The Rose Hall Community Centre Cricket Club (RHCCCC) has secured a boost ahead of the upcoming white-ball cricket season following the donation of 30 playing uniforms from Wazim and Sons Infrastructure.
In a social media post published on the club’s official Facebook page, the club expressed gratitude to the company’s Chief Executive Officer, Wazim Yashwardeo, for sponsoring what it described as ”30 top-quality uniforms from CricZoneUSA”.
According to the post, Yashwardeo said he was pleased with the club’s ongoing development and youth programmes. As a resident of the East Canje area, he reportedly reaffirmed his commitment to supporting the club and pledged to continue doing so in the future.
The club also highlighted its contribution to youth cricket in Berbice, noting that it has been a dominant force in the region over the past five years while producing a number of male and female cricketers who have gone on to represent Guyana at the national level.
The social media post further stated that it was encouraging to see more companies recognising and investing in community-based sports programmes, particularly those focused on youth development.
The club concluded by extending its appreciation to Yashwardeo on behalf of its executive and members, thanking him for his continued support.
Road safety is often discussed in the aftermath of tragedy, when collisions claim lives, leave families grieving and communities searching for answers. Yet the most effective road safety strategies are those implemented long before an accident occurs. Prevention remains the strongest safeguard against needless loss, making education one of the most valuable investments in building a safer transport environment.
The Guyana Police Force’s continued expansion of road safety education across communities, workplaces, and regional organisations deserves recognition for placing emphasis where it matters most – equipping road users with the knowledge and practical skills needed to make sound decisions behind the wheel. While enforcement remains an important pillar of traffic management, education strengthens compliance by helping motorists understand not only what the law requires but also why those rules exist.
Teaching the rules of the road is far more than preparing individuals to obtain a driver’s licence. It creates a culture of discipline and predictability that benefits every road user. Roads function safely when motorists, pedestrians, cyclists, and passengers share a common understanding of traffic laws, right-of-way principles, speed limits, and road markings. Every driver who correctly interprets a road sign or responds appropriately at an intersection contributes to reducing confusion and preventing collisions.
Important also is the emphasis being placed on defensive driving as modern road networks present countless variables, from changing weather conditions and mechanical failures to the unpredictable actions of other motorists. Defensive driving encourages anticipation rather than reaction. It teaches drivers to remain alert, maintain safe following distances, scan for potential hazards and prepare for the unexpected. These habits reduce risk not only for the individual driver but for everyone sharing the roadway.
The inclusion of a curb drill in these educational programmes also highlights the need to cultivate safe behaviour from an early stage. Learning to stop, observe traffic carefully and cross roads safely remains one of the most fundamental life skills. As Guyana continues to experience increased urbanisation and expanding traffic volumes, reinforcing these basic safety principles among children and adults alike becomes even more critical.
The continued promotion of the Five Cs of safe driving represents another practical approach to developing responsible motorists. Safe driving is not determined by technical ability alone. It requires constant awareness, sound judgement, patience and consistency. These principles encourage drivers to remain focused, anticipate changing conditions and exercise caution at all times. Developing these habits transforms driving from a routine activity into one that demands continuous attention and responsibility.
One of the greatest challenges facing road safety worldwide is distracted driving. Mobile devices have become indispensable tools of daily life, but their misuse behind the wheel carries enormous risks. Even a brief glance away from the road can have devastating consequences when travelling at highway speeds. Restricting mobile phone use while driving is therefore not an inconvenience but a necessity. Drivers cannot safely divide attention between operating a vehicle and engaging with electronic devices. Public education on this issue is essential as technology becomes increasingly integrated into everyday routines.
Understanding road signs and pavement markings is another area that deserves sustained attention. These visual guides communicate vital information instantly, directing traffic flow, warning of hazards and promoting orderly movement. Failure to recognise or obey them creates unnecessary danger for motorists and pedestrians alike. Continuous public education ensures that both new and experienced drivers remain familiar with evolving traffic systems and infrastructure.
No discussion on road safety would be complete without addressing impaired driving. Alcohol significantly reduces judgement, slows reaction time and affects coordination, all of which are essential for safe vehicle operation. The consequences extend well beyond the impaired driver, placing passengers, pedestrians and other motorists at unacceptable risk. Public awareness campaigns that consistently reinforce the dangers and legal consequences of driving under the influence remain indispensable components of any national road safety strategy.
