Author: Steve Brown

Title: Empowering Communities: NEPA Trains 28 River Wardens to Protect Jamaica’s Rio Cobre In a significant stride towards environmental conservation, the National Environment and Planning Agency (NEPA) has successfully trained 28 individuals as river wardens to safeguard Jamaica’s Rio Cobre from pollution. This initiative brings together residents from communities such as Church Road, Linstead, Bog Walk, Kent Village, Zephyrton, and Pleasant Hill, enhancing their capacity to monitor and protect this critical waterway. The training, which also involved the Friends of Rio Cobre community action group, vendors, and fisherfolk who rely on the river, focused on equipping participants with essential skills…

Last Saturday night, party-goers were treated to a night of non-stop hits at the sold-out event Ruption held at The Cove on Winchester Avenue in Half-Way-Tree. Promoted by Ruption Entertainment, the event featured a line-up of popular DJs and dancehall acts that had the crowd going wild. One of the standout performers of the night was dancehall act Najeeriii, who is currently riding high with his comeback hit “1Rifle”. Najeeriii ran through hit after hit, wowing the crowd with his energetic performance. Popcaan was also in attendance, showing support for his brother Natebadz, who impressed with songs like “Life Set”…

Caricom Moves Forward with Initiative to Strengthen Ocean Governance and Blue Economy Georgetown, Guyana (CMC) — In a bid to bolster ocean governance and sustainable management of marine resources, the Caribbean Community (Caricom) has launched an ambitious initiative, assisted by a £190,000 grant from the United Kingdom’s Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (UK FCDO). The project, aptly titled "Towards A Caribbean Community Framework for Strengthening Oceans Governance – Effective Engagement in the International Oceans Agenda," is set to transform the way Caricom member states manage their marine resources. By fostering a collaborative approach, this initiative aims to establish a comprehensive…

Caribbean Development Bank and European Investment Bank Launch Major Initiative for Water and Ocean Ecosystem Improvements Georgetown, Guyana (CMC): The Caribbean Development Bank (CDB), in partnership with the European Investment Bank (EIB), has announced a significant funding initiative aimed at enhancing water supply and management, alongside the conservation of the ocean ecosystem in several Caribbean countries. This venture, fortified by a EUR €100 million loan from the EIB, is set to fortify CDB’s capacity to support critical projects across the region, focusing on efficient water management and environmental sustainability. The collaboration underscores a mutual commitment to bolster infrastructure that ensures…

Venezuelan Women Rescued from Human Trafficking Network in Trinidad Trinidad and Tobago law enforcement officials have successfully rescued 11 foreign nationals suspected of being victims of a human trafficking operation. This operation, driven by coordinated intelligence, targeted a specific human trafficking network operating within Mount Lambert, Trinidad. The Discovery and Rescue Operation Authorities conducted the operation on a Wednesday, following reports that women were being held against their will and subjected to sexual exploitation at a local residence. During the raid, police discovered 12 Venezuelan women confined in an apartment located at the rear of the premises. Upon further investigation…

Tragic Robbery Turned Fatal in Manchester Leaves One Dead, Another Seriously Injured In a harrowing turn of events on Thursday night, a robbery attempt at a local bar in Iverness district, Knockpatrick, Manchester, resulted in the tragic death of Rushaine Weltshire, 30, and left his girlfriend gravely wounded. The incident has further alarmed a community already wrestling with escalating crime rates. The victims were ambushed around 9:00 pm by two masked gunmen demanding money. Amid the chaos, Weltshire attempted to flee but was relentlessly pursued to a back room, where the ruthless assailants demanded cash with the chilling inquiry, "weh…

Jquan’s Dispute with Ruff Kutt Band Highlights Importance of Rehearsals The recent altercation between dancehall artist Jquan and the Ruff Kutt band at the annual Sharkie’s Seafood Festival has sparked a conversation about the importance of rehearsals for musicians. Ricardo “Drummie” Davis, a member of the Ruff Kutt band, emphasized the significance of getting the necessary rehearsal in order to deliver a top-notch performance. In a statement to the Jamaica Observer, Davis explained that Jquan had been scheduled for a 15-minute slot at the event but failed to attend the rehearsals that had been arranged for him. Despite the band’s…

Boyz II Men Set to Bring Nostalgia and Music to Jamaica Boyz II Men, the iconic R&B trio known for their timeless love songs and smooth harmonies, is gearing up for a highly anticipated return to Jamaica this Saturday, October 26. Fans are in for an unforgettable night of music and nostalgia as the Grammy-winning group takes the stage once again in the vibrant island nation. Lead singer Shawn Stockman expressed his excitement about returning to Jamaica, stating, “We’re excited to be back in Jamaica. It’s always such a vibrant place with amazing energy. It’s been too long, and we…

Jockey Samantha Fletcher was left feeling shocked and disappointed after her horse Tekapunt was controversially disqualified in the second race on Monday, October 21. Fletcher recounted the events that led to the disqualification, explaining that the two horse braced down on her, leaving her unable to move without risking a collision with another horse on the inside rails. Despite crossing the finish line first, Tekapunt was disqualified, much to Fletcher’s dismay. She expressed her frustration with the stewards’ decision and revealed that when she attempted to discuss the matter with the steward in charge, she was abruptly told to leave…

Solomon Sharpe, chairman of Supreme Ventures Racing and Entertainment Limited (SVREL), has issued a statement addressing the recent disruption of racing at Caymanas Park on Heroes’ Day. The incident, which led to the abandonment of the race day, was triggered by the behaviour of a small number of punters, causing chaos and compromising safety. While acknowledging the passion of racing fans and their frustration with the stewards’ decision, Sharpe condemns the unacceptable reaction that forced the abandonment of the event. He emphasizes the importance of maintaining sporting behavior and upholding the integrity of the sport. Sharpe also highlights concerns about…