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Francis Kerr-Jarrett was a landowner and sugar manufacturer in Jamaica. He served as Custos Rotulorum of Saint James Parish, Jamaica, from 1933–1965. Custos rotulorum is Latin for ‘keeper of the rolls. It is a civic post in Jamaica that involves helping to maintain law and order. The Kerr-Jarrett Family Francis Moncrieff Kerr-Jarrett was born …
Jamaica has a vibrant culture, sun-soaked beaches, and rich history. Among the numerous attractions that draw tourists from around the world, the story of the White Witch of Rose Hall stands out as a captivating tale of mystery, magic, and murder. The origins of the legend Nestled near Montego Bay, the magnificent Rose Hall Plantation …
For over 40 years the people of Jamaica have suffered under the weight of massive debt. Jamaica is one of the most indebted countries and spends twice as much on debt repayments as it does on education and health combined. In 1972 Prime Minister Michael Manley instituted wide-ranging socialist reforms. The resulting trade deficit brought …
Usain Bolt took a break from his work commitments to enjoy Oktoberfest in Munich, Germany. The fastest man in the world decided to dress up for the famous beer festival by wearing lederhosen at the Hippodrom dent. 27-year-old Bolt posted a photo of his outfit on Instagram with the message: “When in Munich, Germany it’s …
Reports from the Associated Press claim that Jamaica could face a ban from the Olympics if the government don’t respond to accusations from a former insider who alleges drug-testing procedures are lax. Former Executive Director of the Jamaica Anti-Doping Commission, Renee Anne Shirley said the island agency had no shortage of “troubling” problems during her …
Happy Independence Day fellow Jamaican’s at home and abroad. It’s 51-years since Jamaica made a break from Britain. The Country is still within the Commonwealth and has the Queen as head of state. Jamaica’s Prime Minister Portia Simpson-Miller has published her Independence speech on the Jamaican Government website. It’s all very heart-warming but she failed …
If you were wondering if Jamaica is still the most homophobic country in the world the story of 17-year-old Dwayne Jones should set you straight. On 22 July, gender non-conforming teen Dwayne Jones was attacked by a crowd of party-goers who chopped and stabbed him up then dumped what was left of his body in …
The Rastafari movement emerged in 1930s Jamaica as an anti-colonial religious movement deeply rooted in the philosophies of the Back to Africa movement led by Marcus Garvey. The Rastafari movement celebrates Black Power, resistance, repatriation, and liberation, with a focus on fighting against colonial oppression and the evils of the world, referred to as the …
Former world 100 metres record holder Asafa Powell and Olympic 4×100 metres relay silver medallist Sherone Simpson tested positive for the same banned stimulant, oxilofrine. Powell, 30, was the last man to hold the individual 100m record before countryman Usain Bolt broke it in 2008. Powell later helped Jamaica to win 400m relay gold at …
Jamaica is set to become the latest country to impose a public smoking ban. Health Minister Fenton Ferguson announced on Tuesday that smoking will be prohibited in public places beginning 15 July. Ferguson says businesses will have six months to post “No Smoking” signs, and all tobacco products will have to include new warnings about …
The Supreme Court of Jamaica is today set to hear a controversial motion that challenges the constitutionality of the 1864 buggery law. US based advocacy group AIDS-Free World filed the claim on behalf of Jamaican homosexual Javed Jaghai. The hearing follows rallies by Christian groups across the island on Sunday, to protest the repealing of …
An annual US trafficking report has removed Jamaica from the US State Department Trafficking in Persons Tier Two watch list whilst Russia and China are cited as being among the world’s worst offenders in fighting forced labour and sex trafficking. The annual report upgraded Jamaica which was last year downgraded in its ranking of the …
Jamaica opened its doors to the global animation industry this month through KingstOON, a two-day animation conference and festival (June 20-21) to promote job opportunities among talented young people and to position the island as the next animation hub. KingstOON brings together international and Jamaican industry leaders, universities, businesses, government officials, animation professionals and amateurs, …
Reports of Jamaican superstar Veronica Campbell-Brown’s failed drug test might have been blown way out of proportion, according to the Jamaica Observer. It reports that a well-placed source close to the issue, said that the situation might have grown out of proportion and the reports of dire consequences and banishment of up to two years …
Veronica Campbell-Brown tests positive for banned substance The Jamaican Gleaner reported on Friday that track star Veronica Campbell-Brown has tested positive for a banned substance. According to the Gleaner, the longtime sprint stars A sample tested positive for a diuretic at the Jamaica Invitational meet on 4 May. The B sample result was confirmed on …
Opening in select theaters on 15 March is the new music documentary Reincarnated about Snoop Dogg. The movie follows artist Snoop Dogg as he travels to Jamaica to record his first reggae album, changes his name to Snoop Lion, and takes a look back at his career, which has spanned almost twenty years. In addition …
Snoop Lion might return to rap music. The gangsta-rapper – formerly known as Snoop Dogg – claimed to be ‘born again’ back when he announced his Rasta conversion in 2012. He reinvented himself with his latest album ‘Reincarnated’ after embracing the Rastafarian culture and music on a trip to Jamaica. The second coming seems to …
This is such an emotional time of year. We can be happy, sad, overjoyed, grateful and downright ungrateful from the time we get up. We think about the loved one’s we’ve lost and the kids who will go without on this day of family. We look at our presents and hide our disappointment or jump …
This BBC documentary explores the life of Jamaica’s Usain Bolt the fastest man alive. Up close and personal with Usain Bolt Produced by French producer/director Gael Leiblang who secured exclusive access to Usain Bolt, this documentary gets up close and personal with him over 12 months as he prepared for the biggest race of his life. …
On 9 August at the 2012 Olympics, Team Jamaica struck Gold, Silver and Bronze in the Men’s 200m race and everyone, except maybe the Daily Mail roared. In a timely article to strip Jamaica of any glory gained from their medal trifecta, the Mail wrote an article depicting Jamaica as the ‘worst offender’ in terms …
Team Jamaica shot some videos of their downtime in the lead up to their Olympic 2012 events. Hosted by Usain Bolt with 200m runner Warren Weir as the cameraman, the team show off their clothes and have a laugh. Below is a video of the team arriving in London for the Olympic games where apparently …
On 6 August 2012, Jamaica celebrated 50 years of independence. The celebrations were made more jubilant by Team Jamaica’s results in the 2012 Olympics. Jamaica is a mix-up of Amerindian, West African, Spanish, British, Chinese and Indian influences. The national motto “Out of many, one people.” pretty much sums up the island. (See brief history) …
This summer, a small corner of London has come alive with the sights and sounds of Jamaica. Jamaica House, the official Jamaica Olympic Association (JOA) endorsed Olympic House, is situated at The O2. Launched on 3 August it is set to be London’s most popular Hospitality House at which to watch the 2012 games. It …
Growing up in my house when it came to sports you routed for your host country’s team unless Jamaica was playing of course. Nothing much has changed and as I wait for the men’s 100m and 200m races, I am rooting for Usain Bolt to win. Even if I weren’t Jamaican, I’d want Bolt to …