The decision to extend these educational programmes into workplaces, rural communities and regional organisations reflects an understanding that road safety is a shared responsibility. Training that reaches professional drivers is particularly valuable, as they spend considerable time on the nation’s roadways and often transport passengers, goods and essential services.
Individuals who participate in these programmes frequently become advocates within their own families, workplaces and communities. Conversations about seat belt use, speeding, distracted driving and responsible road behaviour help reinforce positive habits.
Attorney General (AG) and Legal Affairs Minister Anil Nandlall has accused the Parliamentary Opposition of exploiting the MV Barima tragedy for political gain, saying its members appear more concerned with blaming the Government than supporting those affected by the incident.
“They have exploited people’s anger, they have exploited people’s trauma, they have exploited people’s pain, they have exploited people’s grief, they have exploited people’s anguish in prosecuting and prostituting their narrow political agenda,” Nandlall contended during his programme “Issues in the News” on Tuesday.
In fact, Nandlall referred to their conduct in the National Assembly on Monday, arguing that the session should have been marked by solemnity in light of the tragedy.
“Tell me whether that group that you saw there was concerned about the loss of life, about the grief that people were going through, or whether they were there to prosecute their own political agenda. Some of them were laughing and whining and gyrating and singing and beating a rhythm so they could dance in the National Assembly,” the AG highlighted.
“You would have expected that in the National Assembly, there would have been an aura of sobriety, an aura that reflects a country that is mourning, that is in grief, a country that has never suffered such a disaster in its young independent history. The National Assembly was [on Monday] supposed to be a solemn and sober place [but] it was converted into an indecent vulgar melee with the Opposition mocking at those who are grieving and using their placards and their photographs in the most vulgar display of political vendetta,” he further posited.
According to AG Nandlall, the Opposition appears to be more concerned with attacking the Government than supporting the victims of the MV Barima tragedy.
“They see this as ‘the Government must be held responsible’, and they take great joy in trying to push the blame on the Government; that is all that they are concerned about,” the Attorney General contended.
Moreover, Nandlall condemned the Opposition’s refusal to offer remarks on the tragedy during the Parliamentary session.
During the sitting, Speaker of the National Assembly Manzoor Nadir offered Opposition representatives an opportunity to speak on the tragedy and address the grieving families, but they declined. Leader of the We Invest in Nationhood (WIN) and Opposition Leader Azruddin Mohamed, who has been sanctioned by the United States (US) and indicted, was allocated five minutes to express his views on the tragedy, while Leader of the Opposition Parliamentary group, the Peoples National Congress-led A Partnership for National Unity (PNC-led APNU), Terrence Campbell, was allocated two minutes. However, both declined to use the allotted speaking time to say anything. Instead, the Opposition members pressed on with their protest proceedings in the House.
According to Nandlall, “The PNC has a long history of this type of conduct, and the WIN party is not much different; most of them are from the PNC anyhow.”
Responsibility
To date, 73 persons have been confirmed dead following the ferry’s capsizing, 30 remain unaccounted for, and 76 have survived.
On Monday, three workers attached to the Transport and Harbours Department – the captain, a crew member and the superintendent who was in charge of loading the vessel – were slapped with 72 counts of murder.
Some Opposition members have criticised the decision, but Nandlall maintained that those responsible must be held accountable. He also accused the Opposition of hypocrisy, saying it cannot demand justice while simultaneously condemning the authorities’ actions to ensure accountability.
“They want responsible and accountable actions to be taken. The first set of people whom you have to hold accountable are those who are primarily in charge. If a minibus…crashed and all the passengers are dead, who first are you going to go for if not the driver and the conductor if they survive? You’re going behind somebody else when they had actual conduct, control and possession of the vehicle?” Nandlall reasoned.
“Not on a single occasion, in my recollection, has the PNC ever taken a position on the side of the law enforcement agencies. Even now, 100 persons are believed to be dead, and whose side do they take? Not the victims,” he added.
