The article discusses the latest singles from various Jamaican dancehall artists, highlighting the strong start to the year for Jamaican music. Chronic Law and Valiant collaborate on 'Darkness', a track that gives a textured sound to dark realities. Devin Di Dakta remixes Libianca's 'People', adding a new perspective on mental health. Morgan Heritage releases 'Just A Number', a single from XTM Nation's project. Dyani and Dj Verge's 'Reminiscing' is a contemplative song about secret regret. Aidonia dedicates 'Faith' to his late son, urging listeners to keep faith. Jahvillani's 'Make It Rain' celebrates wealth, while Jahshii's 'Dawgs Dem' showcases his upgraded lifestyle. Teejay's 'Visa' is about ambition and future success. Bounty Killer's 'Watch Yuh Mouth' is a confrontational track. Yaksta's 'Alchemist' encourages hard work and small circles for success. HoodCelebrityy's 'I'm Back' revives an old-school riddim with bold lyrics.

The article discusses a conflict over land rights in Jamaica's Cockpit Country, where the government has revised a mining lease to allow Noranda Jamaica Bauxite Partners to extract bauxite, encroaching on lands claimed by the Maroons of Accompong. The Maroons, whose history in the area dates back to a 1738 treaty with the British, view this as a violation of their ancestral lands. The article highlights the environmental significance of Cockpit Country, noting its biodiversity and importance to the country's freshwater supply. The Maroons' chief, Richard Currie, asserts that the government does not own the ancestral lands they have signed over for mining.

Gladstone Taylor reviews the latest dancehall tracks that have made an impact as the year ends. Bugle's 'Fully Bright' is praised for its positive message to the youth. Starr Dawkins and Jahshii's '4Life' is highlighted as a romantic duet. Shane O's 'Wicked People' is noted for its melodic and lyrical strength, marking it as one of his top hits. Silk Boss's 'Paranoid' resonates with the Jamaican experience of rising crime rates. Malie Don's 'Michigan' showcases his potential and lyrical skill. Rvssian and Skeng's 'Switch' is an upbeat party track, and Stalk Ashley's collaboration with Valiant on 'Narcissistic' is seen as a promising move for both artists. The article focuses on the positive aspects of these releases amidst the tensions and conflicts in the dancehall scene.

Skillibeng, a 24-year-old dancehall artist from Jamaica, is currently making waves in the music scene. He has garnered a hardcore dancehall audience and has caught the attention of international artists like Drake and Bobby Shmurda. His songs 'Crocodile Teeth' and 'Coke' have amassed a total of 39 million views on YouTube, indicating his rising popularity. Recently, Skillibeng collaborated with Sean Paul on the single 'Everest', marking his entry into the major league of Jamaican music. The article describes a meeting with Skillibeng at his studio in Bull Bay on a hot day, where he and his team were engaged in business and music activities.

The article discusses the Kingston Harbour Cleanup Project (KHCP) in Jamaica, which aims to tackle the pollution problem in Kingston's natural harbour. The project, launched in 2021, has collected over 1.3 million kg of waste using sustainable technology and barrier solutions. It is a collaborative effort involving the local community, private companies, and nonprofit foundations. The project has received support from the GraceKennedy Foundation and has involved partnerships with various Jamaican agencies. The barriers are designed to intercept new waste from entering the ocean, and the collected trash is sorted for recycling or reuse. The initiative also includes community education and training programs. The project's success has sparked interest in other Jamaican locations and has the potential to be applied to other coastal cities in the Caribbean. The article also touches on the broader implications of such environmental projects in the context of the climate crisis.

The article discusses the environmental and economic challenges faced by Jamaica, particularly the decline in fish stock and the impact of climate change on coastal communities. It highlights the role of wetlands and mangrove forests in providing protection and economic security to these areas. The Portland Bight Protected Area (PBPA) and the Caribbean Coastal Area Management Foundation (CCAMF) are featured for their efforts in conservation and sustainable development, including fish sanctuaries and alternative livelihood projects like apiculture. The article also covers the success of a mangrove replanting project and the importance of community involvement and education in protecting the environment. The story emphasizes the resilience of Jamaican communities in the face of climate change and the need for continued collaboration between community members, government, and the private sector.

The article discusses the plight of the long-spined sea urchin (Diadema antillarum) in the Caribbean, which has been severely affected by a disease outbreak that decimated its population in the 1980s and recurred in 2022. Scientists have identified the pathogen responsible for the disease as a scuticociliate. The Oracabessa Bay Fish Sanctuary in Jamaica has initiated an urchin nursery to aid in the species' recovery by raising healthy urchins and planning for their eventual release into the wild. The sanctuary's efforts are part of a broader initiative to restore the marine ecosystem, as the decline of the urchin population has led to an overgrowth of algae that competes with coral reefs. The article also mentions similar conservation efforts in Puerto Rico and the potential for future strategies, including genetic modification, to combat the disease. The story includes a correction regarding the sanctuary's history and the impact of the disease on its waters.

The article discusses the critical underfunding of Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) by philanthropic foundations, despite their significant role in educating a large proportion of Black professionals in the United States. A report by Candid and the Association of Black Foundation Executives highlights that HBCUs receive significantly less foundation funding compared to Ivy League schools, with disparities rooted in historical racism and exclusion from philanthropic networks. The underfunding has real consequences, including the closure of some HBCUs. The report calls for strategic investment to address the complex financial needs of HBCUs and suggests that Black communities engage with regional philanthropy to advocate for better funding. Susan Taylor Batten, CEO of ABFE, emphasizes the need for foundations to proactively reach out to Black colleges.

DJ Lava's show 'Chat and Laugh' has become a significant success story post-pandemic, distinguishing itself from the trend of DJs playing music on Instagram. The show began during a personal tragedy for Lava, with the passing of his mother in 2020, which motivated him to push through his grief. Lava's background in music and his connections in the industry, including with Vybz Kartel, have helped him build his career. He has also managed viral sensation Mackerel and has a strong relationship with hip-hop artist Nicki Minaj, who has appeared on his show. Lava's business ventures extend beyond his talk show to event promotion, merchandise, and artist management. He remains committed to 'Chat and Laugh', recognizing its impact on his audience.

Vanessa Bling, a prominent figure in Dancehall music, is known for her romantic songs that offer a counterbalance to the genre's violent themes. Her music, which often includes themes of self-love and empowerment, has been influential since the 2000s. Bling's hits like 'One Man' and 'Everything Fi Hold Him' have set a standard in the industry. Despite her success, she has maintained a conservative and introverted public persona, often avoiding media interviews. Her latest single 'Beautiful' aims to boost women's self-esteem, and she continues to collaborate with talented artists, such as Dyani on 'Soul Tied'. Bling is currently working on an album and has a tour planned, with stops in Dubai, Israel, and New York, among other locations.