Ruth-Ann Briscoe/Gleaner Writer

CEO of The Compound, Tom ‘Panic’ Jones is flanked by fashion designer, Ackeilia Caine (second right) and sisters and co-owners of Ahmeraki Cafe (from left) Amanda, Alyssa and Amelia Hutton, at the Rhythm Sundays showcase on Sunday.
March 31, 2026 by Ruth-Ann Briscoe/Gleaner Writer

Rhythm Sundays debut blends music, art, and fashion

Hosting standout events is nothing new for reggae artiste and CEO of The Compound Tom ‘Panic’ Jones. Adding Rhythm Sundays, a live music, art, and fashion showcase, to the rotation, The Compound has teamed up with Ahmeraki Cafe at the Constant Spring Golf Club in St Andrew, where the series made its debut on Sunday. The night featured live portraits by Artrich Studios’ live portrait artist Richard Smith, a showcase of Trendzy by Ackeilia’s spring collection, and live music from Dub Squad.

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Mr and Mrs Thomas share a sweet moment cutting their cake, courtesy of Lola’s Dessert.
March 24, 2026 by Ruth

ISLAND WEDDING | A love 16 years in the making for Darien and Kady-Ann

Kady-Ann Smith and Darien Thomas met 16 years ago at the University of Technology, Jamaica, when a simple group project brought them together. From classmates to friends — and now husband and wife —…
Britany Dukes, a certified personal trainer and founder of BD Active.
March 11, 2026 by Ruth

Britany Dukes is building strength inside and out

Britany Dukes, a certified personal trainer and founder of BD Active, has long been involved in fitness. She began strength training at home before learning structured gym training after becoming a…
The couple had originally planned a large celebration in Jamaica, but following Hurricane Melissa, they chose an intimate ceremony last November at Elizabeth Park in West Hartford, Connecticut.
March 10, 2026 by Ruth

Playful banter sparks lasting love for William and Lisa-Gaye

For Lisa-Gaye Shakespeare and William ‘Billy’ Grant III, a playful rivalry between basketball fans unexpectedly turned into a love story that would cross both countries and cultures. They first met in…
Shanique ‘Shanz the Book Fairy’ Sinclair, founder of the Book Fairy Festival, ahead of the festival’s upcoming July staging.
February 27, 2026 by Ruth

Book Fairy Festival to return bigger this July

As the annual Book Fairy Festival prepares for its latest staging from July 3 to 5, it promises to be a must-attend event for book lovers across Jamaica. Book Fairy Festival founder and curator…
Chelsie Mitchell, a fifth-form student at New Forest High School and featured vocalist on ‘Rebuild Jamaica’, said the project held deep personal meaning following the loss of a close relative after Hurricane Melissa.
February 21, 2026 by Ruth

GoodHeart | New Forest school community’s ‘Rebuild Jamaica’ track uplifts spirits

When Hurricane Melissa tore through communities in western Jamaica last year, the damage went far beyond collapsed roofs. For the New Forest school community, the aftermath inspired a different kind…
Noel says navigating high-pressure environments requires a regulated nervous system, and true resilience comes from practical coping skills, not just ‘toughing it out’.
February 4, 2026 by Ruth

Therapist Brittainy Noel on having a healed response

In the high-demand world of leadership and personal success, one of the greatest challenges women face is the weight of expectations from multiple sources. At the fifth annual Woman Ignite Success…
A simple act of kindness during a 2020 ophthalmology rotation sparked a connection that would grow into lasting love for Hugh-Lloyd and Jilaine.
February 3, 2026 by Ruth

The perfect prescription

In the high-stakes world of medicine, precision is everything. For Dr Hugh-Lloyd Jones and Dr Jilaine Campbell-Jones, however, it was a simple act of kindness, and a sample of eye drops, that…
Andru-Lee and Selena, running hand in hand toward their next chapter. The couple officially tied the knot on November 29 of last year.
January 20, 2026 by Ruth

A Cassanova love story

What began as a slow, intentional friendship grew into a love shaped by time, faith and a passion for art for Selena Fisher and Andru-Lee Cassanova. Their relationship began in 2018, when they first…
Friday Night Bookish Lyme Founder, Shanique ‘Shanz the Book Fairy’ Sinclair.
January 16, 2026 by Ruth

Book clubs on their favourite reads for 2025 and 2026 picks

As readers refresh their to-be-read lists, we’re looking back at favourites from local book clubs, along with the books and authors whose new releases they’re anticipating in the new year.