Lead Stories

Reggae artiste Hezron Clarke (right) receives his 2026 Spirit of Independence Award from Montego Bay Mayor Richard Vernon during the annual Independence Day Flag Raising and Civic Ceremony in Montego Bay on Thursday.
August 7, 2026 by Christopher Thomas

‘It never dawned on me until afterward’

WESTERN BUREAU: Montego Bay-based reggae artiste Hezron Clarke never expected to be publicly honoured on Independence Day for his musical contributions to St James and the wider Jamaica.
Montego Bay Mayor Richard Vernon (centre, seated) in a group photo with the recipients of this year’s Spirit of Independence Awards and Mayor’s Special Awards from within St James, during the annual Independence and Flag Raising Ceremony at Sam Sharpe
August 7, 2026 by Christopher Thomas

Vernon: Jamaica’s roots remain intertwined with Africa

WESTERN BUREAU: As Jamaica celebrates its 64th year of independence this year, Montego Bay Mayor Richard Vernon says that the nation’s growth over the decades is connected to the history of the…
Richard Byles, governor of the Bank of Jamaica.
August 6, 2026

140 for national honours

Outgoing Bank of Jamaica Governor Richard Byles is among seven Jamaicans who have been appointed to the Order of Jamaica (OJ) and will join 139 other nationals journeying to King’s House in October…
St Patrice Ennis, president of the Jamaica Confederation of Trade Unions.
August 6, 2026

Public-sector wage deal sealed

After tough and sometimes stalled negotiations between the Government and unions representing public-sector workers, an agreement has been reached on wages for the three-year period from April 1, 2025…
Acting chief engineer Pete Jackson (left) and Mayor Richard Vernon at the location in Norwood Pen where the giant swing was demolished
August 6, 2026 by Janet Silvera

Swing too far - Illegal St James attraction demolished as officials declare it a tragedy waiting to happen
WESTERN BUREAU: The giant swing tourist attraction demolished in Norwood Pen, St James, yesterday was “very, very dangerous” and posed the risk of a major tragedy, according to St James Municipal…
JUGC Chairman Bishop Dr Roy Notice.
August 6, 2026 by Christopher Thomas

Churches plead for Haitians

WESTERN BUREAU: The Jamaica Umbrella Group of Churches (JUGC) is calling on the Government to treat Haitians who risk their lives to reach Jamaica by sea, to seek asylum, with more dignity and…
Lt Danae McFarlane, president of JAMLEO.
August 6, 2026 by Lester Hinds

Jamaica to take spotlight at NYPD headquarters

The doors of One Police Plaza, the headquarters of the New York Police Department (NYPD), will be thrown open on August 11 to Jamaicans and friends when the Jamaican American Law Enforcement…
Shauna Todd, project liaison/coordinator at the Institute of Law and Economics, delivers a presentation on financial literacy.
August 6, 2026

AHF programme equips 30 youth with workplace, life skills

Thirty young Jamaicans have completed four weeks of workplace exposure, skills training and personal development under the AIDS Healthcare Foundation (AHF) Jamaica’s 2026 Summer Employment and…
Sonya Binns-Lawrence, Jamaica’s top female blood donor, gives blood during her birthday blood drive, held on the grounds of Kencot Seventh-day Adventist Church in Kingston last February.
August 6, 2026 by Edmond Campbell

Honour for a lifesaver - Blood donations hero Sonya Maria Binns-Lawrence recognised for meritorious service
Jamaica’s all-time leading blood donor, Sonya Maria Binns-Lawrence, has been recognised with the Badge of Honour for Meritorious Service for her contribution to the field of health and wellness.…