WhatsAppSharePublished:Friday | August 12, 2022 | 10:14 AMGareth Davis Sr/Gleaner Writer

All commercial activities are to be temporarily halted at Portland’s Blue Lagoon, which has been plagued by incidents of drug peddling, extortion, and illegal rafting, to allow for a more structured management system to be implemented.

The decision comes on the heels of an incident in which a member of an international movie company filming in Jamaica was almost run over by a boatman while swimming at the eastern parish’s premier attraction last week.

In announcing the closure, which will take effect on August 29, Jamaica National Heritage Trust Chairman Orville Hill on Wednesday said that last week’s incident was just the latest of many that have endangered the lives of tourists and locals using the facility, despite repeated attempts to sensitise players.

“There are too many players in the limited space as it is now,” Hill said, noting that the crisis is compounded by a lack of bathroom facilities at the location.

“ ... That in itself presents some amount of health hazard that we need to correct as we go forward. We have to make sure that all the products that we put out complies with all the legal requirements, and rafting on seawater is not permitted by Jamaican law. Rafting is really for river courses, and so that really is an area of challenge as well,” he added.

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Several agencies, including the Tourism Product Development Company, the Portland Municipal Corporation, the Alligator Head Foundation, the Ministry of Culture, Entertainment, Gender Affairs and Sport, the Blue Lagoon Alliance, along with the police, staged an emergency meeting on Wednesday to examine the current situation and hammer out a way forward.

The most recent concern is the reported sighting of crocodiles in the area last week.

“There is some confirmation that a crocodile – either one or two crocodiles – may be in the area and a NEPA (National Environment and Planning Agency) representative was also present. NEPA is taking control of that aspect of it in terms of trying to identify and to see how best they can relocate the reptile,” said Hill.

WhatsAppSharePublished:Monday | March 6, 2023 | 1:20 AMLivern Barrett /Gleaner WriterPreviousNextMap of the area declared as the Blue Lagoon National Monument, in Portland, including all those bodies of water up to the high-water mark during high and low tide known as Unity Bay, Lime Kiln Bay and the inlet called the Blue Lagoon, which together constitute the controlled areas.1 2 3 4

Private owners of the lands surrounding the national heritage site, the Blue Lagoon, have rebuffed a request to construct critical infrastructure at the world-renowned attraction, a stakeholder group has charged. The request was reportedly made by...

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Yes, Popcaan is from Saint Thomas Parish, Jamaica. He was born on July 19, 1988, in the parish and has often referred to St. Thomas as his hometown.

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Key Details

• Born: July 19, 1988. 
• Birthplace: Saint Thomas, Jamaica. 
• Significance: Popcaan often highlights his St. Thomas roots, even releasing a song titled "St. Thomas Native" with Chronic Law. His annual concert, Unruly Fest, is held in the parish, showing his commitment to the community. 
• Cultural Impact: St. Thomas is considered the birthplace of the dancehall icon, where his musical journey began before he rose to international fame. 

Popcaan Pays Tribute His Hometown In 'St. Thomas Native' Video | News | Clash Magazine Music News, Reviews & Interviews19 Jul 2023Clash MagazinePOPCAAN - City SplashInternational star Popcaan, is a Jamaican dancehall icon whose journey began in St. Thomas, Jamaica. Discovered by Vybz Kartel in ...City SplashBiography – PopcaanABOUT POPCAAN. Andrae Hugh Sutherland, known the world over as Popcaan, started his life of musical excellence, years ago in St. T...PopcaanAI responses may include mistakes. Learn more

officialpopcaan.comhttps://officialpopcaan.com › biographyAndrae Hugh Sutherland, known the world over as Popcaan, started his life of musical excellence, years ago in St. Thomas, Jamaica.