“If the families of the victims and those who survived and their relatives are in doubt on which side of the divide the Opposition stands, well they shouldn’t be in doubt anymore, because they have chosen a side and that’s why I’m saying [in Parliament], what you saw was political grandstanding, it had nothing to do with the pain and anguish that people are people,” Nandlall further posited.
Charged are 40-year-old Kevin Price, also called “KP”, the boat Captain of Melanie Damishana, East Coast Demerara (ECD); Rondell Dwayne Roberts, 42, Chief Mate of Grove Public Road, East Bank Demerara (EBD); and Delon Granderson, 33, Goods superintendent of Fellowship, West Coast Demerara (WBD).
The Office of the Director of Public Prosecution (DPP) has since explained that its decision to institute murder charges based upon careful consideration of the evidence presented, the relevant principles of law involved, case law authorities from the United Kingdom, Commonwealth jurisdictions, the European Court of Human Rights, and public policy considerations.
CoI
Moreover, the DPP noted that the impending Commission of Inquiry (CoI) into the tragedy will not affect the prosecution of the charge, as both proceedings can occur simultaneously.
President Dr Irfaan Ali has announced a five-member international CoI into the circumstances surrounding the capsizing of the MV Barima. Nandlall said no Guyanese was appointed to the panel in order to avoid any perception of bias.
“Not a single Guyanese was selected, and that was deliberately done so that unnecessary allegations of bias and compromise cannot reasonably be made. Of course, attempts are being made to tarnish the good character and sterling reputation of these persons, but those attempts are in vain,” Nandlall asserted.
The five-member CoI will be headed by former Belizean Justice of Appeal and distinguished legal expert Godfrey Phillip Smith, who currently serves as the CARICOM High-Level Representative for Law and Criminal Justice and is the Ad Hoc Justice of Appeal at the Eastern Caribbean Court of Appeal. It also includes Captain Hamada Fouda, an internationally respected maritime safety specialist with more than 35 years of experience in marine regulation and casualty investigations; Trinidad and Tobago Senior Attorney-at-Law, Nyree Dawn Alfonso, who has represented clients in complex ship arrests, maritime disputes, salvage operations, collisions, marine casualty claims, marine insurance matters and arbitrations; Dr Andrzej Jasionowski, a forensic naval architecture and marine engineering expert, out of Poland, who has specialised since 1995 in the application of advanced numerical techniques for stability, hydrodynamics, oil film lubrication, thermodynamics of liquefied natural gas (LNG) mixtures, ship flooding simulations, probabilistic assessments of time to sink and capsize, holistic risk quantification, and shaft alignment; and decorated Trinidad and Tobago Rear Admiral (RADM) Hayden A Pritchard, who has over 38 years of experience in security and maritime operations, policy development, change management and public and security sector reform.
Local private sector organisations have welcomed the team assembled by President Ali, expressing confidence that its composition inspires trust in the inquiry’s ability to be thorough, independent and credible.
The MV Barima was en route to Port Kaituma, Region One (Barima-Waini) on July 18 with 179 persons onboard, when it capsized and sank off the Essequibo Coast in Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam).
Jimmy Cliff, born James Chambers, was not just a musician; he was the charismatic face of reggae’s introduction to the world globally. Before the genre became synonymous with Bob Marley’s global superstardom, it was Cliff who carried the Jamaican sound to international audiences through his infectious music and his starring role in a landmark film. While he never had a single compilation album with the sales dominance of Legend, his career is a legend unto itself—a story told across a half-century and marked by numerous firsts. Here’s a look at Jimmy Cliff by the numbers.
1972
The year the world changed for Jamaican music. While his hit “Wonderful World, Beautiful People” charted three years earlier, the release of the film The Harder They Come cemented Cliff’s global standing. Starring as the ambitious, anti-establishment Ivan Martin, Cliff’s performance and music brought the raw energy of Kingston’s music scene to the US and Europe, acting as the primary catalyst for the popularization of reggae worldwide.
Four Iconic Tracks
Of the 11 original tracks on The Harder They Come soundtrack—widely cited as one of the most influential movie soundtracks ever—Jimmy Cliff was the lead or featured artist on four essential songs: “Many Rivers to Cross,” “The Harder They Come,” “You Can Get It If You Really Want,” and “Sitting in Limbo.” These tracks showcase his dynamic range, from gospel-tinged melancholy to urgent, defiant anthems.
