Local tourism industry stakeholders have joined the many persons globally paying tribute to late American singer and songwriter, Jimmy Buffett, who passed away on September 1 at age 76. The significance of the sentiments resonating locally is grounded in the fact that Mr. Buffett’s hit, ‘Margaritaville’, was instrumental in the establishment of one of Jamaica’s and the Caribbean’s most popular...

Newly appointed Executive Director for the Jamaica Cultural Development Commission (JCDC), Lenford Salmon, says he wants to see more investments in culture. He notes that the sector contributes to Jamaica’s gross domestic product (GDP) as much as any other. “There’s a job to be done to convince those with the purse strings to invest more in culture. We have to...

For many Jamaicans living abroad, the country’s Independence Day is just another day. However, for 70-year-old Judy Jackson, a Registered Nurse Practitioner with a heart deeply rooted in her homeland, that historic day of August 6, 1962, is etched in her memory and continues to shape her life and inspire her to overcome challenges with unwavering determination. Recounting her childhood...

A name change, perhaps, did the trick for this year’s Festival Song winner ‘Slashe’, the artist formerly known as ‘Iceman’. His song, ‘Best in the World’ took the top prize of $3 million, beating out an impressive field of 11 entries, including ‘Mr. Festival,’ seven-time winner of the competition, Eric Donaldson. The 2023 Festival Song winner, who entered the competition...

The Festival Song Competition, a traditional and long-standing feature since 1966, stands as a vibrant expression of the country’s rich cultural heritage. Conceived to create an original musical form that would encapsulate the spirit of Jamaica and celebrate the nation's sovereignty, the competition provides a platform for local musicians to showcase their talent and contribute to the preservation of Jamaican...

As Jamaicans prepare to celebrate 61 years of independence on August 6, those in the diaspora share their thoughts on this significant milestone. From the bustling streets of London, in England, to the sun-kissed neighbourhoods of Massachusetts, in the United States, the love for their homeland echoes through the hearts of these patriotic Jamaicans. The milestone holds special significance, evoking...

If you get an opportunity to watch professional dancer Orville McFarlane perform, you will appreciate the delicate balance of beauty and perfection in his movements. This talented young dancer is one of several individuals who have benefitted from a scholarship from the popular local dance organization, Plié for the Arts. Founded by Marisa Benain, Plié for the Arts is a...

The Jamaica 4-H Clubs’ summer camp made its much-anticipated return this year, with clubbities from across the island converging at the Denbigh Showground in May Pen, Clarendon for six days of activities under the theme: ‘Using agriculture to promote discipline’.  The event, from July 10-15, was being held for the first time since the onset of Covid-19.  Youthful energy and...

The Jamaica Cultural Development Commission (JCDC) is reporting an increase in this year’s entries to the Festival Queen Parish Coronations. Under the theme ‘The Jamaican Woman: Strong, Dignified, Creative’, the competition seeks to find 13 talented young women who will be given a chance to be crowned the national cultural ambassador, inclusive of a platform for their efforts towards nation-building....