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Eddie Murphy recently released his newest reggae track “Oh Jah Jah.” VPAL Music, VP Records’ subsidiary label and distribution arm for reggae music teams up with the d comedian /actor to release his new single “Oh Jah Jah,” available January 27, 2015. No stranger to reggae, in 1993 Murphy collaborated with dancehall Shabba Ranks for "I Was a King". Also in 2013, the comedian collaborated with Snoop Lion for “Red Light”. He also dropped several tracks in anticipation of releasing a full album. However, legal allegations had come in the way which nipped his project in the bud. Rolling Stone chats with Eddie Murphy and gets the exclusive scoop about the new single. Read more here:

Award-winning actress Tonya Lee Williams is among a team of advisors selected for this year’s Jamaica Film Festival (JFF). Selected by Jamaica Promotions Corporation (JAMPRO), the advisors will provide logistics, technical and management support for the event and will assist local filmmakers with marketing and distributing their films locally and internationally. “Jamaica is a country bursting with creative talent and ideas,” said JAMPRO president Diane Edwards. “The growth of the international film industry has set the stage for us to move forward as content creators and gives us the opportunity to display our culture all over the globe. The team of advisors will provide the necessary support JAMPRO and these filmmakers will need to get their films produced and shown locally and on the world stage.” In 2001, Williams founded the ReelWorld Film Festival to showcase Canada’s diversity and provide a platform for visible minorities to display their artistic talent and in the process motivate audiences through film. Crowned Miss Black Ontario in 1977 when she was 18, Williams landed small TV roles and worked in Canadian theatre for a few years before heading to Los Angeles 28 years ago in search of a major acting role. She is best known for her role as Dr. Olivia Hastings on the daytime drama, “The Young and the Restless” which she was associated with for 23 years. The other advisors are Canada’s High Commissioner to Jamaica Robert Ready, actor Basil Wallace, media professional Bernard Stewart, retired journalist and filmmaker Paula Madison, TV producer Brian St. Juste, former Jamaica Tourist Board director of tourism John Lynch, Bart World Communications founder Bernard Stewart, Jamaican-born American actor Basil Wallace, Althea Wolfe and Horace Madison. The JFF takes place in Kingston from July 7-11. Jamaica has had a long and distinguished history in film, dating back to 1916 when Daughter of the Gods – a silent film featuring late Aussie swimmer/actress Annette Kellerman in the first-ever complete nude scene by a major star – became one of Hollywood’s first movies shot outside the United States. A 10-minute scene of Tom Cruise and Cameron Diaz’s action adventure thriller, Knight & Day, was shot in Jamaica. The list of popular movies filmed in Jamaica includes The Mighty Quinn,Marked for Death, Live and Let Die and Cool Runnings.