Two
Jimmy Cliff stands as one of only two reggae artists from Jamaica, alongside Bob Marley, to be inducted into the U.S. Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, receiving the honor in 2010. This distinction highlights his status as a pioneer who broke barriers and established the genre internationally. He is also the only living reggae musician to hold the Order of Merit (OM), the highest honor granted by the Jamaican government for achievements in the arts and sciences.
Two Grammys, Seven Nominations
Cliff demonstrated his career longevity and relevance across decades by winning the Grammy Award for Best Reggae Recording twice: first for his 1985 album Cliff Hanger, and then again for the 2012 album Rebirth. The latter, produced by Rancid’s Tim Armstrong, proved his ability to connect with new generations while returning to his original protest and spiritual roots.
Over 30
The staggering number of official studio albums Cliff recorded over his long career, exploring the full range of Jamaican musical evolution from ska and rocksteady to soul and modern reggae. His immense catalog includes international hits like “Wonderful World, Beautiful People” (a UK Top 10 hit in 1969) and his globally successful cover of Johnny Nash’s “I Can See Clearly Now,” which became ubiquitous after its use in the 1993 film Cool Runnings.
50+ Years
The span of his professional performing career, which started in the early 1960s and continued for over five decades. This incredible run of influence inspired artists across genres—from Bruce Springsteen, who popularized Cliff’s song “Trapped” in the US, to Joe Cocker and Harry Nilsson, who famously covered “Many Rivers to Cross.”
The BIG STAT
Cliff’s most enduring success wasn’t measured on the weekly charts, but in the cultural transformation he inspired. When “Wonderful World, Beautiful People” and “Vietnam” became massive international hits in 1969, and when The Harder They Come was released in 1972, Jimmy Cliff became the face of a new global movement. He served not just as a musician, but as a Reggae Ambassador, a title later officially bestowed by the Jamaican government. Today, Cliff’s influence is honored in his native country, where a major roadway in Montego Bay was renamed Jimmy Cliff Boulevard in 2019, ensuring his name remains a permanent part of the Jamaican landscape and musical journey.
The announcement that Jamaica’s Consul General to Miami, Roderick Oliver Mair, has been appointed as the country’s next Consul General in New York has prompted an outpouring of heartfelt tributes from members of the Jamaican diaspora, community leaders and colleagues across South Florida.
While many congratulated Mair on his new appointment, the overwhelming sentiment was one of gratitude for his more than seven years of service and the lasting impact he made through his accessible leadership, community engagement and unwavering commitment to Jamaicans across the Consulate’s 13-state jurisdiction.
Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade Minister Kamina Johnson Smith announced Mair’s appointment this week, describing his record of consular leadership, diaspora engagement and partnership building as preparing him to lead Jamaica’s Consulate General in New York, which serves the country’s largest overseas population across 33 U.S. states.
“As Consul-General in Miami, Oliver Mair has demonstrated an exceptional ability to build relationships, inspire confidence and mobilise support for Jamaica,” the Minister said. “His record of service in Southern Florida reflects a commitment to our nationals, meaningful engagement with the Diaspora and practical partnerships that have delivered real benefits for both Jamaicans at home and abroad.”
Mair will also have concurrent accreditation to Bermuda and Puerto Rico. He succeeds the late Consul General Alsion Roach Wilson and is expected to assume office in the coming weeks.
A Legacy Beyond Consular Services
During his tenure in Miami, Mair became known not only for providing consular services but also for strengthening ties between Jamaica and its diaspora through health, education, trade and investment initiatives.
Among his signature achievements was the establishment of the annual Jamaica Hi-5 Reggae Run/Walk, which has become one of the South Florida diaspora’s flagship events while raising support for Jamaica’s healthcare sector through the Ministry of Health and Wellness’ Adopt-a-Clinic Programme.
He also played a leading role in coordinating diaspora support following Hurricane Melissa, mobilising humanitarian assistance alongside organisations including Food For The Poor, World Central Kitchen and Global Empowerment Mission. His tenure also saw expanded trade and investment promotion, strengthened partnerships with community organisations and improved engagement with Jamaicans across the southern United States.
