The excellent start to their Winter Olympics qualification by Jamaica’s women’s bobsleigh team may have stunned the outside world, but not Jamaica Bobsleigh Federation (JBF) President Chris Stokes. Stokes said last Saturday’s performance, where the team finished seventh overall out of 23 of the best sleds in the world, was expected because of the immense investment that has gone into the program and the team’s expert supporting cast. “It was a big shock to the bobsleigh community … Read entire article »

BY RICHARD JOHNSON Observer senior reporter— In a recent post-performance press conference in Barbados, Jamaican Reggae Star Beres Hammond addressed reports of a rise in criminal activity in that country. He said gun crime was uncharacteristic of the Caribbean country he has grown to know and love throughout his career. The veteran reggae singer had performed at Hennessy Artistry 2017 held at Kensington Oval. “I’ve heard that some of the kids, they get a bit naughty and it nah fit … Read entire article »

BY SADE GARDNER— JAMAICA’S music fraternity is again in shock following the murder of one of its members. Record producer Cleon “Mineral Boss” Jones, 37, was shot and killed on the Caymanas Estate Road in St Catherine yesterday morning. According to the Jamaica Constabulary Force’s information arm — Corporate Communications Unit — residents heard explosions at 9:30 am and called the police. Jones’ body was found with multiple gunshot wounds. He was pronounced dead. A female companion was … Read entire article »

    After eleven years of being that vivacious maiden with a mollifying voice that could calm the most indignant beast; Zip FM media personality Jade earlier this week tendered her resignation bringing her tenure with the station to an end. The move comes as a shock to many within the entertainment realm.  Over the last decade, Jade whose given name is Jadeen McGhie has been instrumental as a newscaster and producer in shaping the image and sound of Zip FM, one of … Read entire article »

By Stephanie Lyew— Taville Henry (left), winner of the 11-15 year-old solo category, is all smiles as he receives his cash award and trophy from Minister of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport, Olivia Grange.— With support and encouragement from his family and teachers, the emergence of 12 year-old gospel singer Taville Henry on the Jamaican scene is a step in the right direction to nurture his creativity and inspire other up-and-coming child singers. The two-time winner (the six … Read entire article »

Simone Morgan-Lindo—- Nadine Sutherland— Veteran reggae singer Nadine Sutherland is the first director of performing arts at Challenge Preparatory Charter School in New York. The entertainer, who currently holds a master’s degree in cultural studies from the University of the West Indies, acquired the role in September. Included in her daily functions are coming up with policies to govern the cultural department, overseeing the music and drama teachers. “I basically oversee the school’s cultural activities and come up with new … Read entire article »

In 1980, Bob Marley and The Wailers performed at the Rufaro Stadium in Mbare after the British flag was lowered at midnight, when the clock ticked over the 17th into the 18th and a racist Rhodesia became an independent Zimbabwe. The newly named nation was led by Robert Gabriel Mugabe, a former schoolteacher turned freedom fighter. Robert Gabriel and Robert Nesta (universally known simply as Bob) met at the presidential building and Tommy Cowan, who was … Read entire article »

By Simone Morgan-Lindo— Late veteran musicologist Winston ‘Merritone’ Blake, who along with his brothers ran Merritone Disco, which was founded by their father Val, and founded Merritone Music in the 1970’s, will be honored posthumously in New York. He will be recognized for his remarkable career and outstanding contribution as a music producer in the rocksteady and reggae genres of Jamaican popular music. Winston’s brother, Monte Blake, will accept on his behalf the Lifetime Achievement Award – … Read entire article »

The Government could get a financial windfall from the Financial Investigations Division (FID), which is sitting on just over $1.2 billion in cash, money it has taken from persons suspected of being involved in criminal activities. The FID was established by the Government to stamp out money laundering and related crimes, and the cash was seized over the last decade using the Proceeds of Crime Act (POCA). The money is now being held in an interest-bearing account … Read entire article »