A stay at an all-inclusive resort packs in plenty of convenience: Pay just one upfront price, and you don't have to worry about racking up extra charges for food, drink, and entertainment while on vacation. Add in a beachside setting, and it’s even easier to leave your cares behind. There’s a host of brand-new all-inclusive resort options cropping up throughout the Caribbean—and the Caribbean-fronted shores of Mexico—right now. Here are our 10 picks for some of the hottest properties to hit in 2015. Get ready to relax—when everything's paid for in advance, there's no need to fret. AZUL SENSATORI- Jamaica Set on Negril’s famous Seven Mile Beach, the sand seems positively endless at the Azul Sensatori. And even if you’re not into sun worshiping, there are plenty of other ways to enjoy the resort, whether attending a reggae dance class, watching a local cooking demo, or simply taking in the ocean views from all 130 rooms. Fifty-four of those units are set aside for adults only; all come with inviting outdoor daybeds, and some with private swim-up pools. Also included: use of kayaks, boogie boards, Hobie Cats, and canoes. Six dining venues include options like gourmet Caribbean or Italian cuisine. GENERATIONS RIVIERA MAYA-Mexico The 144 suites at Generations, set along a secluded beach, all come with beck-and-call butler service. Apart from its spot on one of Mexico’s most alluring beaches, water seems to be everywhere, in the form of infinity pools, swim-up suites, and Jacuzzis. This resort prides itself on customized gourmet experiences, with guests filling out questionnaires about their culinary preferences ahead of their stay. Restaurants span the flavors of the Mediterranean, Asia, and local Mexican, while the Wine Kitchen is the choice for oenophiles. Even the kids can develop gastronomic tastes here: In August, during the Little Eko Chefs Weekend, participants will be guided around the kitchen with MasterChef Junior Season 1 winner Alexander Weiss. HYATT ZILARA CANCÚN- Mexico This adult-only all-inclusive prides itself on lying along the widest stretch of sand inCancún's hotel zone. The Zilara also holds Cancún’s only ocean-view spa, an eco-holistic facility boasting water-themed services such as a steam hut, sauna, cold-plunge pool, waterfall features, and dual-temperature whirlpools. The 288 rooms include balconies with hammocks, and another unique amenity: “Magic Box” room service, which appears without the slightest disturbance. When dining on property, the options span Mexican, tapas, and Chef’s Plate, an exclusive restaurant reserved for certain room categories. CHIC PUNTA CANA - Dominican Republic Live like island royalty on Uvero Alto Beach by booking the 3,500-square-foot Chic Mansion at this brand new-resort. The stylish, two-story house holds six bedrooms, a private pool and Jacuzzi, fire pit, barbecue, pool table, wine cellar, and fully stocked premium bar. You won’t be denied any luxury in the other 323 units either, many of which include terraces and pools. Eight dining venues take guests on a global journey, from Japan to Morocco, and there’s even an oxygen bar, in addition to five other tippling spots. Reserve a cabana around the private pool area and enjoy personal waiter service, a stocked bar, and satellite TV. HYATT ZIVA ROSE HALL - Jamaica Hyatt’s first all-inclusive resort in Jamaica, the Ziva Rose Hall has debuted in the former Ritz-Carlton property, in Montego Bay. After an $80-million expansion and renovation, the property now neighbors the brand-new Hyatt Zilara, an all-inclusive, adults-only retreat. At the 387 rooms in the Ziva, guests of all ages can enjoy beach butlers and poolside food trucks, while resort restaurant options range from a Japanese teppanyaki grill to a Brazilian churrascaria. Bonus for golfers: Free rounds at the White Witch and Cinnamon Hill courses are included. RIU PALACE ANTILLAS - Aruba The 482-room, adults-only Riu Palace Antillasis a magnet for the active beach bum, with windsurfing, snorkeling, kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, and scuba lessons available right on property. Those who prefer to keep their feet on land can take advantage of massages in the beach pavilion. In the evenings, all can dance until the wee hours at the nightclub, or visit the casino. (Warning: Gambling funds are not part of the all-inclusive pricing!) ROYALTON RIVIERA CANCÚN - Mexico This new addition to Mexico’s hottest stretch of sand takes convenience to a new level, with reservation-free dining, an adults-only option, private beach areas reserved for “Diamond Club” members, and even a sports bar with a “sports event guarantee” so that you never have to miss the big game back home. And even though the Royalton Riviera Cancún holds 843 rooms, the 11 pools, 13 bars, and 9 restaurants are easily able to accommodate—and spread out—guests so that they truly feel the getaway aspect of vacation. SECRETS PLAYA MUJERES - Mexico Adults-only Secrets is primed for spa enthusiasts, who are endlessly pampered here: The “Spoil Yourself and Repeat” package allows spa treatments two to four times a day. Golf lovers, meanwhile, receive complimentary green fees, and, if you choose Secrets as the spot for your destinationwedding or honeymoon, you'll receive a free night on your anniversary each year. Other amenities at this 424-suite retreat, set just 10 minutes north of Cancún, include nine dining options and six bars. THE WARWICK, PARADISE ISLAND - Bahamas Seeking privacy? The new 246-room Warwick Paradise Island delivers, with a setting along the secluded Nassau Harbor. Its private beach is marked by ultra-calm waters, making it the perfect snorkeling lagoon. There’s also a giant 330,000-gallon freshwater pool and a variety of dining options, including barbecues on a private “shipwreck beach.” MELIÁ NASSAU BEACH - Bahamas This upscale, all-inclusive resort will eventually be part of Nassau’s multibillion dollar luxury development Baha Mar, a vast resort complex that will be giving Atlantis a run for its money. Meliá Nassau Beach, formerly the Sheraton, is in the midst of a $19-million renovation, scheduled to be completed in early 2016; the newly unveiled 694 rooms are the first part of the project to open to the public. In addition to lovely Cable Beach on the property, look for waterfall features and hydrotheraphy tubs set amidst a lush garden landscape. When the entire Baha Mar project is complete in spring 2015, it will also be home to the Caribbean’s largest casino, a professional golf course, and a high-end shopping complex. Source:Fodors Travel