World Athletics Championships - everything you need to knowIMAGE SOURCE, GETTY IMAGESImage caption, The World Athletics Championships will take place at Japan National Stadium in TokyoByHarry PooleBBC Sport journalistPublished10 September 2025The biggest names in athletics are poised to go head-to-head for global honours over nine days of action at the World Athletics Championships in Tokyo, Japan.
The end-of-season championships begin on Saturday, with daily coverage across the BBC.
Olympic 800m champion Keely Hodgkinson and fellow Paris 2024 medallists Josh Kerr, Katarina Johnson-Thompson, Matthew Hudson-Smith and Georgia Hunter Bell are among Great Britain's podium hopes.
The relay teams will also aim to deliver once again after supplying five of GB's 10 athletics medals at last summer's Games, beginning with the mixed 4x400m final on the opening night at Japan National Stadium.
That total in Paris was GB's best return at an Olympics for 40 years, and followed the team's joint-best World Championships haul of 10 medals in 2023.Olympic 100m champions Noah Lyles and Julien Alfred, Swedish pole vault star Armand Duplantis, Kenya's Faith Kipyegon and Norway's Jakob Ingebrigtsen are among the global stars targeting gold in the Japanese capital.
Total prize money of $8.5m (£6.2m) is on offer, with gold medal winners receiving $70,000 (£52,000). A $100,000 (£74,000) world record bonus is also available.
Tokyo is preparing to host a premier sporting event for the first time since the 2020 Olympics, which were postponed one year and had to be held behind closed doors because of the coronavirus pandemic.
Extreme heat is expected during the championships, with temperatures likely to exceed 30C.
As Tokyo is eight hours ahead of British Summer Time, for UK viewers the morning sessions will take place overnight, while evening sessions run from morning to early afternoon.The athletes and events to watch out for in TokyoAmerican Lyles will target a third consecutive global 100m gold after winning a spectacular Olympic final by just five-thousandths of a second, as he seeks to retain three world titles.
Compatriot - and this year's fastest man - Kenneth Bednarek, Jamaicans Kishane Thompson and Oblique Seville, and Olympic 200m champion Letsile Tebogo are among his main rivals.01:16Media caption, Lyles pips Olympic champion Tebogo in 200mAlfred stormed to the women's 100m title in Paris to deliver St Lucia's first Olympic medal of any colour, before taking 200m silver, and will once again target a sprint double.
The women's 100m and 4x100m relay will feature Jamaica's 10-time world champion Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce seeking to end her career by adding to her 24 global medals, but Olympic 200m champion Gabby Thomas has been ruled out by injury.
Having broken the men's pole vault world record for a 13th time in August, Duplantis will be expected to not only capture his fifth consecutive global title, but also target a first clearance above 6.30m and the $100,000 record bonus.
Distance-running great Kipyegon, winner of seven golds and three silvers across the past eight global championships, is the red-hot favourite to claim a fifth consecutive global 1500m gold.
Ingebrigtsen's preparations have been disrupted by injury but, after being thwarted by Britons Kerr and Jake Wightman in the past two world 1500m finals, the three-time global 5,000m champion will be determined to secure the one major title which has evaded him.
Belgian heptathlete Nafi Thiam comes up against fellow two-time world champion Johnson-Thompson in her pursuit of a sixth global title, after clinching her third consecutive Olympic crown last year.Who are GB's major medal hopes?Despite a 376-day wait to compete after winning Olympic gold, and making her return from injury just four weeks before the championships, Hodgkinson will line up as the gold medal favourite in the women's 800m.
The 23-year-old announced her return in style last month, running the fastest time of the year in Silesia before making it back-to-back wins at the Lausanne Diamond League four days later.03:06Media caption, 'Back with a bang!' - Hodgkinson sets world lead time to win 800mHodgkinson, a two-time world silver medallist, is joined in the 800m by training partner and Olympic 1500m bronze medallist Hunter Bell, who has chosen to switch focus in pursuit of another global podium, and Jemma Reekie.
Olympic silver medallists Kerr (men's 1500m) and Johnson-Thompson (heptathlon) both compete as defending world champions, while Hudson-Smith (men's 400m) will target gold after making the podium at the past three global championships.
The women's 4x100m team featuring 100m and 200m individual medal hopes Dina Asher-Smith, Daryll Neita and Amy Hunt head GB's relay medal hopes following Olympic silver.
World bronze medallist Zharnel Hughes doubles in the men's 100m and 200m and is joined by world indoor 60m champion Jeremiah Azu in the former.
Amber Anning, fifth on her Olympic debut and the world indoor champion, will have American Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone among the competition after the hurdles star chose to switch events.
Molly Caudery (women's pole vault) said she feels "so ready" for a world title bid, while Max Burgin (men's 800m) demonstrated his readiness to challenge for a global medal at recent Diamond League races.
Marathon runner Emile Cairess will seek to build on his fourth-place Olympic finish, and high jumper Morgan Lake displayed her medal potential by clearing 2m for the first time last month.
GB's podium prospects also include British 5,000m record holder George Mills, the experienced Laura Muir (women's 1500m) and rising star Charlie Dobson (men's 400m), as well as their five relay teams.
GB finished seventh in the medal table in 2023, winning two gold medals, three silver and five bronze.How to watch World Athletics Championships on BBCYou can follow all the action on BBC One or BBC Two, and there is also live coverage on BBC iPlayer and the BBC Sport website and app from 13-21 September.
There will be a daily highlights show on BBC Red Button, BBC Three, iPlayer and online.
The BBC Sport website will have daily live text commentaries, video highlights, analysis, reports and results, while there will be commentary on BBC Radio 5 Live.Related topicsAthleticsMore on this storyThe must-watch events at the World ChampionshipsPublished3 days ago
How to follow World Athletics Championships on the BBC

