THOMPSON… having this type of interaction with the hurricane specialists will lead to more public awareness and understanding (Photo: JIS) — A team of United States (US)-based meteorologists and hurricane specialists is expected in Jamaica tomorrow, as part of a public education and outreach campaign to boost awareness about tropical storms and hurricanes and to encourage preparedness. The tour is part of a Caribbean Hurricane Awareness Tour (CHAT) by the US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) … Read entire article »

BY RACQUEL PORTER Observer staff reporter—   Some of the counterfeit items which were seized by the police and Customs in 2017. — THE Jamaica Customs Agency wants stiffer penalties to deter people from importing counterfeit goods. The call yesterday by director of the agency’s Contraband Enforcement Team Albert Anderson at the launch of Intellectual Property Week 2018 Public “Destruction Day” press conference at the police’s Counter-Terrorism and Organised Crime Investigation Branch in downtown Kingston, comes on the heels of … Read entire article »

 A deadly batch of synthetic marijuana laced with rat poison has claimed its fourth victim in the US Midwest, as health experts warn the public to avoid the illegal drug. Officials in several states have raised alarm over a recent outbreak of illness caused by brodifacoum, a lethal blood thinner used in rat poison, which was in the synthetic ganja that victims consumed. Patients have shown up to hospitals with severe internal bleeding and vomiting blood. A fourth … Read entire article »

By Andre Williams— The police are keeping a close watch on Cockburn Gardens, St Andrew, following the murder of a strongman from the community yesterday afternoon.— The man, who goes by the alias ‘Ditty’, was shot and killed at a house along Melrose Avenue at about 2:30 p.m. When THE STAR visited the scene, a grey Honda Civic motor car, which investigators believe was driven to the location by the deceased, was parked at the entrance of the dwelling. It is said … Read entire article »

By Stephanie Lyew— Jewel Osbourne— As the daughter of reggae singer Johnny Osbourne, who recorded ‘Buddy Bye’ on the popular Sleng Teng rhythm, many would think that Jewel Osbourne would have taken an interest in the same genre. However, 35-year-old Jewel Osbourne is determined to pave her way as a contemporary gospel singer and minister. “I grew up in the school of Johnny Osbourne and Sugar Minott, so to speak. Most of what I have learnt about the industry is … Read entire article »

By Anthony Turner/Gleaner Writer— Chris Matic— Bob Marley, Peter Tosh and Jimmy Cliff are icons whose music is loved and adored by fans worldwide. Jamaica has also produced several successful DJs who have garnered international prominence including Sean Paul, Shaggy, Mavado, Buju Banton, Shabba, Popcaan, Spice and Lady Saw, and a host of others. But very few Jamaicans have excelled in hip hop. Kingston-born DJ Kool Herc is credited with creating the genre in the Bronx in the ’70s, … Read entire article »

 Lauryn Hill performing on Shaggy and Friends concert on the lawns of Jamaica House in St Andrew in 2012. (Photo: Observer File)– In celebration of the 20th anniversary of her Grammy-winning album, The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill , Lauryn Hill will launch a 30-date tour of North America on July 5 in Virginia Beach, Virginia. She is scheduled to perform in 29 states in the United States, as well as do two shows in Canada. The tour is down to close … Read entire article »

 Top: Christafari Bottom: Damian Marley– AMERICAN Christian reggae band Christafari earns its sixth number one on the Billboard Reggae Album Chart with Original Love . The group, which includes Trinidadian Avion Blackman (aunt of soca singer Nailah Blackman), was formed in 1989. To date they have charted 10 times on the reggae table. Christafari’s previous chart-toppers are 2015’s Anthems, 2014’s Reggae Christmasand Greatest Hits Vol 1; 2013’s Reggae Worship: A Roots Revival and 2017’s Hearts of Fire. Released on April 13 by Lion of Zion Entertainment, Original Love has 14 songs. Holding firm at number … Read entire article »