it was divine intervention

In early 2020, Donaldson, then interim head coach of the Reggae Girlz senior team, resigned from all duties relating to the women ’ s football programme

He said his decision was primarily based on the questionable integrity and lack of professionalism within the leadership of the JFF

He had been an assistant coach to Hue Menzies when the Reggae Girlz first qualified for the FIFA Women’s World Cup in 2019 in France

But in June 2022, he returned to the head coach’s role with the Reggae Girlz after the players had written to the JFF leadership expressing serious concerns with the training methods and competence of then head coach Vin Blaine, who eventually resigned

“It was a tough decision If you ask my wife, she would’ve said, ‘what are you doing?’ because I’ve been involved since 2015 and in 2019 I stepped out of it

“But I decided to step back into the job and try and help the girls I did it because of the

country and because of the girls It has nothing to do with me My wife wasn;t very happy at the time, but I think now she’s ok!” he had told FIFA

Now residing in Denver, Colorado, Donaldson started his playing career as an astute defender at Kingston College in Jamaica’s popular schoolboy football competition

He graduated to one of the premier senior team clubs in the country, Cavalier Soccer Club, where he played in the nation’s top-flight competition

The defender also played senior international football for Jamaica between 1975 and 1979

In 1980 he entered the Metropolitan State University in Denver where he was considered one of the greatest players in their history after playing three years to 1982 During that period he was an All-American player He earned his degree in Physical Education and at the end of his college playing career, he served his school as assistant coach for three years from 1983 to 1985

Donaldson became the first soccer player to be inducted into the Metropolitan State University Hall of Fame in 1995 But that was just the start of his service to football, particularly in the United States of America

He would transition into coaching as a

player/coach for the Denver Kickers and pro team, the Colorado Foxes and after successful stints with both, including two APSL National Championships with the Colorado Foxes, Donaldson started investing his time in youth soccer, specifically with Douglas County Blast, later Real Colorado in 1997

Because of his vision and leadership, that entity has grown to be regularly considered one of the top 20 clubs in the USA and a pioneer in the US Soccer Development Academy and Elite Clubs National League

He was the co-founder of the Black Soccer Coaches Association of America, helping to bring African and Caribbean players and coaches a better understanding of the American football culture

He has been an accomplished instructor with the National Soccer Coaches Association of America for over many years and was inducted into the Colorado Youth Soccer Hall of Fame for his outstanding achievement in youth soccer

Donaldson has worked with many top players in his career, including Carlos Valderrama, Marcela Balboa, John Spencer, Tiafour Diane, Robin Frazer, Raul Diaz Arce, Pablo Mastrioni, Mark Chung, Jeff Hooker, Kyle Beckerman, Chris Henderson, Ted Eck, Chris Martinez, Tom Stone, Tom Soehn, Chad Ashton and Jamaican players such as Walter Boyd, Fabian Davis, Wolde Harris, Greg Messam, Chris Dawes and Anthony McCreath

With such a resume, it’s hardly any surprise then that his Reggae Girlz have been so stingy at the back, keeping the feared France and Brazil at bay

Unfortunately the 2023 World Cup dream has ended for the Reggae Girlz after their narrow 1-0 defeat to Colombia in the second round But, nonetheless Donaldson and the Reggae Girlz have made a nation proud, with a fitting gift to Jamaica on its independence day by making history in the World Cup

PM Holness asserts Jamaica’s local elections set for February 2024

Jamaica’s Prime Minister Andrew Holness on Thursday announced that the long-delayed local government elections would be held in February 2024

Holness reassured the public during a press briefing, expressing the government’s commitment to upholding the constitutional requirements concerning the local government elections

Haiti’s cry for safety

Thousands protest in public outcry against mounting gang threats

In a surge of public outcry, several thousand individuals took to the streets of Haiti’s capital, Port-au-Prince, on Monday Concealing their faces for safety, the demonstrators passionately called for better protection against violent gangs that have gripped many parts of the city

The persistent gang violence has not only disrupted the everyday lives of Haitians but also exacerbated the nation’s poverty This has led to anticipation over the United Nations Security Council’s decision on potentially deploying an international armed force to the country

Chanting “We want security!”, the procession moved from the neighborhood of Carrefour-Feuilles to downtown’s Champ de Mars and subsequently towards the prime minister’s residence. However, the police employed tear gas, dispersing the gathering

The unsettling environment in Haiti has deepened since the 2021 assassination of President Jovenel Moïse Experts indicate that gangs now dominate as much as 80 percent of Port-au-Prince These gangs have been implicated in a variety of violent crimes, causing distress in communities already grappling with extreme poverty

Recent data underscores the gravity of the situation A UN report revealed that from January to March, over 1,600 incidents of deaths, injuries, or kidnappings were recorded — marking a 30 percent spike compared to the last quarter of 2022

The protestors echoed a collective sentiment of defiance, chanting “Bwa kale!” This phrase alludes to a civilian-led uprising against suspected gang members that started earlier this year

“They have set a date It has been postponed If there is a need, if something happens, if there’s an exogenous shock, a weather event, then certainly, that has to be considered But as it is now, it is the intention of the Government to fulfill its constitutional duties,” he said

Earlier this year, the government leveraged its House of Representatives majority to pass legislation sanctioning the fourth delay of the elections

The decision was grounded in budgetary concerns, with estimates suggesting that holding the local government elections would cost around $1 5 billion

At that time, the government was also working to transition the Portmore Municipality into Jamaica’s 15th parish

The opposition, meanwhile, has warned that it will take the government to court if there are any additional delays to the elections

Jamaica’s last election took place in November 2016

UNICEF also raised an alarm over the rise in kidnappings this year, particularly highlighting the victimization of women and children for monetary or strategic advantages A poignant case is that of US nurse Alix Dorsainvil and her daughter, who reportedly were just recently released after two weeks in captivity

Over 200 people have been reported killed since its inception The demonstrators pledged to sustain the momentum, especially as the local police force struggles with limited resources

Afreximbank president Benedict Oramah champions stronger ties with Caribbean partners

The Afri-Caribbean Trade and Investment Forum, conducted in September in Barbados, marked an unprecedented event in AfricaCaribbean dynamics

This momentous summit, organized by Afreximbank, successfully revived the longstanding connections between Africa and the Caribbean This plays a crucial role in the African diaspora, often deemed as the continent’s ‘sixth region’ by the African Union

Africa constitutes merely 4 4 per cent of the annual $18 8bn worth of goods exported from the Caribbean, while only contributing about $603m of the $33bn imported into the region Observers postulate that trade between these two regions could see an exponential increase to as much as $11bn annually

According to an article by African Business, the forum yielded significant

outcomes – collaborators committed to enacting a strategic partnership to enhance bilateral cooperation in various sectors, including trade, investment, technological transfer, innovation, transport, tourism, culture, and other services

The article highlighted that a noteworthy development was the Partnership Agreement signed between the Afreximbank and an initial seven of the 15 Caribbean Community

continues on A5 – Stronger ties

Holness

The deep-seated fear among parents is palpable

Esteemed Guyanese educator shot and killed

Guyana’s prominent educator and former Chief Education Officer, Dr Olato Sam has been shot and killed The incident has been confirmed by the Ministry of Education

In a statement, the ministry said that Dr Sam, a respected figure in education, served the Ministry of Education as an Education Specialist at the time of his untimely death

In the wake of this shocking incident, the Minister of Education, Priya Manickchand, along with the entire Ministry of Education are mourning the loss and are extending heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family, friends, and colleagues

“He was working on several things but particularly a holistic national plan for addressing violence in schools is what he was finalizing to present again to me,” Minister of Education Priya Manickchand said in a statement posted on her Facebook page

According to reports, it is believed that Dr Sam was hit by a stray bullet during a fight at the Plaisance Railway Embankment (Line Top), East Coast Demerara (ECD)

Reports are that he was in the company of

Sam

friends when the incident took place, following which he was quickly transported to Georgetown Public Hospital

He was pronounced dead upon arrival

Dr Sam’s previous roles included a tenure as Chief Education Officer from 2011 to 2016

In addition to his key roles within the Ministry of Education, Dr Sam lectured at the University of Guyana in the Masters and Bachelors of Education programs

The statement from the Education ministry stated that he held various prestigious roles

such as the chairman of the Guyana School of Agriculture; Commissioner on the Teaching Service Commission, Guyana; a member of the Caribbean Examinations Council’s Final Awards Committee; Chairman of the Board of Governors of the Cyril Potter College of Education; and member of the CARICOM Taskforce on Teacher Education and Training and the CARICOM Task Force on the Establishment of Teaching Councils

Dr Sam was recognized for his commitment to educational innovations and program management As a stellar team player and motivator, he utilized a developmental approach to improving educational outcomes

He was instrumental in shaping education policies in partnership with the Minister of Education, Education Officers, and other stakeholders, contributing his technical expertise to policy implementation across learning institutions

