Author: Steve Brown

Top 10 finalists in the 2024 Jamaica Gospel Star Competition: (from left) Shaunette McPherson, Kenneka Last, Darren Grant, Shauna Kay McArthur, Robert Brodber, Terrica Price, Jayda Messam, Curtis Rhoden, Shauna Thomas and Donica Denise Chambers. Jamaica Cultural Development Commission (JCDC) Production Manager Andrea Hines McCurdy on Friday shared the exciting news that the winner of the 2024 Jamaica Gospel Star competition will receive a cash prize of $1 million. “The winner will receive prizes including a single and music video mentored by a top Jamaican producer. The competition will be presented to a national audience where contestants will be able…

Although it has still early days since Hurricane Beryl passed, updates from major insurance companies indicate that claims numbers were trending steadily upward on Friday as customers sought payments for property damage caused by wind and flooding. Phone lines at insurers GK Insurance, British Caribbean Insurance Company (BCIC) and Iron Rock were relatively busy on Thursday and Friday, with at least one reporting that it had already received up to 20 claims related to the Category 4 hurricane, which has killed at least three people, downed power lines and downed trees. The western end of the island was the hardest…

New Calling is a recent artificial intelligence (AI) development from Huawei Technologies that aims to break down communication barriers around the world by using an AI-generated image of the user to communicate and provide simultaneous interpretation services for people speaking different languages. (Photo: Codie-Ann Barrett) Technological progress around the world is being hindered by government regulations, according to technology experts speaking at the recent Mobile World Conference in Shanghai, China. Artificial intelligence (AI) has the potential to revolutionize industries around the world, but regulatory obstacles and protectionism are limiting its expansion, particularly in Latin America and Central Europe, experts say.…

Suhri and Sway Haus director and founder Iceta Merritt at a recent pop-up shop by Suga Lifestyle at AC Hotel Kingston. Hoping to leave a legacy for her two daughters, Iseta Merritt launched Suhri and Sway Haus in January. The luxury self-care and candle venture prioritizes high-end relaxation and aims to provide a tangible legacy for her daughters, whom she affectionately calls CEOs. Merritt, director and founder, has created a unique brand that exudes luxury and tranquility by combining premium products with serene ambiance. While Merritt was off to a strong start in her social media marketing career, her personal…

. Surviving a hurricane is a traumatic experience, and many people suffer from the physical and mental effects in its aftermath. The impact of a hurricane on mental health is devastating, but there are effective ways to manage and overcome these challenges. Acknowledge your feelings It’s natural to experience a range of emotions after a hurricane, from relief and gratitude to anxiety and sadness. Acknowledging these feelings, rather than suppressing them, is the first step to recovery. Allow yourself to grieve your loss and recognize that it’s normal to feel overwhelmed. Seek support Reaching out to family, friends and community…

PBS Chairman Paul B. Scott (fourth from left) symbolically cuts the ribbon with PBS and other company executives. PRODUCTIVE Business Solutions Limited (PBS) has completed its acquisition of Xerox del Peru SA and Xerox del Ecuador SA, while also closing on a US$126 million ($19.55 billion) syndicated loan through Citibank, NA. PBS announced in early April that it would acquire Xerox’s Peruvian and Ecuadorian businesses, subject to secondary approvals. PBS received those approvals, enabling it to complete the acquisition of both businesses by the end of its second quarter on June 30. The acquisitions are expected to add more than…

Dear Claudienne, I have been experiencing serious issues with Flow Jamaica restoring my internet service since I reported the issue on 27th December 2023. The same day I reported the issue, a representative called me to make an appointment on 29th December 2023 between 12pm and 5pm. On 28th December 2023, a technician called me and asked if anyone was currently on the premises. I was told there was no technician and I provided an appointment date. On the appointed day, the technician never even called, however, when I called Flow 100 to ask why the technician never showed up,…

There is an ever-increasing research trend pointing to the importance of maintaining gut health. A growing body of scientific evidence highlights the important role that the gut microbiome plays in overall health, including digestion, immunity, mental health, and even weight management. As people become increasingly interested in natural ways to improve their health, diets with a particular focus on gut health and holistic, preventative health approaches are emerging. “The gut-health diet trend is rooted in emerging research linking gut health to overall wellness, including mental health, immune function and weight management,” says workout developer Mesha Gay-Wright. “The concept of personalized…

An organ once owned by the legendary Jackie Mittoo is on display at the Bunny Lee Museum in Duhaney Park, St Andrew. One of the greats of reggae music, Bunny “Stryker” Lee, made his magic at Burns Avenue Recording Studios in Duhaney Park, St Andrew, and a museum celebrating the producer’s achievements has been pre-opened at the studio on 1 July, the day International Reggae Day is celebrated around the world. The facility is piled high with memorabilia spanning the 60-year career of Lee, who died in October 2020 at age 79, including his trademark sailor hat, flashy suits and…

Jamaica can leverage AI in a variety of sectors to boost economic growth. In the wake of Hurricane Beryl, Jamaica faces the challenge of quickly rebuilding its economy. Innovative Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools and technologies can be leveraged to accelerate recovery efforts and emerge stronger across sectors. The Government of Jamaica is proactively embracing global technological advancements and sees this as an opportunity for growth and innovation (Jamaica Drives Technological Transformation Through EGOV, 2023). Let us consider different scenarios in agriculture, tourism and finance and how AI can drive growth in these sectors. Agriculture, Forestry, and Fisheries: How can AI-enabled…