P.O.S. Trinidad (Sonique Solutions) – After 2 successful editions, Trinidad and Tobago Carnival mas band Fantasy pulled out all the stops for the first major fete of the 2015 season entitled, “Blockbuster Saturday”. Fantasy, which has carved its own niche in the carnival market, has become a top mas/event player in the eyes of many Carnival enthusiasts and industry experts. The entity has not only produced an in demand costume band and an extremely popular J’ouvert band but also a string a highly patronized Carnival events. Blockbuster Saturday started off the Carnival 2015 festivities with major impact. The cooler fete attracted audiences from all over T&T who came out in their numbers to get a taste of the season’s offerings, to satisfy their insatiable appetites for Soca music and to experience the first 2015 performance of reigning Soca Monarch/Road Champion Machel Montano. Machel who is currently filming the Bollywood film ‘Scandalous’ brought the true Blockbuster vibe to the event with an amazing onstage entrance performing the runaway hit ‘Like A Boss’. The Soca mega-star who for 2015 is going by the sobriquet Monk Monte, delivered an onslaught of his C2K15 songs such as ‘The Remedy’, ‘Endless Wuk’, ‘Getting On Bad’ and ‘Pop Ah Bottle’. The Queen’s Park Oval erupted with glee to the one of a kind full band performance by Montano who unleashed several of his past Carnival hits e.g. ‘Haunted’, ‘Epic’, ‘The Fog’, ‘Ministry of Road’ and ‘Band of the Year’ much to desire of the appreciative audience. Machel was joined onstage by long time band member Framer Nappy who sang the ever popular ‘Big People Party’ as well as his new smash ‘My House’. Packed coolers, pulsating Soca music and high calibre performances made for an incredible event to jumpstart the Carnival atmosphere. By all accounts, the Fantasy team delivered a successful event and in many ways set the pace for a memorable 2015 season. As the band prepares for Carnival Monday and Tuesday with its presentation entitled “Blockbuster” it is quite evident that Fantasy is geared to dominate its way into next year’s festival with a unique, high quality brand of entertainment.

Satify your taste bud with this East Asian inspired dish, "Honey-Ginger Baked Salmon" served with Rice. Ingredients 1/3 cup orange juice 1/4 cup light soy sauce 1/ 3cup honey 1 Tbsp garlic, minced 1 Tbsp fresh ginger root, grated 4 (4 oz. each) salmon fillets 1 tsp oil 1/2 cup red bell pepper, sliced 1/4 cup green onion, sliced Directions In a small bowl combine orange juice, soy sauce, honey, garlic and ginger. Reserve 2/3 cup marinade. Place remaining marinade and salmon fillets into a plastic zippered bag and refrigerate for 15 minutes. Remove salmon from marinade, place on aluminum foil-lined baking pan and bake for 20 minutes. Meanwhile, add 2/3 cup reserved marinade to small saucepan and simmer over medium-high heat for 5 minutes or until syrupy. Heat oil in a medium skillet over medium heat. Sauté red bell pepper 2 minutes. Add peppers to cooked rice. Remove salmon from oven and serve over rice. Top with sauce and garnish with green onions. Serve with white or brown rice.