Moreover, he championed the Ministry’s interests in multiple regional and global platforms His loss is indeed a significant setback for the educational community

(CARICOM) countries –

Antigua and Barbuda, Barbados, Dominica, St Kitts and Nevis, St Lucia, St Vincent and the Grenadines, and Suriname

From the get-go, Afreximbank asserted that the forum would serve as a platform to usher in a fresh chapter of economic relations During the pandemic, the bank had already strengthened its bond with the Caribbean by facilitating the African Medical Supplies Platform, which procured personal protective equipment, testing kits, and other essentials required by African and Caribbean nations

Following the forum, Benedict Oramah, President of Afreximbank, has been unwavering in his pursuit of deepening these relations with Caribbean partners further At the 44th Meeting of the Heads of Government of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) in Nassau, The Bahamas, in February, Oramah expressed a sentiment of optimism about the ability of Africans to leverage the global capitalist economy that was originally built upon their suffering

In less than half a year since the Partnership Agreement’s inception, Afreximbank initiated plans to establish a Caribbean Regional Office, intending to spearhead its initiatives across the CARICOM States

Guyana progresses with over 200 modern professional homes under construction

In a major step towards addressing housing needs, Guyana has started construction on 210 homes aimed at young professionals in the La Bonne Intention (LBI) Housing Scheme, East Coast Demerara

This move is demonstrating Guyana’s commitment to providing affordable housing Information from the Department of Public Information (DPI) indicates that these new homes will be offered in two distinct styles – the single-level bungalow and a two-story model, both reminiscent of the structures previously built at Prospect and Providence on the East Bank of Demerara

In an update on the project, Susan Rodrigues, the Minister within the Ministry of Housing and Water, disclosed that the construction comprises more than 100 singlestory homes and approximately 100 two-story dwellings

Affordable housing initiative: Empowering citizens to become homeowners

Speaking to DPI, Minister Rodrigues revealed that the ongoing project is progressing well, and it forms a crucial part of the government’s affordable housing initiative This initiative enables citizens to become homeowners in well-rounded communities

In addition to this, Minister Rodrigues shared that the government is exploring avenues to construct homes for those on lower incomes, specifically on the East Coast

An appropriate site for this housing project is currently being sought

The housing initiatives, as Rodrigues explained, are anticipated to enhance the occupancy rates in housing developments and motivate those who have been allocated house lots in these communities to take up residence

including LBI, Providence, Prospect, Great

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EDITOR-IN-CHIEF EMERITUS

It’s time the Jamaican diaspora has its own honors

In his message to the Jamaican diaspora on

the 61st anniversary of Jamaica’s independence from the British, Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness hailed the diaspora He acknowledged the role Jamaicans living abroad has played in the growth and development of their home country Holness emphasized the importance of strengthening the relationship with the diaspora in enhancing Jamaica’s progress and future prosperity

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But, somehow the prime minister’s words ring hollow If the Jamaican government did regard Jamaicans living abroad as really playing significant roles in the development of Jamaica, then why is it that each year, on Independence Day, when the Jamaican National Honors are announced, so very few, if any, members of the diaspora are recognized to be honored

This year it was announced that 126 Jamaicans were awarded a variety of national honors, but it does seem no one from the diaspora was among the honorees This is definitely not reflective of the significant role that the prime minister sees Jamaicans in the diaspora playing

Jamaicans, past and present, living in the Jamaican diaspora, have made outstanding achievements in almost every aspect of life while residing in the diaspora Granted, some of these achievements may not have benefited Jamaica directly, but the fact that the achievements were made by Jamaicans has gone a long way in building the esteem of Jamaica and Jamaicans in the eyes of non-Jamaicans

Moreover, many people within the Jamaican diaspora have made significant direct contributions to the development of Jamaica prior to migrating overseas, but these people have never been recognized for their former services in Jamaica

Ironically, each year the diaspora is invited

to formally recommend individuals residing within the diaspora to be considered for Jamaican national honors Invariably, when these recommendations are submitted they are either not considered by the committee in Jamaica that selects the honorees, or they are rejected But who represents the Jamaican diaspora on this committee? Does anyone? If there is no one representing the diaspora, how can the recommendations made by the individuals from the diaspora be appreciated?

Each year that these Jamaican national honors are announced, it creates a sense of disappointment within the diaspora, when very few, if any, names from people living within the diaspora are included

It seems more than ever the time is right for the diaspora to consider having its own honors to award to Jamaicans who make significant contributions to Jamaica, and also contributions made within the diaspora

It’s also ironic that the Prime Minister’s message hailing the contribution of the Jamaican diaspora to Jamaica’s development was made at an event that marked the debut of the Jamaican Diaspora DMV Awards in Maryland, honoring notable Jamaican-born individuals

In several communities within the diaspora, the relevant Jamaican Consulate or private organizations honor outstanding Jamaicans annually Coinciding with the celebrations of the 50th anniversary of Jamaican independence in 2012, the Jamaican Consulate in Miami honored several Jamaicans and Jamaican companies operating in South Florida in the categories of: Changemakers, Luminaries and Vanguards, and these honorees were celebrated at a special social function hosted by the consulate These honors and the event were well received by the community, and it was

hoped then that it would have been an annual event However, while the Jamaican Consulate continued the honor awards for several years after, cost implications forced it to be on a much smaller scale than in 2012, but in more recent years there has been no evidence of similar honors being made by the consulate

Among the work to be done by the wider Jamaican diaspora, respectively, in the USA, Canada and the United Kingdom, is the coordination and implementation of Jamaica Diaspora Honors, funded by the diaspora Some people may regard these honors as merely a symbol of vanity, but they serve a real motivating purpose in publicly acknowledging the achievements that individuals living within the diaspora community have made Such awards serve to build the community, and the quality of achievements made within the community It’s human nature that people like to be publicly appreciated for the work they do, and the community contributions they make There are several organizations that periodically host elaborate social events honoring individuals within the community for various achievements, but, honestly, these seem to be blatant money-making events for the organizers and organizations

It seems it is not appropriate for wellthinking individuals and groups within the Jamaican diaspora to collaborate on initiating and implementing a respectable annual Jamaican Diaspora Honors system

Since it seems Jamaicans within the diaspora are without honor in their home country, they ought to be honored within the diaspora for the work they do, and the achievements they make within the diaspora

JAMAICA COMMEMORATING OF INDEPENDENCE

61

PROUD STRONG &

Jamaica marks 61 years of freedom and independence

As Jamaica commemorates its 61st year of independence in 2023, Jamaicans both home and throughout the diaspora are encouraged to both celebrate and reflect on this year’s independence theme: ‘Jamaica 61… Proud and Strong ’ Consul General R. Mair underscored the significance of this year’s theme, highlighting the nation’s achievements despite numerous challenges. “We invite all Jamaicans to celebrate with pride the strength of our nation and of whom we are as a people,” he said

The history of Jamaica’s independence

On August 5, 1962, the Union Jack flag was lowered and the flag of Jamaica was unfurled for the first time. The birth of an independent Jamaica was the most significant event in the nation’s history

On Independence Day, Jamaicans at home and around the world celebrate the day to commemorate that historic movement, and to reflect on the struggle undertaken to gain autonomy. It is a day of national pride and commemorates the country’s achievements Independence Day is a day of grand celebrations in Jamaica and across the diaspora, paying homage to the fallen heroes who fought for the independence of the country by indulging in extravagant events

The birth of Jamaica’s flag

Jamaica adopted its flag on August 6, 1962, the day it won its independence from the British. The flag consists of diagonal lines, which divides it into four triangles. While the top and bottom are equal green triangles, the left and the right triangles are black in color

The flag has Pan-African colors, each of which venerates Jamaica’s African legacy. While green is the symbol of hope and agricultural abundance, yellow is representative of natural resources and sunshine, and black stands for creativity and courage of the people Jamaica’s national anthem

Jamaica, Land We Love, the national anthem of Jamaica, was the winning entrant of a competition that was held in 1961. It was set to music by Robert Lightbourne, and its lyrics were written by Hugh Sherlock

FeelJAMAICA

Bath Mineral Fountain, St Thomas

Nestled in St Thomas, the Bath Mineral Fountain features two hot springs that flow through bamboo pipes embedded in rocks The water here is rich in sulfur, magnesium, and lime, providing visitors with a mix of hot and cold springs The discovery of this spring dates back to the 17th century when a runaway slave found relief from leg ulcers after bathing here Word spread quickly, attracting visitors from far and wide Today, this historic site remains popular and is frequented by travelers seeking its therapeutic benefits

Blue Hole, Westmoreland

The Blue Hole, situated in Brighton District, Little Bay, is a

Feel the Healing of Jamaica in these 8 hot springs

time, the spa continues to be utilized by locals who appreciate its healing properties

Bubbling Springs, St Elizabeth

mesmerizing 40-foot deep limestone cavern Daring visitors can dive from cliffs or use a provided ladder to access the cool, mineral-rich water For the more cautious, a pool is available for relaxation The mud surrounding the springs is also believed to have skin-healing properties, making it a preferred choice for those seeking both adventure and rejuvenation

Black River Spa, St.

