BY RICHARD JOHNSON Observer senior reporter—- Rosie Murray in a moment from her one-woman production Slice of Life — THE family of actress and broadcaster Rosie Murray has launched a crowdfunding initiative to raise money to offset the cost of heart surgery for the 58-year-old. An account has been established with gofundme.com to raise US$2,000 for the surgery — an angioplasty — needed to resuscitate a small part of her heart since her heart attack on December 29, last … Read entire article »

Prime Minister Andrew Holness (left) and United States Secretary of State, Rex Tillerson, shake hands following a joint press conference at the Office of the Prime Minister on February 7). Tillerson was on a one-day working visit to Jamaica.—- United States Secretary of State, Rex Tillerson, has lauded the Government for the important progress made in combating lottery scamming and assured of the US Government’s continued support to Jamaica’s security forces and criminal justice system. Tillerson said … Read entire article »

A Southwest Airlines jet slid on a taxiway while preparing to take off from Baltimore-Washington International Airport on Wednesday, but no injuries were reported, officials said. The incident happened shortly after 10 a.m. and involved Southwest Flight 906, a Boeing 737 bound for Montego Bay, Jamaica. Officials with the airport and the Federal Aviation Administration said the aircraft remained on the pavement. The National Weather Service reported light, freezing rain early Wednesday at the airport, but airport spokesman … Read entire article »

By Urban Islandz Staff — Bob Marley 73rd birthday celebration was in full swing at the Bob Marley Museum at 56 Hope Road in Kingston yesterday but cops ended the bash prematurely. On February 6, a host of reggae artists and fans turned up to the reggae legend’s former home which is now a museum on Hope Road. Among the celebrity guests were Bob’s son Stephen Marley and grandson Skip Marley. The celebration is the first of many events … Read entire article »

The Jamaica Bobsled Foundation (JBF) has announced the release of “Run The Track, It’s Bobsled Time” – an officially sanctioned team song to raise funds and awareness to benefit the ultimate underdogs – the athletes who compete in the sport of bobsledding and skeleton in the Winter Olympics for the country of Jamaica. The dancehall pop anthem is available globally on all download and streaming services just in time for the 2018 Winter Olympic Games in PyeongChang, which marks … Read entire article »

 Cedella Marley— Twentieth Century Fox Animation and Universal Music Group’s Polygram Entertainment are teaming up to develop a film based on the song catalog of iconic artist and musician, Bob Marley, it was announced today by Fox Animation Co-Presidents, Andrea Miloro and Robert Baird. The project is being written and produced by Kenya Barris and intended to be an animated musical love letter to the late Marley’s legendary music and to the people of Jamaica.   Cedella Marley and David Blackman, Head of Polygram Entertainment, will also produce the … Read entire article »

(Photos: OPM) KINGSTON, Jamaica — US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson arrived at the Office of the Prime Minister (OPM), a short while ago. He is to hold bilateral talks with Prime Minister Andrew Holness. Tillerson’s visit to the island comes after his trip to Mexico, Argentina, Peru and Columbia. … Read entire article »

By Simone Morgan-Lindo— Bounty Killer— It has been eight years since Bounty Killer’s United States visa was revoked, and the entertainer said it has put a damper on his career. The dancehall superstar, however, is longing for the day when Uncle Sam would free him up so he can travel to the United States and entertain his eager fans. “When an artiste cannot go to and fro to spread the word, earn a money, and greet his fans, it naturally … Read entire article »

By Warren Bertram— Damion Barracks selects some fruits as he prepares to make another smoothie.— What started as an idea from a friend has turned into a successful business venture for Damion Barracks. Barracks runs a small smoothie and fresh fruit stall at the corner of Duke and Barry streets in downtown Kingston. With no formal training, Barracks said that he gradually learnt how to perfect the smoothies and over time, grew his business. “A friend of mine go to the … Read entire article »