By Akeem Masters/Gleaner Writer— Lovindeer performing his ‘Wild Gilbert’ hit.—- In the aftermath of a devastating Hurricane Gilbert that caused widespread destruction across Jamaica after it hit on September 12, 1988, singer Lloyd Lovindeer documented the experiences of many persons on the island in his song Wild Gilbert. Through his vivid description in Wild Gilbert, the events of the day will be forever etched in the minds of persons who were alive at the time, as well as help to tell … Read entire article »

By Jason Cross/Gleaner Writer— Gleaner Photo The Harvey Hall of the Happy Grove High School in Portland was severely damaged during Hurricane Gilbert. When the deadly Hurricane Gilbert began ravaging Jamaica 30 years ago today, the capacity to accurately predict the path and strength of major storms was inferior then to what exists now. Despite some difficulty, head of the Weather Branch, Kareen Gourzong, is confident that current technology can accurately predict the trajectory and strength of tropical cyclones. Gilbert … Read entire article »

By Kimberley Small/Gleaner Writer— Edward Seaga— Former Prime Minister Edward Seaga has publicly expressed his distaste for modern dancehall music. Declaring himself a man more attune to melody, Seaga believes that if it cannot be whistled, it is not music. “He’s right,” Delroy Pottinger told The Gleaner. Pottinger is a well-decorated studio engineer at the legendary Anchor Studios. His profile is impressive and extensive, having worked with world-famous acts like Jimmy Cliff, Steel Pulse, Third World and Sinead O’Connor. He agrees … Read entire article »

By S. Leslie— Buju Banton and the promoter of his first post-prison show are the targets of scammers. Buju Banton is scheduled to be released from prison on December 8, 2018, but his first live performance will take place in Trinidad and Tobago in 2019. The event dubbed “I Am Legend” concert is shaping up to be one of the most anticipated reggae concerts next year. The event’s promoter, High Frequency Entertainment LLC, sent a statement to Urban Islandz this weekend … Read entire article »

Roy Anthony Johnson is a London road sweeper by day and an international reggae star by night. He’s been sweeping the city’s streets for 30 years as well as touring the world for his music career. By night he becomes international reggae star Anthony “Gunshot” Johnson whose hit made it big in the 1980’s. … Read entire article »

 George Nooks — DESPITE his September 27 court appearance on cocaine charges, George Nooks says he is upbeat about his latest studio effort For You . “I hope that the case will be resolved soon, but you know how the system is. I just have to wait and see what happens,” George Nooks told the Jamaica Observer. For is a 16-track lover’s rock album release by Tads Records on August 27. Nooks penned 10 of the songs for the project. Some musicians … Read entire article »

A police caution tape at the scene of a previous incident in Majesty Gardens— A concert in the Majesty Gardens on the weekend, which was staged to promote peace in the violence-prone community, ended prematurely when a man was shot and killed at the height of the performances. It was about 8:40 pm, by the constabulary’s estimation, when multiple shots were fired, sending patrons fleeing for cover. When the mayhem was over, residents found the body of … Read entire article »

BY KIMONE THOMPSON— Jamaican native Andrea Paisley and her twin boys Jaeden (left) and Jordan moved to Canada under the North American country’s Express Entry immigration program in 2015.— In the three-and-a-half years since Canada introduced its Express Entry immigration application system, close to 1,500 Jamaicans have left the island’s shores for that North American country, with the number expected to increase in the face of subsequent changes to the qualifying criteria. The Government’s immigration department, Immigration, Refugees … Read entire article »

By WAYNE PARRY— Miss New York Nia Franklin reacts after being named Miss America 2019, Sunday, Sept. 9, 2018, in Atlantic City, N.J. Noah K. Murray/AP Miss New York Nia Franklin reacts after being named Miss America 2019, Sunday, Sept. 9, 2018, in Atlantic City, N.J. Noah K. Murray/AP ATLANTIC CITY, N.J. — Miss New York Nia Imani Franklin, a Winston-Salem native, was named Miss America 2019 in Atlantic City. Her victory Sunday night resurrected a string of successes the Empire … Read entire article »

By Nadine Wilson-Harris— Kennedy-Dixon—- As the first certified nuclear pharmacists in the English-speaking Caribbean, Tracia-Gay Kennedy-Dixon is venturing into an area with known risks but with even greater potential for diagnosing a wide range of illnesses that create undue burdens for families. The 38-year-old was trained and certified by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) after completing a one-year program in Liverpool, England. She also has certification in nuclear pharmacy from the University of Arkansas and the University of New … Read entire article »