Elizabeth

Rich in sulfur and an array of minerals, the Black River Spa sources its water from underground reserves During the British era, the estate owner used this spa to treat enslaved individuals suffering from rheumatism and other ailments

Despite some deterioration over

As its name suggests, Bubbling Springs features a thermal water body bubbling with minerals like magnesium, potassium, chloride, sodium, iron, and manganese. This spring's unique appearance is due to water percolating through the sandy pool bed Visitors can enjoy its warm waters, which remain inviting even during early mornings and cold weather conditions

Fire Water, St. Ann

The Fire Water hot spring in St Ann is a fascinating blend of sulfur and natural gasses, known for its ability to ignite flames Legend has it that this property was discovered accidentally when flames from a nearby fire fell into the water,

causing it to ignite With its captivating feature, Fire Water stands out as one of Jamaica's most renowned mineral springs, drawing countless visitors from around the globe

Milk River Bath, Clarendon

Famous for having the highest radioactivity levels among all mineral springs globally, Milk River Bath boasts an average temperature ranging from 90 to 95 degrees Fahrenheit year-round Enriched with magnesium, calcium, sulfate, and natural chloride, the water here has been known to treat rheumatism, arthritis, sciatica, and nerve issues

To maintain safety, visitors are limited to staying in the water for 10 to 20 minutes at a time, with a maximum of three baths per day

This spring's storied past includes the healing of a near-fatally beaten slave, leading his master to will the property to the Jamaican government for public well-being

Blue Lagoon, Portland

Located in Port Antonio, the Blue Lagoon is a strikingly blue lake with an impressive depth of approximately 200 feet It was once

believed to be bottomless until research determined its true depth Known for its reputed aphrodisiac properties, this mineral water spring is said to aid in healing secondary sexual problems and fertility issues The lagoon's water blends with the warm Caribbean Sea, creating two distinct temperature zones of warm and cold water

Rock Fort Mineral Spa, Kingston

Derived from the aftermath of the 1907 Port Royal earthquake, the Rock Fort Mineral Spa got its name from the nearby Rock Fort site This location boasts several private baths and a large swimming pool, fed by mineral water flowing from the surrounding hills Known for its high radioactivity and slight salinity, this water is believed to hold therapeutic qualities, inviting visitors to indulge in a truly invigorating experience

Bath Mineral Fountain

JAMAICA jamaican recipes

That Dene its Culture and Traditions

Mackerel Rundown

The term “rundown” is used to describe a thick sauce made of coconut milk boiled down with seasonings until it begins to form a custard. Salted or pickled Mackerel cooked down in this sauce is a popular Jamaican delicacy However, you can use any salted fish, like cod or herring to make a tasty rundown

What you’ll need:

• 2 pounds Salted/Pickled Mackerel

• 2 Medium Coconuts

• 8 cups Water

• 1 medium Onion, sliced

• 3 cloves Garlic, chopped

• 1 medium tomato, chopped

• 2 stalks escallion/green onion, chopped

• 3 slices of scotch bonnet pepper

JAMAICAN RICE AND PEAS

Rice and Peas is a side dish known widely throughout the Caribbean and West Indies. Many have their variation on how to create this mouth watering side dish. This is a recipe for the famous Jamaican-style version of rice and peas

What you’ll need:

• 8 ounces of red kidney beans

• 1 quart of water

• 16 ounces of chicken broth, stock, (optional) or water

½ cup of coconut milk

• 2 teaspoons of fresh thyme leaves

• ½ teaspoon of ground allspice

2 scallions, finely chopped

• ½ cup of chopped white onion

• 2 minced garlic cloves

• 1 teaspoon black pepper

• 1 ½ teaspoon of kosher salt

• 1 whole scotch bonnet pepper

• 2 ¼ cups of long grain rice

What you need to do:

1 teaspoon dried thyme

Prep Mackerel to reduce salt

1. 2. Remove the bones from mackerel Cut fish into 2inch to 3-inch pieces and place in bowl Pour boiling 3 water over fish until covered; let sit for a half hour

4. Drain water and set fish aside

Make Coconut Milk

1. Remove flesh from coconuts and cut into small pieces Using blender, in four batches, puree coconut 2 with 8 cups of water Use strainer to remove and 3 squeeze coconut from water

Rundown

1. Pour coconut milk into saucepan and bring to boil

2 Stir milk using Medium-High heat until it reduces to a thick custard and oil is visible on top Add 3 onion, garlic, tomato, escallion, scotch bonnet pepper and thyme to pan and stir Saute seasonings in 4 coconut custard until onions are transparent Add 5 fish, skin side down, to pan and cover with sauce

6 Turn heat to low and simmer for about 10 minutes until fish is cooked Serve hot with boiled green 7 bananas and boiled dumplings

1 Rinse and sort beans and place in a stockpot. Cover with several inches of water and soak overnight (if beans are dried) Boil gently for 3 minutes, remove from heat, and let 2 it rest for one hour Drain and rinse the beans. If you are 3 using canned beans you can ignore steps one through three and proceed with the remainder of the recipe Add beans 4 to the pot. Boil together with chicken stock, water, and coconut milk Cover and reduce heat, let it simmer for one 5 and a half to two hours or until the beans are tender Add 6 thyme, allspice, scallions, onion, garlic, scotch bonnet, uncooked rice, salt and pepper Make sure the liquid is at 7 least one inch over the rice, if not add more stock or water

8. Bring to a boil, reduce heat, cover, and let it simmer for 30 minutes or until rice is tender Serve to hungry friends and 9 family as the side dish

JAMAICA

JAMAICA

jamaican recipes

Jamaican Breadfruit Pudding

People may be familiar with, and enjoy traditional bread pudding, but just as delicious if not more so is the Jamaican breadfruit pudding made from the breadfruit. The breadfruit is a Jamaican food staple, that can be eaten boiled, roasted and fried. Now here is the recipe to use the breadfruit to make one of the more delicious puddings in a county already famous for bread, potato and cornmeal puddings

Oxtail & Beans

Oxtail and Beans is among the Jamaica’s most noteworthy, enjoyable and delicious dishes. With the large Jamaican population now residing in the US, the dish has quickly grown in popularity among all who love delicious Caribbean fare. Here is a simple way to prepare the much-loved meal

What you’ll need:

• 12 ounces dried lima beans

• 4 pounds oxtails

• 2 large Vidalia onions, chopped

• 3 scallions, chopped

• 4 garlic cloves, smashed

• 1 bunch fresh thyme

• 2 tablespoons red pepper flakes

• 4 teaspoons hot paprika

• 2 bay leaves

• 2 tablespoons hot sauce

• 4 tablespoons gravy master 6 cups low-sodium beef broth

• 4 teaspoons tomato paste

• 2 tablespoons salt White rice, recipe follows

• 2 cups rice

What you need to do:

1. In a large bowl, cover lima beans with water, cover with a towel and soak overnight In a large pot, add oxtails, 2. onions, scallions, garlic, thyme, red pepper, paprika, bay leaf, hot sauce, and gravy master and marinate at least 4 hours or overnight in the refrigerator, stirring occasionally Add enough 3 water to just cover the oxtails and bring the mixture to a boil Lower to a 4 simmer, cover and cook 2 hours 5 Every 30 minutes for 2 hours add 2 cups of water or broth, alternating, as necessary, to keep oxtails covered with liquid At 2 hours, add the beans, 6. tomato paste, and 2 more cups of beef broth and water, if needed Bring to a 7 boil then simmer uncovered 2 hours, skimming fat off top and stirring occasionally In the last 1/2 hour of 8 cook time, season with 2 tablespoons salt. Serve with rice

Yield: 4 to 6 servings

START THE SCHOOLYEAR

What you’ll need:

1 grated coconut

• 1 tsp salt

• 1 cup sugar

• 1 tsp vanilla

• 1 tsp cinnamon

• 1 tsp nutmeg

• 3/4 cup flour

• 2 cups grated green breadfruit

• 2 eggs

• 1/2 cup raisins

• 3/4 cup dark rum

• 1/4 cup margarine

What you need to do:

1 2 Preheat oven to 350°F In a large bowl, blend grated coconut with juice. Add salt, sugar, vanilla, cinnamon, margarine, and nutmeg and mix thoroughly Beat eggs in a separate bowl 3. and add to the mixture Add grated breadfruit and flour, mix thoroughly. Add rum and raisins 4. Mix all ingredients well Pour the batter into a greased baking tin and bake for approximately 1 5 – 1 ¼ hours or until an inserted toothpick comes out clean Cool and serve. Cover with your 6 favorite glaze *temperature and length of baking may vary based on the oven

Cleanings

Gum Treatment

Dental Implants

Extractions

White Fillings

Oral Cancer Screenings

White Fillings

Root Canals

Crowns Bridges

Dentures

JAMAICAN BEEF PATTIES

By Chef Minna Lafortune

The Jamaican patty is a baked flakey pastry pocket that is filled with seasoned cooked ground beef or ground chicken, curried goat, ground pork, lamb, or vegetables. It is a savory snack that evolved from the introduction of Cornish pastry in the Caribbean

It is a popular snack in Jamaica and can be found in several metropolitan cities around the world, especially where Jamaicans and other Caribbean nationals live It is often eaten with a plain slice of hard dough bread or with coco bread. Coco bread is a specially made plain bread that is paired with Jamaican patties I love all the different types of patties, they are delicious! This recipe makes 10-12 Jamaican beef patties Enjoy!