Harry takes selfies with fans as he leaves Nottingham

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ByJennifer NewtonDeputy Royal Editor

Prince Harry at the Community Recording Studio (CRS) in Nottingham ( Image: PA)

It is understood to be a personal donation, not from his Archewell Foundation. It comes as Children in Need are also contributing £300,000 to the programme 

Harry said in a statement: "The incredible work being done by grassroots organisations like CRS and Epic Partners is not only inspiring - it’s essential. 

"We’re grateful for the support of BBC Children in Need in helping changemakers in the city continue their mission to create safe spaces, build trust, and offer hope and belonging to young people who need it most." 

It is said this "vital funding will support grassroots organisations, primarily in Nottingham, that create opportunities, nurture potential and help young people build brighter futures". 

Harry made a £1.1million donation to Children in Need ( Image: PA)TOP STORIES

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The Duke first visited the organisation in 2013 and was deeply inspired by the teenagers involved and their mentors. He has since returned on multiple occasions, both privately and on official royal engagements, most recently in 2019.

Despite relocating to California, more than 5,000 miles away, and giving up his role as a working royal, he vowed on Tuesday that he would maintain his links with the city.

“I’ll continue to stand with you,” he said. “Nottingham has my respect, it always has, my commitment, and a permanent place in my heart.” The Duke said the Midlands city had taught him “important lessons” and had “truly” inspired him.

A pension is money you'll use to live on when you retire. Most people get a State Pension from the government, which covers your basic needs. To give you a decent standard of living, it's a good idea to save some extra money in a pension fund.

Save for retirement in a way that suits you, with our self-invested personal pension. Investment values can rise and fall.

• Open a new pension 
• Transfer your pension to Aviva 

• What is a SIPP
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• Important documents
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Investing in a pension offers the potential for better returns than cash savings over the long term (5+ years). But there are risks, the value of your investments may go down as well as up, and you may get back less than has been paid in.

Pension tax benefits are based on personal circumstances and are subject to change. Before you transfer a pension, check valuable benefits you could lose, exit fees and investment choices. 

It's a self-invested personal pension, a way to save for retirement that gives you control over where you invest your money.