Jammins Entertainment presents 2 days, 2 states, 3 stars and a show to remember. New Jersey in association with RoadBlock Radio and NJPAC the star studded concert will take place on Friday, February 13th, 2015 at NJPAC (New Jersey Performing Arts Center), and on Valentine's day Saturday, February 14th at BAM (Brooklyn Academy of Music). Music lovers will sway to the sounds of Shaggy's hits such as "It Wasn't Me", "Angel", "Oh Carolina", "Strength of a Woman", Maxi Priest "Close To You", "Housecall", "Wild World", :Just a Little Bit Longer" and Sanchez "Loneliness Leave Me Alone" as well as his classic and unique reggae renditions of love songs covers. For tickets and information:NJPAC Tickets www.TicketMaster.com BAM Tickets www.BAM.org or (718) 636-4100 Jammins (718) 282-8041RoadBlock Radio (973) 573-8154 www.RoadBlockRadio.com Parts of the proceeds will be donated to the AFUWI Scholarship Fund and Provident Clinical Society of Brooklyn. About AFUWI: The American Foundation for The University of the West Indies is the principal link between the University of the West Indies, which is the leading educational institution in the Caribbean, and the many groups in the United States who value and support the University's work. The Foundation partners with the University Alumni, the Caribbean community in the United States, American Foundations and Corporations with Caribbean business interests or Caribbean markets to raise funds for projects, scholarships and academic programs on the University's three campuses and thirteen University Centers. (www.afuwievents.org/afuwi)

On Sunday February 15th, 2015 the legendary multi Grammy Award winner Miss Patti Labelle and Grammy Award winner Billy Ocean will take stage at BAM (Brooklyn Academy of Music) in Brooklyn, NY for "Love, Need & Want You" concert. Hosted by Radio 103.9's own "La Loca" and presented by Jammins Entertainment, music lovers will be treated to a night to remember as Trinadadian born Billy Ocean known for his international "Caribbean Queen" hit, delights the audience from his arsenal of top hits. The incomparable Miss Patti distinctive voice will only be surpassed by her beauty and notorious wit and charm as she is known to warm the heart and soul of her audience by her anecdotes and timeless sound. Befitting of Valentine's weekend, "Love, Need & Want You",embodies all of what love represents and in keeping with the sentiment, Parts of the proceeds will be donated to the AFUWI Scholarship Fund and Provident Clinical Society of Brooklyn. For tickets call: (718) 636-4100 or www.BAM.org For mre information, please call (718) 282-8041 About AFUWI: The American Foundation for The University of the West Indies is the principal link between the University of the West Indies, which is the leading educational institution in the Caribbean, and the many groups in the United States who value and support the University's work. The Foundation partners with the University Alumni, the Caribbean community in the United States, American Foundations and Corporations with Caribbean business interests or Caribbean markets to raise funds for projects, scholarships and academic programs on the University's three campuses and thirteen University Centers. (www.afuwievents.org/afuwi)

Pat and Vincent Chin who founded VP Records will receive a Lifetime Achievement Award at the Jamaica Reggae Industry Association (JaRIA) awards ceremony to close off the celebrated Reggae Month, February 28. VP Records has been at the forefront of Jamaica's musical evolution. 2014 marked the 35th anniversary when its founders Vincent and Patricia Chin moved their headquarters from Kingston, Jamaica to Jamaica, New York transforming their operations to the largest reggae company worldwide. Posthumous awards will be given to representatives of late reggae veterans John Holt and Hopeton Lewis who passed away in 2014. Also among the list of persons to be awarded is one of reggae music most loyal radio jocks, the London based David Rodigan, now broadcasting from the popular BBC 1Xtra radio, and songwriter BB Seaton as well as producers Lloyd 'King Jammys' James, Winston 'Niney' Holness, engineers Karl Pitterson and Overton 'Scientist' Brown, Mikey 'Boo' Richards, Errol 'Flabba' Holt, Ernie Smith, Millie Small, The Gaylads, Inner Circle, Gospel artistes Lt. Stitchie and Papa San. Major Joe Williams will be presented with an award for mentorship. The awardees represent groups and individuals who have made significant contribution to the reggae industry and have been in the business for more than 10 years. The event will be held in Kingston at the Courtleigh Auditorium. JaRIA will be setting up a Reggae Village at the Ranny Williams Entertainment Centre off Hope Road in Kingston from February 1-28 and various events are already scheduled throughout the month. Source:NIPnews