What you need to do:

Prepare the Filling

1 In a Dutch pot or heavy skillet sauté onions, scallions, and scotch bonnet pepper Add the ground beef, salt, black pepper, and 2 thyme and mix well Brown the meat for about 10 minutes, 3 stirring occasionally Add the breadcrumbs a little at a time, stir all 4. the ingredients well Add water or beef or chicken stock and cook 5. for about 15 minutes over low heat Remove (moist) filling from 6 the stove and cool Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F 7

Make the Pastry

1. 2. Sift the flour, curry powder Blend together salt, and half butter cubes with your fingertips until mixture resembles cornmeal Add 3 5-6 tablespoons ice water and stir gently with a fork until incorporated. (Do not overwork mixture, the pastry will be tough )

4 5 Form dough into a ball, then flatten into a rough 5-inch square Place in plastic wrap and chill for 30 minutes Roll out dough on a 6. floured surface with a floured rolling pin into a rough 12- by 9-inch rectangle (1/3inch thick) Arrange rectangle with a short side 7 nearest you Cut the remaining 3 tablespoons of butter into very 8. thin slices and arrange them evenly over the dough Fold dough in 9. thirds Turn dough and roll out into a rough 12- by 9-inch 10

What you’ll need:

Ground Beef Filling

• ½ lb. lean ground beef

• 1tablespoon oil

• 1tablespoon minced onion

• ¼ teaspoon green thyme leaves

• 1 tablespoon finely chopped scallions 1/8 chopped scotch bonnet pepper to taste

• Salt to taste

• ¼ teaspoon black pepper

• ¼ cup breadcrumbs

• ½ cup water/beef stock/or chicken stock

Flakey Pastry

• 2 cups all-purpose flour

• 1 Tablespoon curry powder

• 1 teaspoon salt

• 1 ¾ sticks (14 tablespoons) cold unsalted butter, 11 tablespoons of it cut into ½ -inch cubes

• 5 to 6 tablespoons ice water

Egg and Water Mixture (Prepare when needed)

rectangle (1/8 inch thick) again Fold like a letter, place in plastic 11 wrap and chill, then for 1 hour Let dough soften at room 12. temperature for about 30 minutes before rolling out

Combine Them

1. Cut dough in circles using your palm as a guide of how wide each circle should be

JAMAICAN carrot cake

What better way to celebrate February 3rd as National Carrot Cake Day than with this recipe from Grace Foods? You’ll end up with a cake that’s moist and not mushy, and the best part is you’ll have it in the oven within minutes

What you’ll need:

• 10 ounces all-purpose flour

• 2 teaspoons baking powder

• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda

• 2 teaspoons cinnamon powder

• 3 medium eggs

• 10 ounces sugar

• 1 tablespoon vanilla essence

• 1 1/4 cups Grace Vegetable Oil

• 8 ounces carrot, peeled and shredded or grated

• 4 ounces nuts, crushed

• 4 ounces raisins, soaked

What you need to do:

3. Place 1 to 2 tablespoons of filling on half of each circle Moisten the edges of the dough with water and fold the dough circle over the meat filling Pinch the edges closed with a fork Lightly brush 4 5 the pastry with the egg and water mixture Bake on a lightly 6. greased baking sheet for 30 to 40 minutes or until the pastry is golden brown

2.

1 Pre-heat oven to 180°C/350°F; grease and line a 10-inch cake pan Sift together 2 the dry ingredients and set aside Using 3. an electric mixer, beat eggs until blended 4 Gradually add sugar and cream until light and fluffy Add vanilla, Grace 5 Vegetable Oil and shredded carrot, beat to incorporate

6 Divide the dry ingredients into three, folding in each portion of dry ingredient well with the carrot mixture, before adding the other portion Add nuts and raisins 7 and incorporate thoroughly Scrape the 8. batter into the prepared pan and bake until the cake springs back when touched lightly (for approximately 45 minutes) Remove 9. from oven and allow to cool on a cooling rack

HearJAMAICA TOP 20 REGGAE ARTISTES of all time

1997 Touring the world time and time again, the band’s live sound matured and grew more sophisticated while remaining firmly rooted in reggae

Desmond Dekker was a Jamaican ska, rocksteady and reggae singer-songwriter and musician Together with his backing group The Aces (consisting of Wilson James and Easton Barrington Howard), he had one of the earliest international reggae hits with Israelites Dekker introduced the UK to Jamaican rude-boy culture and paved the way for the likes of Bob Marley with his songs about the daily struggles of Jamaican people Dekker recorded his most famous hits with Leslie Kong, who produced his music from 1963 on Together, they recorded some of his most seminal albums including 007 Shanty Town

Reggae is a musical genre that originated in Jamaica in the late 1960s. The term also denotes the modern popular music of Jamaica and its diaspora. Reggae shares its roots with jazz and rhythm and blues music, and has been hugely influential in the evolution of many modern genres including dub, hip hop, and drum and bass. As we celebrate reggae month here are some of the best reggae artistes of all-time, each of them having helped to define and popularize the genre around the globe.

Bob Marley

No list of reggae icons is complete without Bob Marley in the top spot Bob Marley rose to fame with his backing band, The Wailers, starting in 1963

Bob Marley’s lifetime of creativity originated in Jamaica and became the foundation of inspiration that spread messages of hope, justice, and understanding around the world Marley’s songs sounded peaceful but were often political, with popular themes of love, redemption, and struggle Bob Marley released countless timeless singles including One Love, I Shot the Sheriff, Redemption Song, and No Woman No Cry Perhaps the most iconic Bob Marley album is ‘Exodus’, released in 1977 Bob Marley and the Wailers also held one of the most legendary reggae concerts in history in the One Love Peace Concert, in Kingston, Jamaica, in 1978 The concert was held during a political civil war in Jamaica between the opposing parties, the Jamaica Labour Party, and the People’s National Party Marley’s music continues to be loved all over the world In his lifetime, he has been awarded Rolling Stone’s Band of the Year and posthumously he was awarded the Grammy Lifetime Achievement in music and was placed at No 11 on the Rolling Stone’s 100 Greatest Artistes of All Time

Toots and the Maytals

Toots Hibbert, a prolific reggae hitmaker from Jamaica broke out in the 1960s to become a global success with his breakthrough album, Funky Kingston His tenor voice had a raspy tone that made him sound familiar to listeners across the globe Toots, a two-time Grammy winner, is credited as the inventor of the coinage, reggae after using the word on his 1968 single, Do the Reggay with his group the Maytals Toots was serious about the message and legacy he wanted to establish He said in an interview in 2010, “A hundred years from now, my songs will be played, because it is logical words that people can relate to ”

Hits, like Bam Bam from 1966, made Toots and his group among the decade’s biggest stars in Jamaican music

Peter Tosh

Peter Tosh was the fieriest of the famous Wailers, the others being Bob Marley and Bunny Wailer Even on the group ’ s early albums with Island Records, he wrote the most

In the year of his death, Tosh’s last studio album, No Nuclear War, was released It won the Grammy Award for Best Reggae Album in 1988

Burning Spear

Burning Spear, whose given name is Winston Rodney, is no doubt one of the most enduring reggae artistes of all time He is still recording and giggling today, over 40 years on Burning Spear’s first landmark album was 1975’s Marcus Garvey, which extolled the politics of the activist of the same name The album includes both the title track as well as another underground hit, Slavery Days, two of Burning Spear’s most popular hits of all time which still get regular airplay on the radio Burning Spear spent decades touring extensively, and several live albums have been released including Burning Spear Live, Live in Paris, Live in South Africa, Live in Vermont, Peace and Love Live, Live at Montreux Jazz Festival and (A)live

and Action! both of which paved the way for reggae music both in the UK and abroad In 1970 Dekker released You Can Get It If You Really Want, written by Jimmy Cliff, which reached No 2 on the UK charts

award for the Best Reggae Album, with their landmark album Babylon the Bandit in 1987

Marcia Griffiths

Dubbed the empress of reggae music, long time musical sensation Marcia Griffiths began her professional singing career in 1964 at age 15, with Byron Lee and the Dragonaires band