With a SIPP, when you make payments the government will add 20% tax relief. That means if you pay in 80p you'll get £1. If you pay any tax at a rate above basic rate, you can claim back a further 20% of your payments, but it’s something you'll need to do through your self assessment tax return.

You choose when you pay in, and how much, although this is subject to tax relief and allowances. This makes SIPPs a great way to save for retirement if you’re self-employed or want to invest alongside your workplace pension. You can start an Aviva SIPP from just £25 a month.

The self-invested part gives you more choice over how you invest the money you’ve paid into your pension. Pick from a wide range of investments - from ready-made funds to company shares.

The Metropolitan police believe that there are about 110,000 people in attendance at the ‘unite the kingdom’ demonstration and about 5,000 at the Stand Up to Racism march.

Speaking to the Guardian on Saturday afternoon, the Met police said:

It is difficult to estimate numbers in attendance at busy protests but we use a combination of CCTV and police helicopter footage to do so.
We believe the number of people in attendance at the ‘Unite the Kingdom’ demonstration is around 110,000.
We believe the number of people in attendance at the ‘Stand Up To Racism’

Whitehall was so full so quickly that it was closed to marchers before the first speakers even took to the stage, leaving thousands stuck on Westminster Bridge and in Parliament Square.

On Whitehall, crammed in front of three big screens, the crowds swelled to what sometimes felt like dangerous levels. People stood on bus stops and portable toilets to get a better view of speakers including Katie Hopkins, Tommy Robinson, Laurence Fox and the Canadian podcaster Ezra Levant.

One man waved a sign saying: “Why are white people despised when our tax money pays for everything?” Another had a placard that said: “Call centres: speak English.”

ShareUpdated at 16.34 BST13m ago16.21 BST

The Metropolitan police has said it had to intervene in multiple locations to try to stop supporters of the ‘unite the kingdom’ march from entering sterile areas.

The force also said that a number of officers had been assaulted, and that some members of the crowd breached police cordons or tried to reach opposing groups.

Robyn Vinter

It appears as though officers have allowed one of Tommy Robinson’s supporters through the police line in efforts to calm the crowd, some of whom have clashed with riot police and could be seen throwing objects at the police line. The group seem agitated, with lots of shouting and shoving. The police have brought in reinforcements in the form of another line of riot officers.

The anti-fascist group are now penned in at either end of a section of Whitehall, with the ‘unite the kingdom’ group occupying Trafalgar Square.

WhatsAppSharePublished:Tuesday | June 24, 2025 | 6:55 PMPreviousNext-Contributed photoThe 110 buses - fitted with modern safety features and designed to handle Jamaica’s terrain - will be distributed based on needs identified by the Ministry of Education. 1 2

Twenty-five of 110 new school buses designated for rural students arrived at Kingston Wharves today, marking what Transport Minister Daryl Vaz described as “one of the most transformative policy initiatives ever taken by any Government since Independence.”

The delivery, part of the Government of Jamaica’s new Rural School Bus Programme, is aimed at improving transportation access for students attending 258 rural schools across all 14 parishes.

Vaz was joined by Education Minister Dr Dana Morris Dixon and Finance Minister Fayval Williams to oversee the offloading and initial inspection of the buses, which form the first batch of a phased rollout scheduled to conclude in early July, a ministry statement said. 

“A total of 25 buses arrived today. Another 36 buses are scheduled to depart New York on June 26, 2025, and arrive in Jamaica next week. On Friday, June 27, an additional 25 buses will leave from Miami, and on Friday, July 4, the final 23 buses will depart. This will complete the fleet of 110 buses—100 for active service and 10 reserved for contingencies,” said Minister Vaz.

The 110 buses, itted with modern safety features and designed to handle Jamaica’s terrain, will be distributed based on needs identified by the Ministry of Education. All units are expected to be in place for the September 2025 school term.

