Newsroom

  • The Great Debate: Should Dancehall and Reggae Have Separate Grammy Awards? February 18, 2025 2:19 am South Florida Caribbean News by Dr Leo Gilling SOUTH FLORIDA – There’s been a lot of buzz lately about awarding a Dancehall Grammy separately from the Reggae Grammy. But here’s the question: How can we make this happen when the very authorities responsible for Jamaican music haven’t …
  • Market Memories: Discovering Kingston’s Curnashan Mawkit February 8, 2025 2:05 am South Florida Caribbean News by Dr. Leo Gilling SOUTH FLORIDA – In delving into the vibrant tapestry of Jamaica’s cultural and economic landscape, my recent journey to Coronation Market in the heart of downtown Kingston, lovingly known as “Curnashan Mawkit” or “Duppy Market” by the …
  • Vybz Kartel Showed His “Adidja Palmer” at The GRAMMYs February 5, 2025 12:51 am South Florida Caribbean News by Leo Gilling Vybz Kartel at Freedom Street Concert – photo: Tizzy Tokyo SOUTH FLORIDA – In September 2024, I published a letter to Vybz Kartel titled “Leo Gilling: A Letter to Mr. Adidja “Vybz Kartel” Palmer.” The letter aimed to guide Mr. Palmer on how …
  • Dennis Brown: Remebering the Crowned Prince of Reggae on his Birthday February 1, 2025 3:57 am South Florida Caribbean News by Dr Leo Gilling Dennis Brown SOUTH FLORIDA – February 1, Reggae Month in Jamaica, is a poignant date etched in the memories of reggae aficionados, especially those who revered the legendary Dennis Emanuel Brown. Born on February 1, 1957, in the vibrant …
  • Kevon’s Ride: Discovering Jamaica Through the Eyes of a Taxi Driver January 30, 2025 10:46 pm South Florida Caribbean News by: Dr Leo Gilling KINGSTON, Jamaica – Renting a car and taking the wheel when I travel to Jamaica was always my first option to travel around Jamaica. Sometimes, however, that feels like a missed opportunity—a barrier to truly uncovering our breathtaking …
  • Embracing the Future: Introducing AI to Jamaica’s Next Generation December 30, 2024 5:27 pm South Florida Caribbean News by Leo Gilling SOUTH FLORIDA – In an era marked by rapid technological advancements, Jamaica must fully embrace the opportunities offered by artificial intelligence (AI). While our island nation is renowned for its rich culture, diverse heritage, and …
  • Jamaica Diaspora Health & Wellness Task Force Welcomes New Co-Chairs December 13, 2024 5:00 pm South Florida Caribbean News SOUTH FLORIDA – We are excited to share an update regarding the leadership of the Jamaica Diaspora Health and Wellness Task Force (JDHWTF). Dr. Angela Wright and Dr. Ena Wanliss have been appointed as Co-Chairs of the task force. Dr. Wright has previously …
  • The Double Standard: Reflections on Celebrities, Race, and the Law October 16, 2024 1:42 am South Florida Caribbean News by Leo Gilling Sean P. Diddy CombsSOUTH FLORIDA – In light of recent events, particularly the Bill Cosby case and the legal issues Sean P. Diddy Combs is facing, I have been reflecting on the justice system and the public’s interactions with celebrities …
  • Toronto Police Officer: Stacy Clarke – Our Living Legend August 30, 2024 12:44 am South Florida Caribbean News by Leo Gilling Stacy Clarke   TORONTO, Canada – In a recent social media statement, I compared Stacy Clarke, the Superintendent of Toronto Police who was recently sanctioned for misconduct, to the national heroes of her homeland, Jamaica, Paul Bogle, and …
  • Diaspora members to execute projects across Jamaica for Diaspora Day June 18, 2024 4:54 pm The Caribbean National Weekly Fourteen impactful projects are set to be executed across several communities in Jamaica on Diaspora Day of Service this Thursday, June 20. These projects, encompassing medical missions, community development, and educational initiatives, will mark the …