She released her debut song, Feel like jumping in 1978 under Coxsone Dodd’s Studio One label While there, she released several duets including Young, Gifted, And Black in 1970 and The Pied Piper in 1971 as half of the duo, Bob and Marcia

She toured with Bob Marley as a member of I-threes and made the billboard charts with Electric Boogie Song She’s also credited with creating the electric slide dance

Sizzla Kalonji

Miguel Collins is the famous reggae/dancehall star known professionally as Sizzla Kalonji His illustrious career in the music industry is well served as he continues to enjoy over two decades as a bonafide reggae ambassador

Attempting to dissect his amazing and consistent body of work

Steel Pulse

provocative songs — 400 Years and Get Up, Stand Up. After leaving The Wailers, he continued to take on the establishment or as he called it, “the sh itsim ” Peter Tosh exemplified reggae culture, as a proud Rastafarian with strong ties to Jamaica Two of Tosh’s greatest statements were the albums Legalize It and Equal Rights, released in 1976 and 1977, respectively The former called for the legalization of marijuana (also known as ganja in Jamaica) for which he was a passionate advocate

Steel Pulse was formed in Birmingham in 1975 They are a roots reggae band whose songs often focused on themes of social injustice and racism Despite rising popularity in the UK, Steel Pulse were often banned from playing live gigs in the UK due to their controversial Rastafarian beliefs, and yet they still rocketed to international fame and became the first reggae band to ever play on The Tonight Show in the US They also became the first nonJamaican band to win a Grammy

is a tedious task at hand. The deejay has released 90 studio albums to date, with 21 of such charting on the Billboard Top Reggae Albums music chart, with some of the most important being 1997’s Praise Ye Jah and 2013’s The Messiah, which brought Sizzla his first Grammy nomination Some of his most loved tracks include Thank U Mamma and I’m Living No other contemporary artiste has managed to recreate the popularity of reggae throughout the 70s and 80s as Sizzla has today

Bob Marley

Marcia Grifths

Toots and the Maytals

Sizzla Kalonji

Steele Pulse

Peter Tosh

Burning Spear

TOP 20 reggae artistes of all time

Beres Hammond

Jamaican reggae singer Beres Hammond’s soulful voice has made him a major figure in the lover’s rock movement

Over the years he has blessed us with timeless hits such as A Little More Time featuring Buju Banton, What One Dance Can Do, Tempted to Touch, Putting up a resistance and more recently God Is Love featuring Popcaan

Gregory Isaacs

One of Jamaica’s most beloved vocalists who was as pertinent in dancehalls as he was in bedrooms, Gregory Isaacs’ career stretched over 30 years From the heady days of reggae through lover’s rock, a genre he virtually invented, his talent reached into the modern age Isaacs first found fame after performing for The Concords, who broke up after a few years His steady rise to fame started in 1978 when he signed to Virgin Record’s Front Line

Isaacs released timeless classics such as My Only Lover and Night Nurse

He attributed his unique style to R&B artistes such as Percy Sledge, Sam Cooke, and Alton Ellis, among many others

Dennis Brown

Born in Kingston, Dennis Brown grew up in a street that had a lot of recording studio activity

Brown began his recording career at the tender age of 11 and released more than 75 albums during his all too short 42 years on earth Although the reggae legend passed away in 1999, his music and legacy live on

In his prolific career, Brown was able to work with major producers like Joe Gibbs and Derrick Harriott His rise to fame intensified after Bob Marley declared him as his personal favorite

Jimmy Cliff

J a m a i c a - b o r n J a m e s Chambers, also known by his stage name Jimmy Cliff, is the only living reggae artiste to have received the Jamaican Order of Merit

Known as a consistent hit maker, Jimmy Cliff has released classic hits since the 1960s His world-renowned songs include masterpieces, such as Waterfall, Many Rivers to Cross, The Harder

HearJAMAICA

Shortly after his father’s death, he and his siblings formed the Melody Makers In 1998, their album Conscious Party helped them become mainstream Marley has now won five Grammys for Best Reggae Album and two Grammys for Best Reggae Recording That category is no longer awarded

He also won a Grammy in 2009 for his album Family Time, which won in the Best Musical Album for Children category

He has also won as a member of the Melody Makers

Shaggy

They Come and Sitting Here in Limbo

He introduced millions of people to reggae music after performing in the landmark movie The Harder They Come in 1972

Throughout his career, Cliff has enjoyed particularly high popularity in South America and Africa He was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2020

Bunny Wailer

Known as Jah B or Bunny Livingston, Wailer was the youngest of the three original Wailers The other two band members were Bob Marley (1945 – 1981) and Peter Tosh (1944 – 1987)

His album Blackheart Man was well received by fans when he

Born Orville Richard Burrell in 1968, Shaggy is known for emerging as the most successful crossover artiste in dancehall reggae in the 90s

A quick and talented writer, Shaggy created a style that was rooted in Jamaican dance traditions but displayed a pop sensibility and a sense of humor that endeared him to ordinary music fans in the United States and beyond

Over the span of his threedecade career, the legendary singer has obtained 8 Top 10 hits on the Billboard Reggae Chart, including “In Control,” “Love From A Distance,” “A Day in the Life,” “Music is Life”’ and “The Ultimate Collection: Beres Hammond ”

Nesta Marley, revolutionary and ambassador of the Jamaican sound called dancehall Born in the Kingston slum of Salt Lane, he’s made a career of teaching music lovers how to love and be loved “Reggae music’s mission is to uplift, educate and eradicate negativity from the minds of the people globally,” says Banton “I won’t let that change ” Banton is one of the most loved and celebrated Jamaican reggae artistes of the 1990s and beyond In 2010, he released Before the Dawn, winning a Grammy Award for Best Reggae Album

Freddie McGregor

Freddie McGregor began his musical career when he was seven years old and earned the nickname Little Freddie McGregor spent many decades navigating the musical high seas, releasing classics, thrilling fans, and picking up numerous accolades for his contribution to reggae

released it after going solo

Throughout his solo career, Wailer released over ten albums

He won the Grammy Award for Best Reggae Album in 1991 for the album Time Will Tell: A Tribute to Bob Marley, 1995 for Crucial! Roots Classics, and 1997 for Hall of Fame: A Tribute to Bob Marley’s 50th Anniversary Up until today, he is considered one of the most popular reggae legends of all time

Ziggy Marley

As the eldest son of Bob Marley, it comes as no surprise that Ziggy Marley has thrived in the reggae scene

After Bob Marley’s passing, Ziggy began performing in his place alongside the Wailers at various shows around Jamaica, and in 1984 the group went on tour in support of the year ’ s Bob Marley Legend compilation album release

During this time, he became one of the most internationally recognizable artistes, sustaining his success through hits such as Boombastic, Angel, and It Wasn’t Me

While Shaggy may be unique from traditional reggae artistes this characteristic has made him one of the most well-loved reggae artistes in the US

Yellowman

Winston Foster also known as King Yellow or Yellowman was initially shunned by the industry because of his albinism

However, that did not stop him from displaying his talent and

He had a string of hit songs during the 1980s including Big Ship, All in The Same Boat, Push Come to Shove and Just Don’t Want to be Lonely

Freddie’s music always understood what was happening throughout the world and never made songs that discriminated against anyone

Luciano

Some people may not consider Luciano as one of the greatest reggae artistes of all time, but many fans credit him for reviving roots reggae at a time when digital dancehall had taken over

building a lasting musical career

His first album release was in 1982 titled Mister Yellowman followed by Zungguzungguguzungguzeng in 1983 earning instant success Some of his hits include Nobody Move Nobody Get Hurt, and Them A Mad Over Me

Buju Banton

Buju Banton is a living legend and the genre ’ s quintessential reggae artiste Banton is unequivocally the greatest reggae artiste to have ever commanded a microphone The man born Mark Anthony Myrie is a living legend, world class deejay, breaker of records set by the honorable Robert

When he released Where There Is Life, it was the first time reggae enthusiasts thought he was the artiste capable of stepping into the somewhat oversized shoes of Bob Marley Instead, Luciano has a brand of music that one can only describe as poetic, uplifting, and thought-provoking

By 2001, Luciano had released two live albums as well as two compilation albums alongside Sizzla and Anthony B after the split with Xterminator That year saw the release of two new albums of material, Great Controversy on Jet Star and A New Day on VP Records The latter received a nomination for Best Reggae Album at the 2002 Grammy Awards

Gregory Isaacs

Dennis Brown

Beres Hammond

Buju Banton

Shaggy

Yellowman

Freddie McGregor

Jimmy Cliff

Unique Adventures JAMAICA

d i n o fl a g e l l a t e s T h e s e dinoflagellates flash a bluish light when movement disturbs the water they live in, giving off a mysterious glow-in-the-dark effect There are boat trips on the lagoon at night where guests can observe the fishes swimming in the blue light or even jump in the water themselves There are only four of these lagoons globally, with Jamaica’s lagoon being the most luminous Exploring the Sunken Pirate City in Port Royal In the 1600s, the now sleepy

Bobsledding through the Mountains at Mystic Mountain

Ironically, the popular winter sport links to Jamaica following the 1 9 9 3 s p o r t s m o v i e “ C o o l Runnings ” In Jamaica, bobsledding is a growing sport and a recreational activity! The Mystic Mountain Adventure Park in Ocho Rios has a signature bobsled ride, inspired by the Olympic sport, using a metal track instead of ice The ride is just under two minutes and takes you down the 700-foot Mystic Mountain peak, with panoramic views of Ocho Rios on either side The bobsled is like a rollercoaster with brakes you can control, but for the ultimate experience, locals suggest going full force down the mountain

Visiting Glistening Waters

Jamaica has hundreds of lakes, beaches, rivers, and lagoons, so what’s so special about this lagoon?

