Author: Steve Brown

Opposition Senator Damion Crawford is under fire for comments he made during a recent People’s National Party (PNP) stakeholders meeting in Portmore, with Local Government Minister Desmond McKenzie threatening a multi-million-dollar defamation lawsuit unless Crawford retracts and apologizes. The Controversial Comments During the meeting on Sunday, Crawford claimed that Portmore was the PNP’s vision and accused the Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) of “capping” (a term implying deceit or exaggeration). These remarks, which were widely circulated on social media, have drawn sharp criticism from McKenzie’s legal team. McKenzie’s Legal Response In a letter dated Tuesday, McKenzie’s attorney, Lemar Neale, demanded that Crawford retract his statements and issue a public apology within three days. Neale described Crawford’s…

Kingston, Jamaica – Minister of Legal and Constitutional Affairs, Marlene Malahoo Forte, emphasized the importance of strong women in government, bringing unique perspectives and working in the best interest of Jamaica. Appointed as a Senator in 2009 and serving as the Member of Parliament for St James West Central since 2016, Malahoo Forte shared her journey and the progress she has witnessed over the years. “There was a time when I would go home every Monday and say to my husband, ‘Bwoy, I don’t know if I can really manage this political work enuh; I really don’t know,’ and he…

Kingston, Jamaica – Detectives from the Firearms and Narcotics Investigation Division (FNID) have charged 36-year-old Davian Roberts, a truck driver with dual United States and Jamaican citizenship, for last month’s seizure of 66 firearms and over 4,500 rounds of ammunition at Port Bustamante in Kingston. Roberts, from Columbus, Georgia, USA, and Cooreville Gardens, Kingston 20, was charged on Monday with trafficking prohibited weapons and failure to comply with a production order under the Cyber Crimes Act. According to reports, on Monday, February 17, at approximately 1:40 pm, the Jamaica Customs Agency detected anomalies within a shipment and contacted FNID investigators.…

Kingston, Jamaica – For the month of February 2025, Jamaica achieved a remarkable milestone by recording the lowest number of murders in a month since the year 2000. At a post-Cabinet press briefing held at Jamaica House on March 4, Minister of Education, Skills, Youth and Information, Dana Morris Dixon, announced that Jamaica recorded 47 murders in February 2025. “In 25 years, this has been the lowest number of murders in a month. Now we keep talking about what’s happening with our JCF (Jamaica Constabulary Force), and what has happened in terms of improvements around crime, this is something to…

St Catherine, Jamaica – Detectives from the St Catherine South Police Division have charged an 18-year-old man with housebreaking, larceny, and malicious destruction of property following an incident at a primary school in Central Village on Sunday, February 23. The accused, Prince Brown, a bus conductor from Windsor Heights, Central Village, allegedly entered the school compound around 3:00 pm and forcibly opened the doors to the tuck shop, staff room, classrooms, and administrative office. He is accused of stealing juice and snacks of an undetermined sum of money and damaging a cash register during the incident. The police were alerted,…

Kingston, Jamaica – Spiritual advisor Nardo Smith, more popularly known as RT Boss, has filed a defamation lawsuit against dancehall star Spice over allegations reportedly made on her social media platform. The lawsuit, filed in the Superior Court of Cobb County in Georgia, also lists Spice’s company, Spice Entertainment LLC, Monique Palmer, and Goat Throat Records LLC as defendants. The suit alleges libel, which is defined as a false and malicious defamation expressed in print, writing, pictures, or signs that injures a person’s reputation and exposes them to public hatred, contempt, or ridicule. According to the lawsuit, the defendants’ actions…

Kingston, Jamaica – Lady Da Flame continues her vibrant spree of inspirational music with her new single, “You Can Do It,” released on February 4 and produced by Righteous Corner Productions. “My goal is to make feel-good music that stands the test of time while sending shock waves of positive vibes to all who listen,” the singer told the Jamaica Observer. Renowned for her inspirational and faith-based singles, Lady Da Flame’s new release is no different. “I love the feeling ‘You Can Do It’ gives fans when they hear it. The music and lyrics speak so deeply…” she said. As…

Kingston, Jamaica – The Born to Shine Talent Search has officially crowned its inaugural winners, with an exciting twist: the competition also awarded a runner-up prize. Vanoy Chambers, also known as Spikey, from Litchfield District, Mile Gully, Manchester, walked away with $1 million and an exclusive recording contract. The runner-up, Ginelle “TrapQween” Gordon from Hanover, delivered an impressive performance that captivated the audience, earning her $500,000. The event, held in Mandeville on January 24, was a resounding success, drawing talent from all over the island and even attracting attendees from the USA, Canada, and the UK. Texroy Elliott and Erika…

Since the 1930s, Jamaica’s north coast hotels have nurtured the talent of many Jamaican artistes and musicians. Roots singer Dinho da Rastaman honed his craft on some of these stages, paving the way for his recording career that began in 2022. The Manchester-born artiste’s debut album is slated for release in June. He has released four songs so far, including “Journey” and “Cherish,” which marked the start of his studio career. For the upcoming album, Dinho da Rastaman collaborated with various producers, primarily Neville Muir, who has been a part of his team since 2022. Last year, he released two…

Kingston, Jamaica – Minister without Portfolio in the Ministry of Economic Growth and Job Creation, Matthew Samuda, announced on Monday that the National Water Commission (NWC) has begun emergency rehabilitation works at the Greater Portmore sewage pond. The rehabilitation aims to address severe challenges currently affecting residents, students, and businesses in the area. During a recent tour of the facility, Minister Samuda highlighted the urgent need for intervention. “The current condition of the western sewage ponds has led to intolerable conditions, affecting citizens living nearby and students of Greater Portmore High School. The western ponds will require a similar upgrade…