Vybz Kartel’s highly anticipated return to the stage after his release from prison was met with global excitement, both from his loyal fans online and those attending the historic Freedom Street Concert in Kingston, Jamaica. 

The Grammy-nominated artist, who spent 13 years in prison on a murder charge that was overturned in March 2024, took to the stage in front of more than 30,000 fans just after 11 p.m. on New Year’s Eve at the National Stadium, with an additional 150,000 tuning in online. 

He performed a mix of classic hits and fresh material that energised the fans, who were thrilled to see the “World Boss” enjoying his historic return with support from a star-studded cast, including Popcaan, Bounty, Spice, Shawn Storm, Lisa Hype, Gaza Indu, and American rapper Busta Rhymes.

While many celebrated his long-awaited comeback, others were left wanting more, with some missing the high-energy performance and signature vocal delivery that made him popular early in his career.

But Kartel, who is living with Graves’ disease and a heart condition, proved his popularity is still intact when thousands of viewers watching the free live stream were unable to access a steady feed due to the overwhelming online traffic.

Economically, the event proved to be a significant boon for the local community, with estimates suggesting it generated over US$10 million.

The surrounding area saw a temporary surge in employment, and local businesses benefited from an increased demand for hotels, restaurants, and transportation services.

Looking ahead, the Jamaican artist’s international comeback continues with a show in the British Virgin Islands on March 15 in front of an audience that is expected to include guests from neighbouring territories, such as the United States Virgin Islands and St Maarten.

The Mentoring Anointed Leaders Everywhere (MALE) BVI initiative has received a significant boost this holiday season, thanks to a $5,000 donation from Drakes Traders Ltd.

The generous contribution was presented to Henderson Tittle, president of MALE BVI, on December 17 at the company’s Fish Bay location.

Drakes Traders’ donation shows the company’s ongoing commitment to supporting transformative community initiatives aimed at empowering Virgin Islands youth.

MALE BVI, a nonprofit organisation dedicated to mentorship, education and community engagement, focuses on nurturing young men to become responsible leaders in their families and communities. Through programs such as mentorship workshops, counseling sessions, and father-son bonding activities, MALE BVI provides critical guidance and resources to young men in the territory.

“This generous donation will enable us to continue empowering young men to rise above challenges in their personal lives,” said Mr. Tittle. “Right now, we have a serious need to support and guide the young men in our society who are lacking positive role models. With this contribution, we can strengthen our programs to help them realize their potential and become productive members of the community. We are deeply grateful for Drakes Traders Ltd.’s unwavering support.”

Drakes Traders’ Managing Director, Christian Esser, emphasised the importance of community involvement in shaping the future of the territory’s youth. “As a family and as a company, we believe in coming together to build a stronger community. As the saying goes, ‘it takes a village to raise a child,’ and we are proud to be part of that village. MALE BVI’s mission aligns perfectly with our values, and we are pleased to support their efforts,” said Mr. Esser.

The funds will help MALE BVI expand its offerings, including additional mentorship workshops and activities designed to instill values such as responsibility, respect, and resilience. These initiatives are critical in providing young men with a positive pathway and addressing the lack of role models many face.

MALE BVI is open to further support and donations to advance its mission. Individuals or organisations interested in contributing to this cause or seeking assistance can contact MALE BVI via email at mail.bvi@gmail.com or call/WhatsApp (284) 340-9140.

The British Virgin Islands’ (BVI) call for greater disaster resilience among Small Island Developing States (SIDS) in the Caribbean has received formal endorsement from the United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR), the Caribbean Disaster Emergency Management Agency (CDEMA), and Ministers from Latin America and the Caribbean.

The endorsement came during the Sixth High-Level Meeting on the Implementation of the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction 2015-2030, held in Basseterre, Saint Kitts and Nevis, earlier this month.

BVI Special Envoy and UN Representative Benito Wheatley highlighted the devastating economic toll of extreme weather events on SIDS, exacerbated by climate change. Speaking at the meeting, Wheatley emphasized the financial hurdles these vulnerable nations face in achieving climate resilience.

“Small Island Developing States continue to bear the brunt of hurricanes and extreme weather, yet many are unjustly excluded from concessional financing and grants because they are classified as middle- or high-income countries,” Wheatley said. “This leaves us without the resources needed to build resilience and recover effectively from disasters.”

The meeting’s outcome document echoed Wheatley’s concerns, stating, “The Ministers and Authorities recognized the high and increasing cost of reducing risk to improve human security outcomes and promote climate resilience. In particular, they highlighted the challenge for SIDS classified as middle- and high-income countries that remain vulnerable but ineligible for international development assistance.”

The statement also called for increased investment in adaptation measures, concessional financing, and the integration of multidimensional vulnerabilities into disaster risk reduction strategies.

Nahuel Arenas Garcia, UNDRR Chief for the Americas and the Caribbean, commended the BVI for its leadership in bringing attention to the unique vulnerabilities of SIDS. “Ensuring that SIDS have access to just financing and disaster risk reduction tools is a global responsibility,” Garcia said.

The meeting, chaired by St. Kitts and Nevis Prime Minister Terrance Drew, coincided with the 13th Caribbean Conference on Comprehensive Disaster Management. Delegates strongly encouraged the implementation of early warning systems across the region to mitigate disaster impacts.

The endorsement underscores a growing consensus on the urgent need to address climate vulnerability in SIDS. As Wheatley noted, “The fight for resilience is not just about survival; it’s about justice and sustainability for our future generations.”

The BVI’s advocacy efforts highlight the broader plight of small island nations grappling with the dual challenges of climate change and economic exclusion, a message resonating across the Caribbean and beyond.