Well, for starters, this luminous lagoon in Trelawny, called the Glistening Waters, is filled with microscopic organisms called

town of Port Royal was known as “the richest and wickedest city in the world ” After the English captured Jamaica, Port Royal became a haven for pirates and buccaneers, who frequently launched raids on the nearby Spanish colonies In 1692, a ravenous earthquake and tsunami

destroyed the city The natural disasters sent many forts, buildings, and houses underwater and killed half the city’s population Port Royal has since been rebuilt, but the town is still fascinating for many filmmakers and geographic entities You can still find evidence of the city’s natural disasters and old culture above land and underwater Scuba divers and teams of archaeologists can be seen in the waters of Port Royal, on occasion, discovering the underwater buildings, treasures, and artifacts that were once part of this historic town

Having a Beer at Floyd s Pelican Bar

Having a beer at a bar in Jamaica is a typical pastime but having a beer at Floyd’s Pelican Bar in Negril is not the average experience This bar is entirely made of driftwood and stands

about a quarter-mile out into the ocean To get to Floyd’s Pelican Bar, you must take a short boat ride from the shores of Black River or Parottee Point out into the sea Once you ’ re there, you can have a beer, eat some delicious seafood, sunbathe, and even swim in the turquoise waters

Bamboo Rafting on the Rio Grande and Martha Brae River

Rafting in Jamaica was made famous by Australian-American Actor Errol Flynn, who fell in love with Jamaica and lived there for several years. Rafting is done mainly on the Rio Grande and Martha Brae River and is one of the most calming tourist activities that you can do on the island Rafting is great for a family outing and can be pretty romantic, as lush forests, flowers, and birds surround the rivers

Mystic Mountain

Glistening Waters

Pelican Bar

Rohaema “Roni” Smith

Jamaica’s popular rafting attraction is located approximately three miles inland from the town of Falmouth, the birthplace of one of Jamaica’s former Prime Minister Hugh Shearer The attraction is a mere 20 miles from the tourism capital of Montego Bay and 40 miles from the north coast resort town of Ocho Rios

Established 40 years ago, Rafting on the Martha Brae boasts a complement of 85 licensed and experienced raft captains The 30foot long bamboo rafts are boarded from a concrete pier, under the supervision of a licensed dispatcher The raft ride is operated over a three-mile stretch of the beautiful Martha Brae River and lasts approximately one hour Once on the raft, couples guests can learn about “The Legend of Martha Brae” or enjoy an exhilarating swim. The attraction has over the years played host to a number of celebrities including HRH Queen Elizabeth II, heavyweight champion Lennox Lewis, Chuck Norris, Dionne Warwick, Spike Lee, former NBA star Patrick Ewing, Jane Seymour of “Doctor Quinn- Medicine

Woman” fame, the late Kenny

Rogers, the late Johnny Cash and world 100-meter champion Usain Bolt

Dipping in Reach Falls in Port Antonio

Jamaica is known for some of the most stunning, natural waterfalls in the region In Port Antonio, Portland, Reach Falls is quickly becoming the most popular

JAMAICA Unique Adventures

attraction This waterfall is a favorite among locals in the area because of the hidden holes that have been carved out in the rocks by the water Jumping through the falls’ small rabbit holes will lead you to an underwater cave that leads back to the main pool There are also hidden holes behind the falls that guests can climb through that lead to just above the cascade Reach Falls also features a natural, heart-shaped Jacuzzi, which was built by locals

Getting it all in at Chukka Adventures

For the young and the young at heart, the Chukka Caribbean Adventure Tours has some of the most adventurous experiences in Jamaica Chukka has four locations in Jamaica (Negril, Montego Bay, Trelawny and Ocho Rios), with the Trelawny location being the largest and most popular At the Trelawny Chukka Good Hope Estate, visitors can go horseback riding, ziplining, jungle river tubing, ATV and Dune Buggy riding, among other adventures At the other locations, visitors also get the opportunity to tour the other nearby tourist attractions

Hiking on the Blue Mountains

The lush, mist-filled hills leading up to the Blue Mountains create a dreamy and almost celestial setting While far above the rest of the island, visitors can feel hidden away from the rest of the world

Hiking to the Blue Mountain Peak in The Blue and John Crow Mountains National Park and World Heritage Site is another peculiar Jamaican phenomenon

The seven-mile hike to the Blue Mountain peak begins in the dark, early morning hours The peak is the highest on the island, rising to an altitude of 7,402 feet In the darkness, guided by flashlights, hiking groups climb steadily for four hours, clinging to the mountain wall as they forge ahead

The way is narrow and steep, especially at a part known as Jacob’s Ladder But the hikers conquer each little hurdle As the hikers near the top, the dark outline of the forest grows on either side

When the morning light begins to break, the hike becomes a race against the sun Hikers are soon distracted by the spectacular views unfolding until they reach the peak

On a clear morning, hikers can see Buff Bay and Port Antonio’s Navy Island to the North, and Kingston, Portmore and St Thomas’ coast to the south They might even spot the outlines of Cuba, 90 miles to the north After the long trek, hikers can rest and take a seat atop of Jamaica, knowing they’ve just conquered The Peak

The hike down the peak is in the daylight, and as hikers descend they cannot miss the botanical richness of the mountains around

them They pass through an elfin forest, where the low canopy makes them feel as though they are walking through a green tunnel They’ll also see clusters of tree ferns, bamboo and eucalyptus trees, colorful wildflowers and hundreds of ferns growing alongside the mossy trail

Overall, the 14-mile Peak trail takes about seven hours Starting the trail early in the morning makes for an exciting hike and an incredible view of the sunrise, however, the hike can also be accomplished in the daylight

Those who decide to begin the hike in the morning, can spend the night prior to the hike at either Whitfield Hall or Wildflower Lodge, or camp out at Portland Gap The staff at these lodges will make arrangements to pick up hikers from Kingston or Mavis Bank They will also organize local guides and can provide meals on request Generally, the best time to try the hike is during the Blue Mountains’ dry season, which lasts from December to April, coinciding with the peak of the Jamaican tourism season

If you love the outdoors, there is no other trail like the Blue Mountain Peak hike in all Jamaica

Martha Brae Bamboo Rafting

Reach Falls

Blue Mountain Hiking Trail

JAMAICAStay top 5 adults only resorts

Sandals South Coast

As one of the most prestigious hotel chains in the Caribbean, Sandals is known for its luxurious, larger-than-life, all-inclusive accommodations Sandals South Coast (formerly Sandals Whitehouse) has become one of Jamaica’s most popular resorts since its rebranding in 2016. This couples-only resort is the perfect combination of European civility and tropical beauty. The extensive all-inclusive package gives guests access to the spa, seven restaurants, bars, and unlimited watersports. But possibly the biggest draw are the property’s famed over-the-water bungalows which provide an intimate and relaxing tropical experience

the caves, negril

Perched on the limestone cliffs in Negril, The Caves combine Jamaica’s natural beauty with a modern and romantic vibe to create a laid-back, tropical escape. The property’s wood-and-thatch cottages and spacious bohemian-styled suites are built around natural caves. Guests at this adultonly resort can enjoy private dining in an actual cave-styled restaurant, have a drink at the famous Blackwell Rum Bar or enjoy a relaxing day at the seaside spa. There is an outdoor pool, cliffside jacuzzi, and hot tub in one of the caves. There’s also a good chance you might spot some dolphins while swimming or snorkeling

Hyatt Zilara Rose Hall

Jewel Paradise Cove Resort

This adult-only, oceanfront resort is just as the name suggests – paradise

Located in Runaway Bay, Jewel Paradise Cove is much like a tropical, wellness retreat resort, embodying an all-inclusive health, fitness, and spa theme with lots of amenities and activities to make your stay relaxing and rejuvenating. The property has seven restaurants, four bars, and a range of nightclub options for adult fun. There is also a full-service spa, as well as salons for nails and hair on the property. Guests can also enjoy the many free tours, excursions, and water sports that are part of the allinclusive package