  • 14 Projects for Diaspora Day of Service June 18, 2024 2:08 pm Jamaica Information Service Fourteen projects will be executed in several communities on Diaspora Day of Service on Thursday, June 20. The projects, which cover medical missions and community development and educational initiatives, will conclude the 10th Jamaica Biennial Diaspora …
  • Jamaica Diaspora Taskforce Action Network Announces 9th Annual Education Summit & Gala May 27, 2024 12:46 am South Florida Caribbean News MIAMI – The 9th Annual Education Summit & Gala will be held in Coral Gables, Miami, from May 28 to June 1, 2024. The Jamaica Diaspora Taskforce’s Action Network is thrilled to announce the 9th Annual Education Summit & Gala, a momentous event set …
  • Leo Gilling: Diaspora Cannot Solve Jamaica’s Crime Problem May 18, 2024 4:02 pm South Florida Caribbean News SOUTH FLORIDA – A few weeks ago, I wrote an article that was published. I am following up on an excerpt from that article, which stated that: “To offer direct assistance to law enforcement, the Diaspora should also acquire advanced knowledge in criminal …
  • Commentary: Leo Gilling Takes A Trip Down Reggae Lane May 4, 2024 9:24 pm South Florida Caribbean News by Leo Gilling SOUTH FLORIDA – Daddy U-Roy credited Count Machukie’s incredible contribution to reggae, toasting over early American songs. Count Machukie toasted his way into the hearts of dance fans. Reggae music, a synonym for Jamaican music, …
  • Opinion: Crimes Prevention Strategies and the Role of the Jamaican Diaspora May 1, 2024 10:36 am South Florida Caribbean News by Leo Gilling SOUTH FLORIDA – Recently, I was on a call exploring the intricacies of Diaspora engagement. In My preparation for the dialogue, I wanted to make sure I could explain Diaspora Engagement before I went on the show. Three of the more popular …
  • OpEd: Jamaica Diaspora Conference is Exciting, But Some Systems Need Fixing April 24, 2024 2:27 am South Florida Caribbean News by Leo Gilling SOUTH FLORIDA – At this time, every two years, tension rises among members of the Diaspora who are actively involved in Diaspora engagements and planning to attend the Biennial Conference. It’s been twenty years since the first Biennial …
  • Opinion: Is it too late to fix the Jamaican diaspora? April 18, 2024 3:03 pm The Caribbean National Weekly Older Jamaicans, raised in Jamaica may be familiar with the saying: “Wha gaan bad a mawning, caan come good a eveling.” (What began badly cannot be corrected later). This saying seems to describe the current challenges surrounding the Jamaican diaspora and …
  • International Women’s Day: Much More Work is Needed in The Advancement of Women in Jamaica March 8, 2024 1:51 pm South Florida Caribbean News by Leo Gilling SOUTH FLORIDA – Democracy works best when one side wins with 51% and the other with 49%. If the results of an election are overwhelmingly one-sided, it gives one side too much power, which can lead to autocracy. It is worse if autocracy …
  • OpEd: Bob Marley Deserves National Honors February 4, 2024 9:31 pm South Florida Caribbean News by Leo Gilling SOUTH FLORIDA – While I understand Jamaicans’ love for a good, emotional legacy from our National heroes, Bob Marley is just as good a representative of our people as our heroes, Sam Sharpe, Nanny, George William Gordon, Alexander Bustamante …
  • Opinion: Crime in Jamaica is Like a Metastasized Stage-Four Cancer of the Pancreas December 23, 2023 2:05 pm South Florida Caribbean News by Leo Gilling SOUTH FLORIDA – Leaders are not without blame for painting a picture that crime is easily solvable. Not so. Problems like high crime built up over the years do not disappear at the stroke of a wand. No matter how much money is Infused. If it …
  • Oracabessa High School to Celebrate 50th Anniversary with Banquet December 13, 2023 6:21 pm Jamaicans.com On December 17, 2023, Oracabessa High School located in the Parish of St Mary, will mark its 50th anniversary with a banquet on its campus. The banquet ceremony will be hosted by Leo Gilling, one of the first Grade 7 students to attend the school at its …