Immigration activists protest the Donald Trump Administration’s decision to end the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program on September 6 in Newark, New Jersey. (Photo: AFP) — THE Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade says 6,000 Jamaicans will be affected by the Donald Trump Administration’s decision to discontinue the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrival (DACA) programme in the United States. The “dreamers” policy, implemented by former US President Barack Obama, allows undocumented immigrants who arrived … Read entire article »

 Sanniel Wilson, chief plant quarantine produce inspector, Plant Quarantine Division, Ministry of Industry, Commerce, Agriculture and Fisheries, addresses a JIS Think Tank on September 7. (Photo: JIS) — TRAVELERS to Jamaica are being urged to declare all agricultural products in order to avoid the introduction of foreign pests and diseases that could threaten the agriculture sector and the environment. Chief plant quarantine produce inspector, Ministry of Industry, Commerce, Agriculture and Fisheries, Sanniel Wilson, said that people are … Read entire article »

By Shereita Grizzle— Gospel artist Chevelle Franklyn— Gospel singer Chevelle Franklyn now has high expectations for her latest album, ‘Set Time’, following news that it debuted on the Billboard Reggae Chart earlier this week. The compilation entered the charts at number 11 and marks the first time in her more than 26-year career that an album from the singer has charted. In an interview with THE WEEKEND STAR, the singer dubbed the achievement as a pleasant surprise as she didn’t have … Read entire article »

Dancehall artist Lisa Hyper is hoping to reclaim her spot among the top female artists in Jamaica. Once a protégée of incarcerated deejay Vybz Kartel, Hyper, whose given name is Felecia Gooden, was rated among the top entertainers in dancehall. But following the collapse of the Kartel-led Portmore Empire, the Gaza crew lost its grip on the dancehall industry and most of its members pursued solo careers. Many of them, however, failed in their attempt to stay … Read entire article »

A 74-acre island owned by billionaire Sir Richard Branson has been ravaged by Hurricane Irma. Branson, chairman of the Virgin Group, decided to ride out the storm on his island off the coast of the British Virgin Islands. “Glad to say that all humans on Necker are OK although a lot of buildings destroyed,” Branson tweeted. “Please don’t take this hurricane lightly if it is heading your way. If your building is not very solid, do find somewhere … Read entire article »

Culture Minister Olivia Grange said that the Government’s plan for the establishment of Miss Lou Square in Gordon Town, St Andrew, in tribute to “the mother of Jamaican culture” is moving ahead. Miss Lou Square is being established by the ministry as a Jamaica 55 Legacy Project in association with Miss Lou’s estate, the Gordon Town Community Council, the Kingston and St Andrew Municipal Corporation and the Jamaica 55 Steering Committee in Canada. In her message to … Read entire article »

By Curtis Campbell—   Dancehall artist Benji Hype believes that young artists need to refrain from using cheap publicity stunts and gimmicks to generate attention without focusing on honing their delivery and writing skills. “I realize that a lot of young artists coming up are not focused on production, and learning and improving their craft. They want to skip the line, so some of them a kidnap themselves, they are wearing masks, bleaching, dem a do all kind … Read entire article »

TORTOLA, British Virgin Islands (CMC) — Jermaine Smith, a Jamaican living here, says the only thing he managed to save was his passport as Hurricane Irma, one of the most powerful storms in history, ravaged sections of the British Virgin Islands as it ripped across the island chain late Wednesday. Images have emerged of homes being flattened and several government offices destroyed. “Everything mash up, everything, nothing saved,” Smith said in a video being circulated on social … Read entire article »

THE fastest man in the world landed in Sydney yesterday with Sydney clubs and restaurants clamoring to bolt down the Jamaican sprinter for an appearance at their establishment. Usain Bolt will be right at home at an Optus-sponsored VIP party held in his name at the Overseas Passenger Terminal tonight, where he will take to the decks to DJ alongside The Avalanches, who are playing to a 400 VIP crowd. The 31-year-old charmed morning TV viewers before … Read entire article »