Romantic, stylish, and sophisticated are a few words used to describe this upscale retreat in Montego Bay Hyatt Zilara Rose Hall stays true to the Hyatt reputation, providing elegance and luxury to its guests. The “no-children” policy is strictly enforced, but guests staying here do have the option to wander over to the sister property Hyatt Ziva, which is familyfriendly. The resort has a massive outdoor pool with a swim-up bar, private beach, 11 restaurants and bars, along with an impressive oceanfront Zen spa. There are also many activities like dance, cooking classes, sports tournaments, and water activities

Excellence Oyster Bay

Opened in 2018, Excellence Oyster Bay is quickly garnering a reputation as one of the best resorts in Jamaica. The Victorianstyle waterfront property is located on its own secluded peninsula in Trelawny which guarantees ultimate privacy. The resort is the epitome of excellence and luxury, from its stunning rooms and suites to the ten bars and lounges, a world-class spa, and beautiful private beach. Although the resort is still fairly new, the staff have already perfected near-to incomparable service. Along with the many facilities, guests at this resort have access to all the non-motorized watersports, 24-hour room service, and a range of nightly entertainment

JAMAICAStay

is teeming with natural flora that’s either expertly prepared into delicious meals, or make their way into the myriad of rejuvenating treatments on offer by the hotel’s Ocean Spa

Local Attractions

The Ocean Cliff Hotel is also an excellent hub to see all of what Negril and its adjoining communities have to offer. Popular attractions include a hummingbird farm, the burgeoning restaurant scene, the incredible Blue Hole, a tour of the

Ocean Cliff Hotel

Negril’s Newest Getaway Spot

Modern Amenities

While the property embodies a strong element of all things natural and rustic, guests need not have fear disconnecting from modern life. The private one-bedroom cottages are complete with flatscreen televisions, hair dryers, wifi, and much more. To top it off, guests are provided with a cell phone upon arrival with the numbers of the staff pre-programmed in for their convenience

The Natural Mystic

The most striking feature of this adult-only hotel is its proximity to nature. Apart from the artisanal, stone-cut cabins and the renowned Blue Mahoe restaurant, there’s no internal space – every location is kissed by the refreshing salt breeze that sweeps in from the hotel’s private beach. The space

Appleton Estate Rum factory, the Black River Safari, Mayfield Falls and a local marijuana farm

Of course, many guests opt to stay at the resort for their entire trip – lounging on the beach, marinating in the saltwater pool, experiencing the marvelous floating breakfast, snorkeling, taking catamaran tours, practicing yoga, or even learning how to cook classic Jamaican dishes

Excellent Return Rate

At just under a year old, the Ocean Cliff Hotel boasts an incredible guest return rate. The Blue Mahoe Restaurant and Ocean Spa are delectable local attractions that are worth visiting in their own right, bringing in non-guests regularly. It’s an ideal venue for private gatherings, company dinners, and weddings, with multiple locations that can easily facilitate up to 250 patrons

At the core of the Ocean Cliff Hotel experience is the personable and vivacious staff – an incredible team of professionals with over a decade of industry experience, committed to ensuring memorable trips that will have you eager to return

Florida emerges as hotspot for leprosy

A recent research letter released by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has revealed that the southeastern United States may be grappling with “endemic” levels of leprosy

Leading the outbreak is the state of Florida, identified as the origin of almost a fifth of all US leprosy cases, according to the CDC When an infection is endemic in a certain region, it means that it remains present at a steady and predictable level

Leprosy spreads through extended contact with an infected person

Reports are that experts blame Armadillos for the disease’s transmission These barrelshaped mammals, frequently spotted throughout Florida, are the only known animals capable of spreading leprosy, according to the CDC

The exact transmission method of leprosy among humans remains unclear However, it is

recommended that people avoid interaction with both infected individuals and armadillos

Specifically, Central Florida emerges as the hotspot within the state, responsible for a staggering 81per cent of the state’s cases, the

research letter highlights Hansen’s disease, commonly known as leprosy, is a historical affliction with the potential to harm the skin and nervous system

The disease can be attributed to a bacteria,

Mycobacterium leprae, which assails the nerves and results in sensation loss in impacted areas

Neglected cases of leprosy can lead to a host of complications, including blindness, ulcers, deformities, among other issues The disease’s grim history can be traced back to 600 B C , with the disease being so feared and devastating that isolation treatments were implemented on remote islands off Hawaii, Louisiana, and Massachusetts coasts to minimize exposure

Yet, with the strides of modern medicine, a cure for leprosy has been discovered, and the disease can now be managed with antibiotics

Prompt diagnosis, however, remains crucial, as antibiotics cannot mend nerve damage

Within the US, leprosy predominantly affects immigrants (80-90 percent), particularly those hailing from Mexico, as stated by the Florida Department of Health

The disease remains a rarity, with 95 percent of the global population naturally immune to leprosy Despite this, the CDC reports that the disease has left up to 2 million individuals permanently disabled

Reparations

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Attendees included ambassadors and representatives from AU member states and the Caribbean Community political and economic union (CARICOM)

Hilary Beckles, who leads the CARICOM reparations commission, emphasized the significance of the gathering during a press conference

Beckles noted that “humanity cannot go forward with all the toxic interferences of colonization ”

“We have to clean up this mess to allow humanity to function,” Beckles added

The CARICOM reparations commission, established to demand reparations from former colonial powers like the United Kingdom, France, and Portugal, sees the continual racial victimization of the descendants of slavery and genocide as the “root cause of their suffering today,” according to its 10-point reparation plan

Among the results of the Bridgetown assembly was a proposition for a cooperation roadmap between the AU and CARICOM, as detailed in the UWI statement Youssouf Mandoha, an AU official, pointed out, “It is crucial to recognise how slavery, colonialism and racism intersect and impact the lives of Black people around the world ”

Crossword Puzzle Across Down Sudoku

Machel Montano takes Grand Gala stage after receiving Jamaica’s key to the City of Kingston

Forever Giving Thanks Tour

Reggae star Beres Hammond brings tour to Broward

Popular Jamaican reggae sensation, Beres Hammond, acclaimed for his pivotal role in the lovers rock genre, is set to grace the stage once again at the AuRene Theater in the Broward Center for the Performing Arts

His “Forever Giving Thanks Tour” is scheduled for Saturday and Sunday, August 26-27, with performances beginning at 7:30 p m

His annual concerts are eagerly awaited summer events within the Jamaican community and among reggae

enthusiasts

Every one of Hammond’s visits since 2015 has seen a full house, with the exception of the year when the pandemic forced a closure of the venue As of now, only a limited number of seats are available for the concert on August 26

Hammond’s signature soulful aura and his distinctive voice, often likened to bourbon savored on the rocks, have earned him a Grammy® Award nomination

The singer-songwriter, often referred

to as the “Otis Redding of Reggae,” has a hit list of timeless songs Among these are “Tempted to Touch,” “I Feel Good,” “Putting Up Resistance,” “Rockaway,” “No Disturb Sign,” and many others Hammond, born as Hugh Beresford Hammond in Annotto Bay, located in Jamaica’s St. Mary parish, cultivated his musical inclinations by immersing himself in his father’s cherished collection of American R&B His early influences encompassed luminaries such as Sam Cooke and Marvin Gaye

On Sunday, Jamaica’s National Stadium buzzed with excitement as nationals convened for the Grand Gala, marking the country’s 61st year of independence Amidst the grandeur, Trinidadian soca sensation, Machel Montano, not only dazzled the audience with his electrifying performance but also received a prestigious honor – the key to the City of Kingston Montano, known for his effervescent stage presence, belted out several crowd-favorites, revving up the atmosphere, shortly after being honored with the city’s symbolic key

The Independence Grand Gala, a cornerstone of

continues on C3 – Machel Montano

The late Irish songbird Sinéad O’Connor had passion for Jamaican rhythms and roots

Sinéad O’Connor, the renowned Irish singer and activist who died last month, is fondly remembered for her deep affection for Jamaican music and its vibrant community

O’Connor once referred to Jamaican male artistes as her “biggest inspiration” and the country’s nationals as “the greatest people on Planet Earth ”

The late songstress nurtured a profound affection for Jamaica and its iconic reggae sound During her 2004 visit to the island nation, she collaborated with renowned

Jamaican musicians Sly and Robbie, leading to the creation of “Throw Down Your Arms ”

This album, boasting 14 tracks, showcased her unique take on reggae stalwarts It included renditions of Buju Banton’s “Untold Stories”, Peter Tosh’s “Downpressor Man”, and an array from Burning Spear like “Marcus Say Jah No Dead”, “Marcus Garvey”, “Door Peep”, “Throw Down Your Arms”, and “He Prayed”

O’Connor’s perspective on the shared histories of Ireland and Jamaica

O’Connor once remarked on the resonating

parallels she observed between her Irish heritage and Jamaica’s culture

She highlighted the historical connections between Africa and Ireland, predating the modern Jamaican state, and drew attention to shared colonial legacies

O’Connor, who was known for being open about her prolonged battle with mental health issues, disclosed her ongoing work on an album scheduled for a 2024 launch