OverviewJamaicans can be found worldwide, with large diaspora communities concentrated in the United States (over 1 million), the United Kingdom (hundreds of thousands), and Canada (over 300,000). Significant Jamaican populations also reside in the Cayman Islands, other Caribbean nations, and along the Caribbean coast of Central America.This global presence is a result of emigration for work and opportunities, particularly since the post-World War II era.  Major Communities

• United States: With over 1 million people, this is the largest Jamaican population outside of Jamaica. 
• United Kingdom: A large community exists, with hundreds of thousands of people, largely settled after World War II to fill labor shortages. 
• Canada: Canada is home to over 300,000 Jamaicans. 

Other Significant Regions

• Caribbean:The Cayman Islands have a substantial population of Jamaicans, many of whom live there on work permits. 
• Central America:Jamaican communities are found along the Caribbean coast in countries like Costa Rica, Panama, Nicaragua, and Honduras. 
• Other Regions:Smaller communities of Jamaicans and their descendants exist in various other parts of the world. 

Reasons for Migration

• Economic Opportunity: Jamaicans have long emigrated seeking work and better economic prospects. 
• Post-War Migration: A significant wave of Jamaicans moved to the UK in the mid-20th century, partly due to labor shortages in Britain after World War II. 
• Work Permits: Many Jamaicans, especially in the Cayman Islands, migrate to work on temporary permits. 

Cultural Influence 

• The Jamaican diaspora helps to spread Jamaican culture, including music genres like reggae, as well as food and traditions, around the globe.

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By: MICKELLA ANDERSON-GORDON, October 26, 2023ListenCultureShareFacebookTwitterWhatsAppEmail

Jamaica Information Servicehttps://jis.gov.jm › rev-al-sharpton-to-attend-morant-ba...21 Oct 2023 — Rev. Al Sharpton will be special guest at a memorial service in St. Thomas on October 24 to commemorate the 158th anniversary of the Morant Bay Rebellion.Missing: misses ‎flightImagesRev. Al Sharpton to Attend Morant Bay Rebellion 158th ...Jamaica Information ServiceJamaica – Al Sharpton Calls for Unity of Black People at ...NY Carib News

American civil rights activist, Rev. Al Sharpton, speaks via a video presentation at a memorial service for Paul Bogle and the Morant Bay War on Tuesday (October 24). The event was held at Colonel Cove in Morant Bay.

Renowned American civil rights activist, Rev. Al Sharpton, delivered a message of unity among black people at a memorial service for Paul Bogle and the 1865 Morant Bay rebellion on Tuesday (October 24).

Rev. Sharpton, who was unable to attend the event physically but addressed the large gathering at Colonel Cove in Morant Bay via a video presentation, said that black people continue to face oppression, double standards, lack of funds and lack of resources even in present day.

Noting that there is strength in numbers, he said it is time for people of African descent to unite and rise above petty arguments and disagreements.

“We are at a level now that we can reach across the diaspora and work together and put our strengths together. We must realise that we are as strong as we are together. It is time for us to lock arms,” he pointed out.

He said it is time to rise to a higher level and complete the journey started by Bogle and the other ancestors.

“We don’t have to agree on every political point, but we have the dignity of knowing that people [gave] their lives for us and we owe them more than taking cheap shots at each other,” he noted.

Meanwhile, Rev. Sharpton challenged the people of St. Thomas to emulate Bogle by finding their purpose in life and fighting for a cause.

“When he fought there, he fought for black people and oppressed people everywhere. Bogle lost himself in the cause of liberating his people. Bogle lost himself in the cause of breaking the shackles of oppression. What does your life mean? What have you found that you are alive for?,” he asked.

A member of the Baptist denomination like Bogle, the Reverend underscored that the fight of Paul Bogle must not be forgotten, especially as generations achieve personal success.

“I look at those that have made it into some level of political power, economic stability, some level of educational achievement and I want to say to them, ‘don’t forget. If it wasn’t for people like Paul Bogle, you would not have the title you have’,” he pointed out.