The announcement of Mair’s departure from Miami sparked an immediate wave of appreciation, with many describing him as a Consul General who made people feel welcomed, heard and valued.
Rather than simply congratulating him on his new appointment, many reflected on the relationships he built over the past eight years, praising his humility, accessibility and genuine commitment to serving the Jamaican community.
Community members credited him with bringing people together, strengthening collaboration among diaspora organisations and championing initiatives that delivered tangible benefits for Jamaica while keeping the diaspora connected to home.
Others recalled his leadership during difficult moments, including his support for Jamaican farm workers during the COVID-19 pandemic and his efforts to mobilise relief following Hurricane Melissa.
One of the most common sentiments expressed was that Mair leaves “big shoes to fill,” with many saying his successor will inherit a Consulate that enjoys stronger relationships with the community because of the foundation he established.
Many also described his departure as bittersweet, expressing pride that he had been entrusted with one of Jamaica’s most significant overseas missions while admitting they would miss the leadership, warmth and collaborative spirit he brought to South Florida.
Responding to the outpouring of support, Mair thanked the Jamaican community across the southern United States for embracing him and his family throughout his tenure.
“I want to say a big thank you to my family in the southern United States who have gone beyond the call of duty to support my journey over the past eight years. On behalf of myself and my family, I truly appreciate it.”
Describing his departure as “bittersweet,” Mair said he is looking forward to serving the large Jamaican community in New York while continuing to work toward the shared goal of advancing Jamaica.
“It is a bittersweet moment for me to leave, but I also welcome the opportunity in moving to New York. I look forward to working with the large, vibrant Jamaican community there.
“It’s one team. It’s one Jamaica, one Jamaica Diaspora, and we are all working together towards the same objective of building our beloved country.”
As Mair prepares to begin his new assignment, the tributes from South Florida suggest that while Jamaica is gaining an experienced diplomat in New York, Miami is bidding farewell to a Consul General whose legacy will be measured not only by the initiatives he championed, but by the lasting relationships he built with the community he served.
As Jamaica celebrates 64 years of Independence, Jamaicans across the globe will once again do what we know best: come together in fellowship to celebrate our heritage, culture and shared identity. From church services and flag-raising ceremonies to cookouts, concerts, galas, parades and community festivals, the black, green and gold will be proudly displayed in cities around the world.
If you can’t be in Jamaica for the annual Emancipation and Independence celebrations, join fellow Jamaicans and friends of Jamaica wherever you are in marking the occasion. As we celebrate the resilience and achievements of our nation, let us also honour those who came before us and offer prayers for Jamaica’s continued protection, healing and prosperity, especially for the communities still rebuilding after Hurricane Melissa.
Here’s a look at some of the Independence and Emancipation celebrations taking place across the global Jamaican diaspora.
Organiser: Embassy of Jamaica in association with Right Now for Jamaica, Inc.
The Best Likkle Island
To all Jamaicans at home and abroad, and to our friends of Jamaica around the world, we wish you a happy and safe Emancipation and Independence. As we celebrate our nation’s achievements and look ahead with hope, let us continue working together to build a stronger, more prosperous Jamaica and keep our beloved homeland the best likkle island in the world. Happy 64th Independence, Jamaica!
Canadian reggae ambassador and radio personality Robert “SPEXDABOSS” Lloyd is launching Reggae Month Canada, a new cultural initiative inspired by Jamaica’s Reggae Month celebrations. The initiative will officially debut on August 1st, during Harbourfront Centre’s Island Soul Festival in Toronto, with organisers hoping to expand it into an annual programme across Canada beginning in 2027.
While not an official Government of Canada observance, Reggae Month Canada aims to celebrate reggae’s cultural impact in Canada while strengthening ties with its Jamaican roots.
With more than three decades promoting reggae music and culture in Canada, SPEXDABOSS, whose family hails from Clarendon, Jamaica, is best known as the host of The Riddim Track, Canada’s only commercial reggae radio programme.
He and partners Farex Entertainment Inc., Fidelis Business Management and MVB Consulting envision expanding Reggae Month Canada into an annual programme beginning in 2027, featuring live performances, educational events, youth mentorship initiatives, industry conferences and community celebrations across the Greater Toronto Area and beyond.