Reports are that she intended to embark on a concert tour across Australia, New Zealand,

selected European countries, the US, and various other regions in 2025

Launching her musical journey with a record deal at the tender age of 19 in 1985, Sinéad quickly rose to prominence

By 1987, she introduced the world to “The Lion and the Cobra”, an album that garnered critical acclaim This success was soon followed by “I Do Not Want What I Haven’t Got”, featuring the chart-topping “Nothing Compares

2 U”, a masterpiece penned by the legendary Prince

WOMEN’S 2023 WORLD CUP

Reggae Girlz bow out of WWC after 1-0 loss to Colombia

By Ian Burnett

Jamaica’s surprise run at the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup came to a crashing end at the Round of 16 stage as they were edged 1-0 by Colombia inside the Melbourne Rectangular Stadium in Melbourne on Tuesday morning

Jamaica, who entered the contest as the only remaining team yet to concede a goal after three group stage games – 0-0 vs France, 1-0 win against Panama, and a 0-0 result against Brazil which eliminated the South American champions – extended that record for another 45 minutes as the first half ended 0-0

It was more of the same with Jamaica displaying gritty defence but sputtered attacks, while Colombia, the South American second ranked team, probed in attack trying to create openings

Messi

It was captain of the day Catalina Usme who proved the difference in the 51st minute when she took a diagonal pass from 18-year-old Ana Guzman beautifully in her stride past left wing back Deneisha Blackwood before calmly slotting past the hapless Rebecca Spencer in the Jamaican goal

It was the first goal conceded in nearly fiveand-a-half hours

Left with no choice but to attack and find an equaliser, the Reggae Girlz threw numbers forward and created a few openings, the clearest falling to the little dynamo Jody Brown looked on in disbelief when her back post

header slammed against the right upright from a Blackwood corner

Colombia had a glorious chance to extend the lead when the accurate left foot of Usme picked out Leicy Santos inside the penalty box, but her smart header hit Spencer left upright

At the other end in one of the best attacks from Jamaica all tournament, substitute Tiffany Cameron went down the right flank and centred a pass which Drew Spence nodded just wide of the far post, leaving the Reggae Girlz

Jamaica names strong 65-member team for World Champs

The Jamaica Athletics Administrative Association (JAAA) has named a strong 65member team to the World Athletics Championships slated for August 19-27 in Budapest, Hungary

The squad will be led by many-time 100m champion Shelly-Ann Fraser Pryce and reigning 200m champion Shericka Jackson in the 33-woman team, while Hansle Parchment and Rasheed Broadbell will lead the men’s 32member team

Back-to-back Olympic Games sprint

double gold medallist Elaine Thompson Herah has been named to the women ’ s 4x100m relay pool, but there is no place for Rusheen McDonald, the world’s number three-ranked quarter-miler, who contested the heats of the 400m and but withdrew from competition in the second round

The full squad:

Men: Rohan Watson (100m), Ryiem Ford (100m), Oblique Seville (100m), Ackeem Blake (100m Alt), Rohan Watson (100m Alt), Ryiem Ford (4x100m), Oblique Seville (4x100m), Ackeem Blake (4x100m), Tyquendo Tracey (4x100m), Michael Campbell (4x100m), Andrew Hudson (200m), Rasheed Dwyer (200m), Sean Bailey (400m), Antonio Watson (400m), Zandrion Barnes (400m), Sean Bailey (4x400m), Antonio Watson (4x400m), Zandrion Barnes (4x400m), Jevaughn Powell (4x400m), Malik James-King (4x400m), Demish Gaye (4x400m), D’Andre Anderson (Mixed Relay), Rusheen McDonald (Mixed Relay), Navasky Anderson (800m), Rasheed Broadbell (110m hurdles), Hansle Parchment (110m hurdles), Orlando Bennett (110m hurdles), Tyler Mason (110m hurdles), Roshawn Clarke (400m hurdles), Jaheel Hyde (400m hurdles), Assinie Wilson (400m hurdles), Romaine Beckford (High Jump), Wayne Pinnock (Long Jump), Tajay Gayle (Long Jump), Carey McLeod (Long Jump), Jaydon Hibbert (Triple Jump), Rajindra Campbell (Shot Put), Traves Smikle (Discus Throw), Fedrick Dacres (Discus Throw), Roje Stona (Discus Throw)

Husbands delivers rst stakes win for Conman

Veteran rider Patrick Husbands delivered a maiden added-money win for favourite Conman, with the capture of the CAN$100 000 Hamilton Stakes

Going 7-1/2 furlongs in the feature in race seven, the 50-year-old Husbands produced a stellar stretch rally to get Conman to the wire 3-1/4 lengths clear in a time of one minute, 28 65 seconds, in the three-year-old gelding’s first-ever start at Woodbine in Canada on Sunday

Winning trainer Mark Casse swept the top three positions with 3-1 bet Lifetime of Chance and 7-1 choice Eyes On the King following home Conman

“I only saw him in the paddock and saw the Racing Form,” said Husbands, who was riding Conman for the first time “I tried to ride him like he is the best horse On paper, he’s showing you that he’s much the best horse “He’s the type of horse that was showing you on paper that he wanted to be in the race so I put him in the race ”

and their supporters holding their heads in disbelief

Jamaica, in only their second World Cup appearance, following the France 2019 debut, became the first Caribbean team to make it to the Round of 16 of any World Cup, but their lack of attacking force was always negative and so it proved in the end

Colombia will now face England in the quarter-finals

Five-to-two chance Sir Lancelot stormed to the front to lay down fractions of 22 38 seconds for the quarter, with Eyes On the King chasing from second and Conman stalking in third Eyes On the King challenged the leader on the backstretch, the pair taking the race to the half-mile in 45 91, before Eyes On the King faded allowing Sir Lancelot to lead into the stretch

However, Husbands then made his move, reeling in the leader and storming to the wire unchallenged “He seems like he wants to go further The pony had to pull me up ,” Husbands said “I just tried to get him in the clear and get him over to his right lead And when I tried to get him over to his right lead, that’s when the other horse came But when he got to his right lead, he just took off ”

Women: Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce (100m), Shericka Jackson (100m), Shashalee Forbes (100m), Natasha Morrison (100m Alt), Briana Williams (100m Alt), Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce (4x100m), Shericka Jackson (4x100m), Shashalee Forbes (4x100m), Natasha Morrison (4x100m), Briana Williams (4x100m), Elaine Thompson-Herah (4x100m), Shericka Jackson (200m), ShellyAnn Fraser-Pryce (200m), Natalliah Whyte (200m), Kevona Davis (200m), Shashalee Forbes (200m Alt), Nickisha Pryce (400m), Candice McLeod (400m), Charokee Young (400m), Joanne Reid (400m Alt), Nickisha Pryce (4x400m), Janieve Russell (4x400m), Candice McLeod (4x400m), Charokee Young (4x400m), Ronda Whyte (4x400m), Shiann Salmon (4x400m), Joanne Reid (Mixed Relay), Stacy Ann Williams (Mixed Relay), Natoya Goule-Toppin (800m), Adelle Tracey (1500m), Adelle Tracey (1500m), Megan Tapper (100m hurdles), Ackera Nugent (100m hurdles), Danielle Williams (100m hurdles), Amoi Brown (100m hurdles Alt), Janieve Russell (400m hurdles), Andrenette Knight (400m hurdles), Rushell Clayton (400m hurdles), Shiann Salmon (400m hurdles Alt), Lamara Distin (High Jump), Kimberly Williamson (High Jump), Tissanna Hickling (Long Jump), Ackelia Smith (Long Jump), Shanieka Ricketts (Triple Jump), Ackelia Smith (Triple Jump), Kimberly Williams (Triple Jump), Danniel ThomasDodd (Shot Put), Samantha Hall (Discus Throw), Nyoka Clunis (Hammer Throw)

Jamaica’s independence festivities, was truly illuminated by Montano’s participation

The initiative to honor him came from Education Minister, Olivia “Babsy” Grange, which found unanimous support from the Kingston and St Andrew Municipal Corporation (KSAMC)

“Be it resolved that the Key to the City of Kingston be conferred on Mr Machel Jesus Montano, in recognition of his sterling, awesome and iconic career in music, which has positively influenced many adoring fans across the Caribbean and the world, including many Jamaicans who continue to enjoy his enduring legacy,” stated a resolution passed by the council

It was tabled by Government councilor Susan Senior and seconded by councilor Kari Douglas, both of whom were convinced of its approval, especially those who have experi-

enced Montano’s local performances

“When you hear soca music, you just want to jump Soca is sweet together we join together in a special way for a special moment,” she said, as she hailed Montano’s courtesy and encouragement and love for music

Throughout his Gala performance, he wore his pride on his sleeve, speaking volumes of his deep-rooted love for Jamaica and Trinidad, and the rich tapestry of Caribbean culture

HORSE RACING