The Daily Prism

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  • JLP Mass Rally Live: Will Andrew Holness Announce the Election Date?

  • Dream Weekend Turns into a Nightmare for Negril Vendors, as Attendees Blame Declining Quality and High Prices

    Dream Weekend Turns into a Nightmare for Negril Vendors, as Attendees Blame Declining Quality and High Prices

    NEGRIL, JAMAICA – While the island’s music festivals are often hailed as a boon for local businesses, this year’s Dream Weekend in Negril appears to have fallen short of expectations, leaving street vendors to count their losses instead of their profits. A review of local news reports and social media chatter reveals a growing consensus that the once-iconic event has lost its luster, with many patrons choosing a rival festival instead.

    Local vendors, who have long depended on Dream Weekend for a major financial boost, were left disappointed by an “eerie quiet” and a lack of customers on the streets. In a local news report, a long-time vendor who has participated for over 15 years stated, “2025, it’s not a Dream Weekend, it’s a nightmare weekend. Be a bad business.” Another vendor, who had prepared jerk chicken, called the weekend “a dead weekend,” citing a full night with “zero sales.”

    The vendors’ struggles appear to be directly linked to a decline in attendee satisfaction. On social media platforms like TikTok, comments from former and current patrons paint a picture of an event that has deteriorated over time. One commenter, LadyKaramel_, wrote, “Dream weekend is too be blamed. The quality of the party has significantly deteriorated and the prices have sky rocketed.” Other comments echoed this sentiment, with one user noting, “Promoters need to go back to the drawing,” and another summarizing the feeling by stating, “dream weekend not even coming like it did.”

    A key factor driving the poor turnout in Negril appears to be a competing event in a nearby parish. A photo shared online shows patrons at “Best Weekend Ever” in Ocho Rios, a festival that attendees described as “cheaper and closer.” This is supported by a vendor in the video, who said, “We see people even come here come shop and buy things and say them gone a Ochi right now pon dem destination,” suggesting a clear shift in the event’s customer base.

    Despite the clear financial impact on the local community, attempts to reach the Negril Chamber of Commerce and Dream Weekend for comment were unsuccessful. This lack of a formal response has left many questions unanswered about the future of the event and its relationship with the town of Negril.

    As the dust settles, a sentiment of frustration and disappointment lingers among both vendors and festival-goers. For many, the “dream” of the once-celebrated weekend is quickly fading into a difficult financial reality.

  • 63 Years of Fire: The Meaning of Independence in a Modern Jamaica

    On August 6, 2025, the heart of Jamaica beats with a rhythm all its own. It’s a rhythm born from the joyful chaos of street parties, the smoky aroma of jerk chicken on a grill, and the proud, vibrant colors of black, green, and gold painted on every face and flag. For many, Jamaica’s 63rd anniversary isn’t just a day off; it’s an annual pulse check on the national soul—a moment to reflect on a journey that is both unfinished and profoundly successful.

    Sixty-three years after the Union Jack was lowered for the last time, the spirit of independence is found not in political speeches, but in the everyday Jamaican. It’s in the unyielding resilience of a small business owner who, against all odds, is building their dream. It’s in the creative fire of a young artist who uses their voice to capture the island’s unique energy. It’s in the determined strength of a parent raising their children to believe that they can overcome any obstacle.

    The journey to independence was a promise—a promise of a future where Jamaicans would control their own destiny. As a nation, we have a lot to celebrate. Our music, from reggae to dancehall, is a global phenomenon that has defined entire genres. Our athletes stand on the world’s highest podiums, proving that greatness can come from anywhere. And our people, with their unmatched wit, warmth, and resilience, are our greatest export.

    The Unfulfilled Promises of Today

    But to say independence is a completed journey would be a disservice to the reality of 2025. The spirit of “Out of Many, One People” continues to be tested by economic challenges, social inequalities, and a constant struggle for progress. Many of the original promises of independence remain unfulfilled:

    • Economic Independence: The dream was to build a self-sufficient economy. However, Jamaica remains heavily reliant on tourism, remittances, and foreign debt. The promise of broad-based prosperity is still a work in progress, with many Jamaicans facing a high cost of living and a struggle for economic security.
    • Social Justice and Equity: The vision was to create a society where all citizens had an equal opportunity to thrive. While there have been major strides, significant gaps in income inequality still exist.
    • Political Unity and Governance: Independence was meant to foster a unified nation. However, the fierce political polarization that began with the founding fathers still echoes today, at times undermining national consensus and distracting from crucial issues.

    So as the fireworks light up the night sky, and the music plays late into the morning, the celebration of Jamaica’s 63rd anniversary is more than just a party. It is a powerful, collective acknowledgment of how far we have come, a sober reflection on the work that remains, and a hopeful, defiant affirmation that the best of Jamaica is yet to come. The fire of independence, now 63 years strong, still burns bright.

  • Jamaica Awaits Official Election Date as Speculation Mounts

    KINGSTON, JAMAICA—As the constitutional deadline for a new government approaches, anticipation is growing across the country regarding the date of the next general election. While the election is scheduled for sometime in 2025, no official date has been announced, leaving the nation’s citizens waiting for a call from the Prime Minister.

    Under Jamaican law, the Prime Minister holds the authority to announce the election date, typically with about a month’s notice. The constitution mandates that a general election must be held within five years of the first sitting of Parliament. The last election took place on September 3, 2020, which means the country must head to the polls before the end of the year.

    While there was a hint that an announcement would be made on Sunday, August 3, 2025, this did not occur, adding to the speculation and uncertainty. Political analysts and media outlets are closely monitoring the Prime Minister’s statements for any indication of when the country will head to the polls.

    For now, the country remains in a state of political suspense, with the date of the next election hanging in the balance. The Daily Prism will continue to follow this developing story and provide updates as they become available.

  • Police ‘Undecided’ on Cause of Death for Trish Doll

    KINGSTON, JAMAICA—A police investigation is underway into the death of Kevon Hamilton, whose body was found on Sixth Street in Greenwich Town, St Andrew, on August 1. The Hunts Bay police, who are leading the investigation, have said they have not yet determined an official cause of death.

    The discovery was first reported by the Jamaica Gleaner, which stated that Hamilton’s body was found hanging from a ceiling with a curtain wrapped around his neck. When asked for a cause of death, a police source responded, “How could we know that? Our investigation is not yet finished.”

    The police’s statement directly counters a series of online claims, particularly from users on the social media platform TikTok, who are suggesting that Hamilton is not dead and that the incident was a hoax. The ongoing police investigation into a confirmed body discovery definitively disproves these rumors.

    The tragic event has also brought attention to Kevon Hamilton’s online identity. Known on social media platforms like TikTok as Trish Doll, Hamilton was a man who publicly identified as a member of the LGBTQ+ community and was depicted presenting as a woman in his online videos. While the details of his specific gender identity remain unconfirmed, his death has fueled concern and grief within the local LGBTQ+ community.

    An official cause of death is pending the results of a post-mortem examination and a final ruling from the Coroner’s Court.