LONDON, United Kingdom (AFP) — The British government on Thursday published long-awaited draft legislation that, if passed by MPs, would ban so-called "conversion therapy" which claims to change someone's sexual orientation. Under the UK bill, which still needs to be scrutinised in parliament, those carrying out an "abusive conversion practice" could face a criminal conviction and up to five years in jail. Conversion therapy is an umbrella term for interventions...

Reggae artiste Gramps Morgan has joined Stephen Marley and Buju Banton’s Roots and Rhymes summer tour. Morgan is scheduled to perform on twelve shows, beginning on June 26, and ending on July 18. In an interview with Observer Online, Morgan said it was a big deal for him to perform alongside his musical brothers. “It is a very big deal to me, knowing that I get to share a stage...

Minister of Water, Environment and Climate Change Matthew Samuda has brushed aside allegations made by Opposition Spokesman Ian Hayles that he has politicised the expansion of water projects across Jamaica, calling the notion “abject nonsense”. Speaking at a post-Cabinet press briefing at Jamaica House on Wednesday, Samuda rejected suggestions that water infrastructure investments were being disproportionately directed to constituencies represented by Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) Members of Parliament (MP). “I would...

HANOVER, Jamaica — Having served vulnerable populations and organisations across western Jamaica for 69 years, Hanover Charities is now an internationally recognised non-governmental organisation (NGO). “For almost 70 years, we have stood with the people of Jamaica, Hanover, and especially, of course, the west. We don't argue with whatever we face; we just try and get the job done. From our donors, executive team, volunteers, to everybody in front of us here...

In a move to enhance botanical personal care, therapeutic plant medicines, nature-based experiences and modern apothecaries under one platform, Jamaica-owned company JACANA is moving into the expansion of its Botanical Personal Care line across the region. The company has unveiled its Caribbean Wellness Platform, bringing together botanical personal care, therapeutic plant medicines, immersive nature-based experiences and apothecary retail under one brand. Built on a 100-acre USDA Organic certified farm in...

KINGSTON, Jamaica — Senate President Tom Tavares-Finson is paying tribute to the late president of the Senate, Oswald Harding who passed away on Wednesday. In memory of the career politician and lecturer, Tavares-Finson said: "It is with a deep sense of loss that we are faced this morning with the news of the passing of the Honourable Ossie Harding, who was a former president of the Senate from 1980 to 1984...

KINGSTON, Jamaica — The Government of Jamaica has expressed its deepest condolences to the Government and people of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela following the devastating earthquakes that struck the South American nation on Wednesday. In a statement issued Thursday, the Government, on behalf of the Jamaican people, said it was saddened by the loss of life and destruction caused by the disaster. “Our hearts are with the families who...

KINGSTON, Jamaica — Kathryn Silvera has been re-elected as president of the Jamaica Manufacturers and Exporters Association (JMEA), becoming the first woman to serve a second term at the organisation. Speaking at the JMEA's Annual General Meeting at Summit Kingston on Wednesday, Silvera said her second term will focus on deepening industry data and intelligence, export diversification, skills development, labour policy reform and strengthening partnerships across the public and private...

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Clive Davis’ death at age 94 on June 22 closed another chapter in the history of popular music. Along with Ahmet Ertegun of Atlantic Records, Berry Gordy of Motown Records and Herb Alpert of A&M Records, he was responsible for developing the careers of superstars. In his case, Bruce Springsteen, Whitney Houston and Alicia Keys. In the late 1970s, Davis signed a fledgling reggae band called Native to Arista Records,...

KINGSTON, Jamaica — The Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) is mourning the passing of one of its most respected stalwarts, Oswald Harding OJ, CD, KC. Harding, who died recently at the age of 90 following a period of illness, leaves behind a legacy of distinguished service to both the party and the nation. Born in Kingston in 1935, Harding was a founding member of the JLP’s Area Council One, served as...