“Don’t be so impressed with yourself that you forget the people who paid the price to get Independence, that paid the price with their life to open doors for you,” Rev. Sharpton continued.

He said that heroes like Bogle, having paid the price, deserve to have their story told “because their story changed our story”.

The memorial service, put on by the St. Thomas Municipal Corporation and Morant Bay Mayor, Councillor Hubert Williams, commemorated the 158th anniversary of the 1865 rebellion, in which Paul Bogle sought to challenge the oppression being faced by the people of the parish and Jamaica in general.

He was captured, convicted and hanged on October 24, 1865 in the Morant Bay court house.

For his sacrifice, Bogle was named a National Hero by the Jamaican Government in 1969.

On October 11, Jamaica marked the first Paul Bogle Day, to be observed annually on the day of the rebellion.

Stony Gut

Stony Gut, a small village located in the parish of St. Thomas, is the birth place of Jamaica’s National Hero, Paul Bogle. He was a deacon of the Baptist Church, located in the same village. It was in this village that, what was to be later called the Morant Bay Rebellion, began. Paul Bogle, his brother Moses Bogle, and the people of Stony Gut walked to Spanish Town to air their grievances against the injustices and oppression faced in the Parish to Governor Edward Eyre.

On their return a violent protest, initiated by Paul Bogle, broke out which led to the death of a few militia men and Paul Bogle’s followers. Many of were arrested and punished while Paul Bogle himself was hanged.

The rebellion in the end brought about changes in the poor social and economic conditions of the peasants not only in St. Thomas but throughout the island. The rebellion was also the backdrop to the constitutional change which abolished the old representative system in favour of Crown Colony Government.

Morant Point Lighthouse

The Morant Point Lighthouse built in 1841 is listed by the Jamaica National Heritage Trust as a National Monument. It is the oldest lighthouse in the island. Built of cast iron tube, cast in London it is 100 feet long with a diameter of 5 feet at the base, and 3 feet at the cap. It is located in the most easterly point of the Island. The labour used in erecting the Lighthouse was supplied by kru-men from Africa. They were among the free Africans who were brought to Jamaica.

St. Thomas Parish Church

The St. Thomas Parish Church in Morant Bay is of brick construction. It was built in 1865 when the original Church situated at Church Corner was abandoned because of dilapidation.

The St. Thomas Parish Church in Morant Bay is of brick construction. It was built in 1865 when the original Church situated at Church Corner was abandoned because of dilapidation. The east wall of the Church has a brick with the date 1865 baked into it.

Bath Mineral Spa

The mineral spa or spring at Bath in the parish of St. Thomas was discovered by a run-a-way slave in the 1690s. When he discovered that the water of the mineral spring had healed the wounds that had plagued him for years, he decided to brave the wrath of his master to tell him the good news.

The mineral spring at Bath flows from two (2) rocks, which produces both cold and hot water. The water is mixed before it enters the bathhouses, which are built for guests. The water in the spring is not mixed and so it is very hot. The spring is rich in sulphur and lime and is believed to be very good for the treatment of rheumatic ailments and skin diseases.

Morant Bay Fort

Situated behind the Morant Bay Court House overlooking the harbour is the Morant Bay Fort. The fort which was probably built in 1758 was designed for nine guns. The fort is built of brick and cut stone approximately four inches thick. The guns were mounted on elaborate cast iron carriages.

The three guns that remain are 24 pounders manufactured in the early 19th century. At one time there was a magazine and a barracks attached to the fort.

The fort as well as the courthouse was the scene of trouble during the 1865 Morant Bay riots.

Heritage Sites by Parish

• Clarendon
• Hanover
• Kingston
• Manchester
• Portland
• St. Andrew
• St. Ann
• St. Catherine
• St. Elizabeth
• St. James
• St. Mary
• Trelawny
• Westmoreland

Learn more about Jamaican Heritage Sites here. 