A sparkling jewel as the name suggests, CRISTAL a truly magnificent gemstone, rich in musicality from one of the purest islands of the Caribbean, St. Lucia! She is versatile and unique with an exceptional voice capable of capturing the melody, sentiments and moods of several genres of music: reggae, Dancehall, pop, RnB, Soul music etc. Cristal is also a great "performer" and backup singer. Her experience has taken her year-round through the Caribbean Islands and the United States. This year, Cristal’s focus is on her new single "Make You Love Me". In this song, Cristal plays with her charms and seduction; destined to use them to influence and seduce her lover and make him her own. "Make you love Me" is available on ITUNES and all other sites that offer legal downloading. Pulled ONe Riddim "WAY Angels" project title presented by the Unity Concept Association, mixed by DJ FLy, under the Eclectik Music label. www.facebook.com/pages/Cristal www.facebook.com/pages/way-angels www.facebook.com/pages/way-angels Unityconcept972@gmail.com Facebook.com/djfly972

Hopewell Junction, NY - January 12, 2015 - Renowned Broadcast Journalist, Douglas Fidler, has died. Mr. Fidler made his transition after a lengthy illness on January 7, 2015, at The Mid Hudson Regional Hospital of Westchester Medical Center in Poughkeepsie, New York. Funeral arrangements are as follows; VISITATION Date and Time: Friday, January 16, 2015 - 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm ETERNITY FUNERAL SERVICES 725 East Gun Hill Road, Bronx, NY 10467 REPAST Date and Time: Friday, January 16, 2015 - 6:00 pm to 10:00 pm WEMBLEY ATHLETIC CLUB 550 East 239th Street, Bronx, NY 10470 FUNERAL SERVICE and VIEWING Date and Time: Saturday, January 17, 2015 Viewing: 9:00 am to 10:00 am Service: 10:00 am POUGHKEEPSIE UNITED METHODIST CHURCH 2381 New Hackensack Road, Poughkeepsie, NY 12603 POUGHKEEPSIE RURAL CEMETERY 342 South Avenue, Poughkeepsie, NY 12601 Douglas Fidler was a prominent member of the Jamaican North American Community. For many years, he as a distributor of The North America Gleaner, after taking over the reigns from his father, Mr. Keith Fidler. Dougs (as he was affectionately known), was also one of the community's main News Journalists. Beginning with The Gil Bailey Show on W.N.W.K. and W.P.A.T. and then as a freelance reporter on several Jamaican radio programs; he was insightful, affable and highly informative. Known for his intellectually stimulating presentations, Douglas' news contributions were among the popular features of the radio shows he served. He will be greatly missed by his wife Novlet, sons Brandon and Jordan, daughter, Tiffany, grandchildren, Giorgio, Gianni and Andre, father, Keith Fidler, sisters Jewel(Darden), Kamla (Vaughn); nephews, Kraig ,Kevin, Brenton and Brycen, niece, Brianna; Uncles, Franklyn(Louis), Courtney (Val) Aunt Sybil, Carl, Dorolyn; brothers-in-law, Edward Darden, Keith Vaughn, Kurt Muschette; Uncle Roy and Aunt Babs (Alexander), Aunt Roswitha and Linda; Michelle Knight, nieces, cousins, and many friends who will cherish his memory.

