From Track Star to Tennis Champion, Celebrating the inspiring Career of Brigitte Foster-Hylton
Brigitte Ann Foster-Hylton, born on 7 November 1974 in Saint Elizabeth, Jamaica, has carved her name into track and field history as one of Jamaica’s premier 100m hurdlers. Her athletic journey reached a pinnacle in 2009 when she won the 100m hurdles gold medal at the World Championships in Berlin, marking a groundbreaking moment as […]
Rediscovering Francis Williams: The Jamaican Polymath Erased from Scientific History
In 2023, The Royal Society, the United Kingdom’s storied scientific academy, made history by electing its first Black fellow. Yet, this groundbreaking achievement could have occurred nearly three centuries earlier if not for the entrenched racism of the era. In 1716, Francis Williams, a brilliant 22 yr old polymath from Jamaica, was proposed as a […]
The Life and Legacy of Oliver Samuels, King of Comedy and Beloved Jamaican Entertainer
Oliver Adolphus Samuels, celebrated as the “King of Comedy” in Jamaica, is one of the most beloved figures in Caribbean entertainment. Born on 4 November 1948 in the rural village of Harmony Hall, St Mary, his rise from a banana plantation worker to an international comedy icon is a story of grit, extraordinary talent, and […]
WEEKLY DEVOTIONAL: “Come”
In his letter to the Hebrews, the writer exhorts his readers: “Come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need” (Hebrews 4:16, KJV). The Amplified Bible puts it this way: “Therefore let us [with privilege] approach the throne of grace [that is, the throne of […]
The Unmatched Legacy of West Indies Cricket Legend Courtney Walsh
Born on October 30, 1962, in Kingston, Jamaica, Courtney Andrew Walsh grew up in the Half Way Tree area, where his love for cricket took root at the Melbourne Cricket Club. Standing at an impressive 6 feet 6 inches, Walsh’s powerful right-arm fast bowling soon became legendary. His early promise was evident when, as a […]
10 Remarkable Jamaican Inventors and the Stories Behind Their Inventions
Jamaica has long been celebrated for its vibrant culture, musical contributions, and athletic prowess. But beyond the beaches and reggae beats, this island nation has given rise to brilliant inventors whose creations have made a global impact. From medical breakthroughs and engineering marvels to fashion statements and revolutionary music techniques, Jamaican inventors have changed how […]
Bob Andy: The Life, Music, and Legacy of Reggae’s Most Influential Songwriter
Born Keith Anderson on October 28, 1944, in Kingston, Jamaica, Bob Andy was a trailblazing force in reggae. Renowned for his poetic songwriting and soulful vocals, he became one of reggae’s most influential figures. He began his career in the 1960s as a founding member of The Paragons, alongside Tyrone Evans and Howard Barrett. This […]
Remembering Ranny Williams Jamaican Comedy and Theatre Pioneer on the Occassion of his 112th Birth Anniversary
Born on 26 October 1912 in Colón, Panama, Randolph Samuel “Ranny” Williams, fondly called “Maas Ran,” moved to Jamaica at the age of six, setting down roots that would one day grow into a prolific career in entertainment. His early life was steeped in a “theatrical climate,” as he fondly recalled, with his mother Frances—a […]
WEEKLY DEVOTIONAL: Obedience Over Sacrifice
God had given Saul clear instructions to “utterly destroy the sinners the Amalekites, and fight against them until they be consumed” (1 Samuel 15:15, KJV), but he failed to follow through to completion. When confronted by Samuel about his disobeying the voice of the Lord, Saul responded, “I have obeyed the voice of the Lord, […]
How Graeme Townshend Made Hockey History as the First Jamaican in the NHL
When you think of Jamaican sports stars, sprinters and cricketers might be the first to come to mind. But Graeme Scott Townshend shattered that image, blazing his own path on the ice as the first Jamaican-born player to hit the National Hockey League (NHL). Townshend’s journey from the tropical climate of Kingston, Jamaica, to the […]