Jamaica’s tourism industry continues to be tarnished as reports of lawsuits against Sandals have surfaced. They were the subject of an ABC morning show report. That is a heavily watched show, and exactly the demographic the industry targets.

Of course, I am only speaking from a business perspective. More importantly, I hope the women who suffered the alleged sexual assaults have healed as much as they can.

I made a version of Jamaican Christmas cake. And it is delicious. That’s not just me saying that.

Koffee is amazing and I think she is only 18. Check her out.

And here’s a press release from the Prime Minister

PRESS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
December 2, 2018
Statement by Prime Minister Andrew Holness

Congratulations to Dalton Harris, winner of the prestigious XFactor title.

Dalton is a phenomenal talent who underscores the fact that Jamaica, though a Small Island Developing State, produces some of the worlds best talent in entertainment and culture.

Dalton, has progressed effortlessly throughout the competition always remaining humble and true to his Jamaican roots with his singing producing goose pimples and riveting performances.

His history making performances have placed him in a league of excellent performers and he is the first Jamaican to achieve the title XFactor winner.

His talent, like that of Bob Marley, Usain Bolt and many others is now highlighted for the world to see.

Jamaica is truly proud of Dalton and what he has achieved as a young man on the world stage.

—-30——-

So much retraining necessary this time of year.

Christmas concert time. We were treated to lots of singing, a ballet recital, a gymnastics demonstration and a musical instrument demonstration.

Buju is back in Jamaica after seven years in federal prison on drug charges. My friend Erin Macleod and I collaborated on this piece for the Guardian. This one was a privilege to write. As an angsty teen/early 20s, Buju’s Til Shiloh got me through a lot of tough times. I played it over and over. It seems he is the type of artist who connects with people at the heart.

Fellow journalist Zahra Burton ventured out to XFactor winner Dalton Harris’ childhood home to talk to his mother. She wrote a piece for the UK Sun newspaper. Check it out here.

Row homes In Tivoli Gardens.