After a three hiatus, the Miss Cayman Island pageant will take place on Saturday, January 31 at Lions Centre. Ten young ladies will be competing and the winner will be crowned by outgoing title-holder, Lindsay Japal and will have the opportunity to represent the Cayman Islands in the Miss Universe Pageant. Latrese Haylock Age 23 FUN FACTS ABOUT YOU My personality is that of a blonde, but I was born a brunette. I make my younger brothers call me ‘Princess Latrese’ (this is the password for them to get anything from me). Sometimes I feel like an old soul living in a young body. Mahalia Seymour Age: 20 FUN FACTS ABOUT YOU I'm always smiling and cheerful Terrified of frogs & spiders Some days I feel like a Giant! Schilo Scott Age: 20 FUN FACTS ABOUT YOU I am terrified of Spiders. I love ketchup but hate tomatoes. My nickname is “Shaggy” Kamala Murugesu Age: 25 FUN FACTS ABOUT YOU I have travelled to numerous countries. Some of my favorite memories include visiting the Colosseum in Rome, riding an elephant in Malaysia, touring the Venice canals in a gondola, visiting the Eifel Tower in Paris, riding ATVs in Puerto Rico, standing atop a live volcano in Costa Rica, and playing music at Disney’s Magic Kingdom and for a teacher’s wedding in Cuba. I was named after my paternal grandmother. The name Kamala means “lotus” in Sanskrit, and she is the Hindu Goddess of material and spiritual wealth and beauty. Kamala is worshipped during the full moon of Ashvin, which is coincidentally my brother’s name! I was Miss Teen Cayman Islands 2005/2006. Jenique Smith Age: 24 FUN FACTS ABOUT YOU One of my favorite things to do in Cayman is horseback riding on the beach. I love the gym, and my favorite machine is the booty blaster! When I’m not dieting, I love to eat Cayman Style Beef with plantain and rice and beans! Stephanie Scott Age: 23 FUN FACTS ABOUT YOU I love food and everything about it. From the look to the smell and taste. The beach is my favourite place to be. Being able to soak up the sun and look out at the ocean gives me a sense of peace and freedom. Spending time with my family and friends. There is no better way to spend my time than to be with the ones I love. Tonie Chisholm Age: 26 FUN FACTS ABOUT YOU I met the Queen when I was 4 I enjoy the making of films more than the film My grandmother was a Miss Cayman in the 60's Adrianna Christian Age: 25 FUN FACTS ABOUT YOU Loves roller coaster rides Defensive player in Women's Flag Football league and Fishing Emily Bodden Age: 24 FUN FACTS ABOUT YOU I was very young when I had my first taste of turtle meat. I have a vivid memory of sitting in my grandfather's house in Cayman Brac. I've been a turtle meat fan ever since. I am most certainly an advocate for our local food. I am especially a fish lover, steamed, fried, I will eat it! One of my most embarrassing moments involved the governor (Stuart Jack at the time) in the year 2006. It was at a Junior Achievement presentation, I was put on the spot to speak and I completely froze and could not say a word. Needless to say, I have slowly improved on my impromptu speaking and I can now look back at this and laugh. I always loved to experiment with different hairstyles and hair colors. I shaved my hair when I was in university because I wanted to feel more comfortable with my facial features. I found that I would sometimes hide behind my long hair but with short hair I was forced to love my features. I began to embrace how God created me. Anika Conolly Age: 24 FUN FACTS ABOUT YOU I randomly break into song and dance, and it's usually Disney-related. I wanted to be a mermaid will growing up. I can do the voice of Marvin the Martian. Who’s your favorite contestant ? Your opinion makes a difference! VOTE FOTR THE PEOPLE'S CHOICE AWARD http://www.misscaymanpageant.com/ ....................................................................................................................................... Photo Credits: Cortez Vernon Photography, Rock Gorgeous Hair & Make Up, Hello Gorgeous Jewelry & Accesories.

Caymanian born actress Grace Gealey is among the cast of the “Empire,” a 20th Century Fox drama series that premiered on Wednesday night, starring Taraji P. Henson and Terrence Howard. Gealey, 30 plays Anika Gibbons an official with Empire Entertainment and girlfriend of Lucius Lyon (Howard) the CEO of Empire. “I am overwhelmed and humbled by all of the support I received on my television debut,” Gealey said. “...I hope all of my friends, family and fans in Cayman will tune in on Wednesdays at 9 p.m. to cheer me on.” Gealey received a B.A. in Theater Arts a bachelor’s degree in theater arts from the University of South Florida, and a M.F.A in acting from the University of California-Irvine. A successful showcase took her from Los Angeles to New York City, where Gealey performed professionally. Several theater productions, short films and national commercials led her to Chicago. EMPIRE marks Gealey's network television debut. Empire is an American hip hop musical drama created by Lee Daniels (The Butler, Monster’s Ball) and Danny Strong.