UNITED NATIONS, United States (AFP) — The world population is expected to climb to 9.7 billion in 2050 from 7.7 billion today, with the population of sub-Saharan Africa doubling, a United Nations report released Monday said. The population could then grow to 11 billion by 2100, according to the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs’s “World Population Prospects” report. The study paints a picture of a future in which a handful of countries see their populaces surge as life … Read entire article »

BY RICHARD JOHNSON—Observer senior reporter— Conroy Cooper—  Seventy – four year-old musician Conroy Cooper was found dead at his Kingston apartment on Friday evening. According to his brother Grub, who is best known for his association with show band Fab 5, Cooper was last seen entering his apartment on Tuesday. His landlord became suspicious when he did not see him leave on Friday and called the police who forcibly entered the house, where his body was found in a state of … Read entire article »

BY JACQUELINE CHARLES for The Miami Herald— Jamaica’s booming economy is attracting foreign investment Jamaica’s economy is growing at a pace consistent enough to attract foreign investment, experts say. Just seven years ago, Jamaica was an economic basket case. The government was bleeding so much red ink it couldn’t fix potholes or keep streetlights on as it faced a staggering $20 billion debt in 2013. Today the nation of 2.8 million is the economic-turnaround story of the Caribbean. Among the tough belt-tightening decisions … Read entire article »

By Kediesha Perry—Observer writer— Koffee — FANS of Koffee will have to wait until July before getting a taste of the singjay on American network television. She was slated to perform on ABC’s Jimmy Kimmel Live on Thursday night. “Hey Everyone, I know you were all anxiously anticipating my debut American TV performance on Jimmy Kimmel Live. However, due to circumstances beyond my control, my performance won’t be aired until July. Thank you to all who stayed up to tune … Read entire article »

Bob Marley — Last Friday, The Marley Family, Island Records , and UMe joined forces to observe the 35th anniversary of Bob Marley & The Wailers’ album Legend with a reissue of the iconic work on vinyl. Initially released on May 8, 1984, Legend holds the distinction of being the world’s best-selling reggae album of all time with over 15 million copies sold in the United States alone, and over 28 million worldwide. A greatest hits compilation for the ages, Legend is … Read entire article »