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Jamaica Records Lowest Murder Total for January

Irie Dale February 7, 2026 2026 EVENTS, Jamaica, News

At the start of 2026, Jamaica recorded 33 murders for the month of January, the lowest figure logged since the country began keeping disaggregated monthly crime data in 2001. The number mirrors a notable shift in the island’s crime pattern at the opening of the year. Compared with January 2025, when 74 murders were recorded, the latest total represents a 55 per cent reduction. In numerical terms, this means 41 fewer people lost their lives year-on-year during the same period. The January figure follows a broader decline seen last year, as official data showed that the overall murder count for 2025 was lower than that recorded in 2024. That downward movement has continued into the new year, p... »

Keznamdi Wins Best Reggae Album at 2026 GRAMMY Awards

Irie Dale February 2, 2026 2026 EVENTS, ARTISTES, ENTERTAINMENT NEWS, LOS ANGELES

Keznamdi walked away with the Best Reggae Album award at the 2026 GRAMMY Awards, earning his first win with his second studio project, ‘Blxxd & Fyah‘. The Rastafarian singer faced an all-Jamaican shortlist that also included Lila Iké with ‘Treasure Self Love‘, Jesse Royal’s ‘No Place Like Home‘, Mortimer’s ‘From Within‘, and Kartel’s ‘First Week Out‘. Despite the competition, Keznamdi’s independently released set stood out with its focused message and contemporary approach. Released on August 22, 2025, Blxxd & Fyah features 13 tracks and includes collaborations with Kelissa, Mavado and Masicka. The album blends roots foundations with modern production, reflecting Keznamdi’s place bet... »

Pastor’s Wife Runs Secret Sex Society for Women Inside Church

Irie Dale February 2, 2026 2026 EVENTS, Jamaica, News

The wife of a pastor at a mid-sized church says she ran a secret women’s group inside the church without her husband’s knowledge for several years, highlighting that all sort of sexual activities would take place in the compound of the church without most people of the church knowing. According to the wife, the group operated under the appearance of prayer, counselling and women’s ministry sessions held after regular church services. She said participation was limited and based on private conversations rather than open invitations, with meetings taking place in side rooms once the main congregation had dispersed. The claims were outlined in interviews with The Weekend Star by the woman, iden... »

Dancehall Artiste Kiprich and Kizzy’s Daughter ‘Miracle’ Died in Colombia

Irie Dale January 30, 2026 2026 EVENTS, ARTISTES, News

Dancehall entertainer Kiprich and his partner, Kizzy Donn, are mourning the death of their newborn daughter, who died while receiving medical care overseas. The baby, named Miracle, was born prematurely at six months and had been in intensive care since her birth. The infant passed away approximately two weeks after delivery. A close relative of the mother confirmed the development to the Jamaica Observer. The child was fathered by Kiprich, whose real name is Marlon Jaro Plunkett. The couple had been in Colombia when Kizzy went into unexpected labour. She had reportedly travelled with the entertainer for a stage show, but the premature birth resulted in them remaining overseas as their daugh... »

Jamaican Accountant Ashia Thompson Turns 14 CSECs and 21 CPA Setbacks Into Dubai Success

Irie Dale January 28, 2026 2026 EVENTS, News

Ashia Thompson, a 28-year-old Jamaican woman from St Elizabeth has carved out a professional career in Dubai after overcoming repeated setbacks on her path to becoming a Certified Public Accountant. Thompson, now based in the United Arab Emirates, is working as a CPA and runs her own business following years of study, work and persistence. Thompson attended May Day High School, where she sat 14 CSEC subjects, an achievement that helped her secure a scholarship to Monroe College in New York. She later earned a second scholarship to pursue a master’s degree in taxation at Pace University, continuing her academic progression in the United States. After completing her postgraduate studies, Thomp... »