“Creating Reggae Month Canada has always been about building something lasting,” SPEXDABOSS said. “We want to celebrate Canada’s reggae community, strengthen the cultural ties between Canada and Jamaica, and create new opportunities for artists, youth and future generations.”
The launch, scheduled for August 1st, Jamaica’s Emancipation Day, has received the endorsement of Jamaica’s Minister of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport, Olivia “Babsy” Grange, who described the initiative as another opportunity to showcase Jamaican excellence while celebrating reggae’s global influence.
Launch Event
The inaugural event will take place as part of Riddim Track Live by the Water, featuring performances by Jamaican singer Naomi Cowan, six-time JUNO Award winner Exco Levi and other artistes, alongside reggae dance performances, family activities and a live broadcast of The Riddim Track, Canada’s longest-running commercial reggae radio programme.
The launch coincides with Harbourfront Centre’s annual Island Soul Festival, one of Canada’s premier celebrations of Caribbean arts and culture.
Jamaica officially established Reggae Month in 2008 to celebrate the island’s musical heritage and honour the birthdays of reggae legends Bob Marley and Dennis Brown. Since then, the annual observance has become an internationally recognised celebration of the genre, reflecting reggae’s enduring influence on music and culture around the world.
Organisers say this year’s launch is intended to lay the foundation for a broader Reggae Month Canada programme in 2027, further strengthening the cultural connection between Canada’s vibrant Jamaican diaspora and the birthplace of reggae.
At an age when many people are enjoying a quiet retirement, 97-year-old Jamaican Aileen Chin has become the internet’s favourite adopted grandma, winning over millions around the world with her recipes, warmth and infectious personality.
The Highgate, St. Mary native has officially been recognised by Guinness World Records as the oldest living female food/cooking YouTuber after building an online following of nearly two million people who tune in to watch her prepare traditional Jamaican dishes while sharing stories, laughter and her now-famous catchphrase, “Mi rahtid!”
She began cooking at just five years old before turning that childhood passion into a lifelong career. Alongside her late husband, she opened Chin’s Bakery in Highgate in the 1950s, operating the beloved wholesale bakery for 58 years before it closed in 2008. Although she later moved to Miami to be closer to family, the recipes and traditions she perfected in Jamaica never left her.
Those treasured recipes, many handwritten decades ago and carefully preserved, have found a new audience thanks to her grandson, Lucas Wong. What started as a simple family project in 2023 has blossomed into a global phenomenon across YouTube, TikTok, Instagram and Facebook.
Their breakthrough came after Wong filmed his grandmother making authentic Jamaican beef patties using the same recipe she once sold at her bakery. The video quickly went viral, introducing millions to the flavours of Jamaica and the warmth of the woman behind them. Today, their videos feature everything from oxtail and jerk chicken to stew peas, goat soup and cocoa bread, preserving Jamaican culinary traditions for a new generation.
The family’s growth on social media has been extraordinary. In March, they celebrated setting an ambitious goal of reaching 100,000 TikTok followers. Just four months later, they have surpassed that milestone more than tenfold, with over 1.1 million followers on TikTok alone, while their audience continues to grow across YouTube, Instagram and Facebook.
Guinness World Records verified Chin’s achievement on March 24, 2026, when she was 96 years and 89 days old, making her the oldest living woman in the world with a food and cooking YouTube channel.
Receiving the honour, Chin said she hopes her recipes continue to bring people together.
“It feels good for me to pass down my knowledge of cooking with the next generation. I love to see people enjoy my family recipes. It brings me such joy and happiness,” she told Guinness World Records.
Grandma Chin’s story is a reminder that social media isn’t just for the young. It also speaks to the enduring appeal of Brand Jamaica. What draws people in is not only her decades of culinary experience and treasured family recipes, but also her unmistakable Jamaican warmth, humour and personality.
Today, just a few years shy of becoming a centenarian, Chin has become one of Jamaica’s most unlikely digital ambassadors, amassing nearly 1.6 million followers across social media, earning a Guinness World Record and introducing millions around the world to Jamaica’s rich culinary heritage through recipes she has spent a lifetime perfecting.
