IRIE FM

Dancehall deejay Malie Donn has revealed that majority of his songs have never been mixed or mastered.

Speaking in an interview with Ebony Magazine, Malie Donn explained that he believes the mixing and mastering process can sometimes alter the authenticity and feel of a song, and even affect the sound of his voice.

He further explained that he records himself most of the time and prefers the natural feel of his recordings.

According to the deejay, songs that have not gone through the mixing and mastering process can sometimes have a greater effect on listeners.

Malie Donn is currently promoting his latest album, The Golden Child.

The Education Ministry says it will be monitoring the implementation of safety protocols at schools where repairs are underway, while classes are in session.

Despite the new academic year commencing today, work continues at several schools, especially in Western Jamaica following Hurricane Melissa, last October.

The Education Ministry has made plans to ensure that learning continues.

Speaking to reporters in St. Thomas this morning, Portfolio Minister Dr. Dana Morris Dixon said the safety of students is a priority, and checks are ongoing to ensure that the contractors are implementing the proper protocols.

She also noted that the National Water Commission (NWC) has been given a list of schools with water issues.

This as drought conditions persist across the island.

The 99 buses were deployed along 86 routes cross the island for the reopening of schools today.

The buses are expected to serve some 126 educational institutions.

Speaking ahead of the rollout of 8 school buses in St. Thomas, this morning, Mr. Ellington said 250 JUTC vehicles were also deployed across the country to serve other commuters.

As schools reopen across the island today, the Jamaica Teachers Association (JTA) is raising concerns about the conditions facing some educators and students.

In her back to school message, JTA President La Sonja Harrison says while teachers are expected to remain resilient, that resilience should not be used to excuse problems within the education system.

She emphasises that some schools, particularly in western Jamaica are still awaiting repairs.

Ms Harrison is also criticising what she describes as inadequate communication with educators, saying teachers must have a greater voice in decisions affecting their schools.

The Merger of Hydel High School and Cumberland High School officially took effect this morning.

It is now called the Hydel Cumberland High School.

The name of the newly-merged educational institution was unveiled, at the Cumberland campus, in Portmore, St. Catherine.

Speaking at the unveiling ceremony, Education Minister, Dr. Dana Morris Dixon described the merger as a strategic move to strengthen education delivery in the parish.

Taxi operators in Discovery Bay, St. Ann have withdrawn their services today as they press for action on several long-standing concerns affecting their operations.

The action follows a meeting on Saturday where the operators agreed to proceed with a “no movement day.”

A major issue remains the absence of a designated bus stop and suitable working area for the operators, a matter that has been on the table for some time.

One operator also complained about conditions at the area where they park, claiming that dust from the location has been affecting his health.

In November 2024, Transport Minister Daryl Vaz met with stakeholders and discussed both immediate and long-term measures including plans for the development of a full-fledged transport hub for the operators.

However, the taxi operators say they are yet to see those plans materialise.

One taxi operator, who ply the Discovery Bay to St. Ann’s Bay route stresses that there is a need for a definitive timeline for the issue to be addressed, rather than further verbal assurances.

99 vehicles were rolled out under the National Rural School Bus Programme for the new academic year this morning. 

Managing Director of the Jamaica Urban Transit Company (JUTC) Owen Ellington gave the update in St. Thomas as he oversaw the roll out of buses in the parish. 

He explained that the 99 buses will serve some 126 schools across the country. 

Mr. Ellington added that his company has also deployed over 200 JUTC buses to serve the public. 

Commuters, including students, are stranded in Great Pond, Ocho Rios, St. Ann this morning, after taxi operators withdrew their service and mounted roadblocks.

The operators say they are concerned about the implementation of the demerit point system, which they say will cause severe problems for them.

The police have since cleared the blockade, but with the operators refusing to resume service, several commuters remain stranded.

Meanwhile, Transport Minister Daryl Vaz says he has received reports of some taxi operators in Waterhouse, Kingston, parking their vehicles this morning.

However, he noted that it caused no major impact on passenger movement.

He said a similar situation occurred in Trelawny.

The Transport Ministry is monitoring the situation.

The demerit point system, which was set for implementation on October 1, is being delayed as the Ministry conducts a comprehensive review.

Thousands of students return to school this morning, as the 2026/2027  academic year commences.

Contingency plans have been implemented in several schools as repairs continue at institutions  which were damaged by hurricane melissa last year. 

The category five hurricane  battered several parishes last October and schools in St. Elizabeth, Westmoreland, Trelawny and St. James  were severely impacted. 

Education Minister Dr. Dana Morris Dixon says she has taken note of concerns about schools that have not been renovated in time for the resumption of classes today. 

Meantime, Transport Minister Daryl Vaz indicated at the weekend that the Jamaica Urban Transit Company buses and the rural school buses are ready for roll out today.

The National Water Commission (NWC) has been instructed to review its active work sites across Kingston and St. Andrew, with particular attention to the speed of road reinstatement, barricading and traffic management.

Water Minister, Matthew Samuda gave the directive amidst outcry by several members of the public. 

Some motorists and residents have expressed frustration about the road works, which they say will cause severe inconveniences as students return to the classrooms today. 

Water Minister, Matthew Samuda says he acknowledges the frustration regarding the traffic volumes and the need for people to get their children to schools. 

However, he notes that the road works being undertaken are extremely critical. 

Despite these crucial works, the Water Minister says efforts will be made to limit the public’s inconvenience.