VITAL POWERS is a BBC Presenter, Music Artist, DITTO Music Video Content Creator & Mentor. Originally from Wolverhampton, moved to London for 2 years, now currently living in California, USA. VITAL has English and Jamaican heritage has been creating music, and videos and working in the creative industry for over 15 years with a strong belief in family & respect.

Currently The Bay Area in California, America.

I work as a professional music artist and content creator, with companies like Ditto Music, BBC and other small organisations.

• Trill Troy – For A Trillion Summers (E.P)
• Chronixx – Same Prayer
• Kendrick Lamar – Rich Spirit & Silent Hill
• Burna Boy – 23
• Skilli Beng – Blessings
• Popcaan – Family

I discover new music in passing, when I’m out and about, from friends, I never look for it, I just happen on it – it’s the best way to discover artists and naturally enjoy the music.

Rarely ever do I search or look online for new music. Usually, I’ll just be around people who have great playlists.

I will still indulge and buy a CD or some vinyl from time to time but I consume music solely via streaming platforms / DSPs or at LIVE shows!

“I discover new music in passing, when I’m out and about, from friends, I never look for it, it’s the best way to discover and naturally enjoy it.”

I take music in most whilst I’m driving, travelling or exploring. It’s something about the consistency of new visuals that really makes music speak to me; loudly, openly, and clearly. That’s how I also listen to my own music when curating, testing and perfecting draft versions.

Also, I enjoy a social gathering, vibing to music that has just been released by an artist like Skepta, Drake or some new artist I may have heard rumblings about.

I never really do, I’m a fan of music, and I like to enjoy music when all the other fans hear it – a version of Drake’s album got leaked last year, I had it sent to me, and I never even opened the folder. It would just wreck my future experience.

My only frustrations are that it’s difficult to really remember because music is processed like microwave food, quickly, here today, gone tomorrow, so I appreciated artists who really give the music an extra push and long out the campaigns and promotion around it.

Links in my emails I ignore, I don’t really download music at all if I’m being honest, and who uses SoundCloud?

“Links in my emails I ignore, I don’t really download music at all if I’m being honest”

I use Apple Music to stream, all the things I play are in my search history. So from time-to-time I can go back and listen there!

WOLVERHAMPTON’S ESSENTIAL ENTERTAINMENT GUIDE

• Be a Zooperhero and join Dudley's Zoo sponsored walk
  Raising funds for Painted Dog Conservation and DZC’s conservation projects.
• Laughs aplenty as comedy night comes to Walsall Arena
  Chuckl. will bring four top comedians to the venue for one night only this September.
• Big Family Theatre Weekend heads to Cradley Heath
  Taking place at Haden Hill House and Park on Saturday 16 – Sunday 17 August.
• Submissions open for Wolverhampton Literature Festival 2026
  Wolverhampton Literature Festival will return from Friday 6 to Sunday 8 February 2026.
• Wightwick Manor to host free family yoga sessions
  Sessions will take place in the gardens 

Buy the best reggae on vinyl or CD now.

• HINDZ Celebrates Bob Marley’s ‘Uprising’ In New Video
• How Dancehall Took On The Charts – And Won
• The Most Surprising Musical Friendships
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As a teenager battling to build a career, Bob Marley quickly grasped the importance of the songwriter’s craft. As a result, his songbook is packed with material that resonates beyond reggae. “Get Up, Stand Up,” co-written by Bob’s fellow Wailer Peter Tosh in 1973, served as a wake-up call to the world about the talent of both artists, as well as the spirituality and militancy of Rastafarian reggae. It reveals Bob’s understanding of the Black struggle, and Peter’s righteous fury about it. Their God is not a cosmic figure, but a living God; that’s why they were calling for justice in this life, not the next.