When Anthony “Taoszen” Smith was invited to lead the design of a public mural in St. Vincent and the Grenadines, it marked another milestone for the Jamaican artist, whose growing portfolio of large-scale public artworks celebrates Caribbean culture and identity.
“I wanted to share my art with the entire Caribbean, making it my home,” Smith told Jamaicans.com.
Smith served as lead artist and designer for We Are Calliaqua, a public mural stretching nearly 400 feet along the wall of the Calliaqua Playing Field. Covering 1,915.8 square feet, the artwork was managed by Kingston Creative in partnership with Rainforest Caribbean and officially unveiled on May 25, 2026. It is now among the largest public murals in the Eastern Caribbean.
Originally from Manchester with roots in Devon and Mile Gully, Smith is now based in Mandeville. He attended Devon Primary School, Knox College and later earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Visual Communication from the Edna Manley College of the Visual and Performing Arts. He also completed certification in Mural Conservation and Restoration at the Havana Workshop School in Cuba.
Now 29, Smith has spent the past five years working as a full-time muralist, building a reputation for transforming public spaces through artworks that celebrate Caribbean history, culture and identity.
His portfolio includes the Royal Promenade mural aboard Royal Caribbean’s Star of the Seas, the Crafting Culture mural in Montego Bay, portraits for the Reggae and Dancehall Wall of Fame, murals at Catherine Hall for Reggae Sumfest, the Sabina Park Wall of Fame, Carib Cement’s Silo No. 10, and one of the largest murals in Curaçao.
Kingston Creative invited Smith to design and lead the painting of the mural, an opportunity that aligned closely with his artistic vision.
“What attracted me was that the project aligned with many of my career aspirations and intentions such as celebrating cultures and icons, and sharing my art with the entire Caribbean,” he said.
His goal was to create more than a visually striking mural.
“The vision was to capture the likeness of persons who were born and raised in Calliaqua and rose to the occasion of community development all the way to making international impact in their fields,” Smith explained. “I wanted to show and remind the youth of the area that they live within a community culture that produces greatness.”
The mural features musicians, athletes, community leaders and national icons whose contributions have shaped both Calliaqua and St. Vincent and the Grenadines.
The individuals featured were selected by Member of Parliament Laverne Gibson-Velox, supported by research from Vincentian artists. Smith then incorporated the subjects’ achievements alongside local landmarks, flora and fauna, using colours inspired by the national flag to create a mural that reflects the identity of the community.
Collaboration Beyond the Mural
Although Smith led the design and execution, the project was a collaborative effort involving Vincentian artists Julaé Delves Ross, Carlique Craigg, Christine Browne and Kristopher Simmons.
“It was a great experience working with fellow artists who are both similar and different culturally,” Smith said.
That spirit of collaboration extended beyond painting the mural itself. Rainforest Caribbean donated art supplies to the St. Vincent and the Grenadines Community College and funded a workshop for emerging artists, where Smith shared techniques in mural design, wall preparation, paint application, layering and transferring digital designs onto large public walls. The training was delivered alongside Shanique Stewart, Visual Arts Development Officer at the Ministry of Culture.
For Smith, mentoring the next generation was just as important as completing the artwork.
“The artists reminded me of myself when I just started out and didn’t know a lot about mural production,” he said. “I apprenticed a lot and took workshops. That helped me greatly, so I was happy to share in that capacity as well.”
Painting Against the Odds
Completing one of the region’s largest murals presented a number of challenges.
A trench running alongside part of the wall, filled with water and chemical waste and inhabited by crabs and hunting cranes, made sections of the mural difficult to reach. Smith eventually devised a makeshift solution with the help of his team that allowed them to complete the project on schedule.
The pace of the work was equally demanding.
“The artistic challenge was painting two portraits per day,” he said. “The daytime heat was quite high and the nights were not as lit as we’d like.”
Despite those obstacles, the mural was completed in just two weeks.
A Lasting Legacy
Smith ranks We Are Calliaqua among the top five mural projects of his career because of both its scale and its significance to the community.
“I know the narrative is important to the community, but the visual impact and scale alone help place it in my top five,” he said.
Looking ahead, he hopes the mural continues to inspire artists and residents alike.
“I hope artists take inspiration from its scale and the nature of collaboration that made it possible,” he said. “I hope community members can use it, even if just as a landmark in wayfinding. It’s now part of the landscape, and I hope it continues to add value.”
Managed by Kingston Creative as a joint initiative between Member of Parliament Laverne Gibson-Velox and Rainforest Caribbean, with support from Sherwin Williams SVG and Pros Paints, We Are Calliaqua stands as a lasting symbol of Caribbean creativity and demonstrates how Jamaican artists continue to shape public spaces and strengthen cultural connections across the region.
Reggae fans gathered in Fort de France, Martinique, on July 11 and 12 for the fourth staging of the Reggae Therapy Music Festival. The two day event brought together international reggae artists, local performers and thousands of fans for a weekend centered on music and Caribbean culture. More than 20,000 people attended the festival, which featured performances by Tarrus Riley, Alborosie, Julian Marley, Barrington Levy, Reemah, Skanky, Papa Tank, Loy Sonjah and other artists. These photos capture some of the moments from the festival and give a look at the atmosphere inside Louis Achille Stadium.
Crowds fill Louis Achille Stadium
Thousands of reggae fans packed the stadium across both days of the festival. The audience included visitors from Martinique, other Caribbean islands, Europe and North America. The crowd created a lively setting as artists performed throughout the event.
Julian Marley performs in Martinique
One of the featured moments of the festival was Julian Marley’s performance. It marked his first appearance in Martinique, giving local fans the chance to see him perform on the island. His set was one of several performances that drew strong support from the audience.
Reggae legends share the stage
The lineup included established reggae names such as Barrington Levy, Tarrus Riley and Alborosie. Their performances were joined by artists including Reemah, creating a program that mixed different generations of reggae music over the two days.
Martinique artists take the spotlight
The festival also highlighted local reggae talent. Performers including Skanky, Papa Tank and Loy Sonjah shared the stage with international artists, giving festival goers a chance to experience music from Martinique alongside well known reggae acts.
Fans enjoy two days of reggae music
Many of the photos show fans singing, dancing and enjoying the performances throughout the festival. The event brought together people from different countries who shared an interest in reggae music and Caribbean culture.
A festival that continues to grow
Reggae Therapy has become a regular event on Martinique’s cultural calendar. Supported by the Martinique Tourism Authority, the festival continues to attract visitors while providing a platform for local and international reggae artists.
Music and culture come together
Beyond the performances, the event celebrated Martinique’s culture and its place within the Caribbean. Visitors had the chance to experience the island through music while local performers shared the stage with artists who have built international reggae careers.
Photos capture the festival experience
The images from Reggae Therapy show the performers, the audience and the atmosphere across the two day event. From the stage lighting to the sea of fans inside the stadium, the photos provide a closer look at one of Martinique’s reggae festivals.
Whether you attended the event or missed it, these photos offer a look back at Reggae Therapy 2026. They highlight the artists, the fans and the moments that made up two days of reggae music in Martinique.
Reggae Therapy Night 1 – Steve JamesReggae Therapy Night 1 – Steve JamesReggae Therapy Night 1 – Steve JamesReggae Therapy Night 2 – Steve JamesReggae Therapy Night 2 – Steve JamesReggae Therapy Night 1 – Steve JamesReggae Therapy Night 1 – Steve JamesReggae Therapy Night 1 – Steve JamesReggae Therapy Night 2 – Steve JamesReggae Therapy Night 1 – Steve JamesReggae Therapy Night 1 – Steve JamesReggae Therapy Night 1 – Steve JamesReggae Therapy Night 1 – Steve JamesReggae Therapy Night 1 – Steve JamesReggae Therapy Night 1 – Steve JamesReggae Therapy Night 2 – Steve JamesReggae Therapy Night 2 – Steve JamesReggae Therapy Night 2 – Steve JamesReggae Therapy Night 2 – Steve JamesReggae Therapy Night 2 – Steve JamesReggae Therapy Night 1 – Steve JamesReggae Therapy Night 1 – Steve JamesReggae Therapy Night 1 – Steve James
Televizyon Lakay
Jwe Jwèt Gratis!
Quiz, Solitaire ak Mo Kaché Jwèt Ayiti & Karayib — 100% gratis!
(@thereggaebrunch)