Get Up Stand Up (Official Fan Video 'Legend 30th') - Bob Marley
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The roots of Black people were a hot topic for reggae songs in 1971, but polemic was not enough for Junior Byles when he wrote “A Place Called Africa.” He focused on a personal story: his mama told him that was where he was from, and he demanded to know why he was suffering in Jamaica when his roots lay elsewhere. The result placed a complex subject in a context that could move any heart. One of several moments of genius in the career of a singer who has never been given the rewards he deserved.

If you want to know how ordinary country folk live, laugh, and love in The Isle Of Springs, hear this glorious song from 1969, in which The Maytals tell the story of a wedding. It’s all here: the price of the wedding cake, the disputes, the fun, and their drink of choice. A taste of the real Jamaica in one of the best reggae songs ever recorded.

Some fans regard the British band UB40 as a pop-reggae outfit, especially given the massive success of “Red, Red Wine.” But Jamaica takes them at face value: they are a proper reggae act that tackles both heavy topics and lighter ones. “One In 10,” a 1981 hit, examines how everyone suffers, and how much of that suffering is ignored. Highly political yet movingly humane, it is firmly in the reggae tradition.

One In Ten
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The original incarnation of 2Tone founders The Specials signed off with this dark and brooding tune from 1981, when the UK was going through a deep economic slump. “Ghost Town,” spookily resonant and weighty, hit No 1 in Britain. It was an influence on The Rolling Stones’ song of the same title, just as it was inspired by Prince Buster All Stars’ 1967 obscurity “7 Wonders Of The World.”

Althea & Donna are widely known for “Uptown Top Ranking,” an amusing UK No.1 in 1977-78 which presented two seemingly trivial teens boasting about how fashionable and sexy they were. But note their hit record’s line “I strictly roots”: their Uptown Top Ranking album holds a number of serious reggae songs, including this gem, which insists the West will receive just punishment for the crime of slavery.

The West (Remastered 2001)
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Junior Murvin had been recording for the best part of a decade with little success when he showed up at Lee Perry’s Kingston studio in 1976 and auditioned “Police And Thieves.” It told an uncomplicated if pointed tale about crime in Jamaica, presenting both parties as two sides of the same coin. It caught the mood of that year’s long hot summer in London, appearing to soundtrack the rioting around that year’s Notting Hill Carnival in London. Punk band The Clash covered it, and the original charted in the UK two years later.

Police & Thieves
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Burning Spear’s Marcus Garvey is packed with some of his best songs and it is difficult to pick one. But “Slavery Days” remains a potent reminder why Black African people found themselves in Jamaica and are still suffering hundreds of years later. Spear, a singer full of the light of life, makes a bleak subject a celebration of the unperishable Black soul.

Slavery Days
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Reggae songs can be overtly carnal. “Champion Lover,” delivered in Jamaica by British lovers rock singer Deborahe Glasgow, was full of female desire – Deborahe was threatening to “kill you with it”! It was a reggae smash in 1989, and Shabba Ranks climbed aboard the rhythm that year to create “Mr. Lover Man,” Deborahe’s vocal still prominent. When Shabba remade his version in 1992, Deborahe’s voice was replaced by Chevelle Franklin’s. While this makeover became a huge pop hit, the song’s sexual identity was flipped. “Champion Lover” offers the song’s original attitude: a strong, proud woman at her passionate pinnacle.

Delroy Wilson was one of reggae’s signature voices, relied upon to deliver the vocal goods for decades. He is known for tales of love, but had a knack for making a powerful point, as heard on 1972’s anthem of hope over dissatisfaction, “Better Must Come.”

Slavery is a recurring theme in Jamaican music, but Ken Boothe’s powerfully direct “I’m Not For Sale” examines it at another level, the singer rebuffing a woman who thinks he can be bought. It was inspired by the phenomenon where comparatively wealthy tourists sought sexual gratification with poor Jamaicans, not bothering to consider the grim implications. Aided by mournful horns that underline this unhappy situation, Boothe, one of reggae’s most lauded vocalists, shakes your ideas as well as your hips here.

Children in Jamaica were told to avoid Rastas, counsel that treated these serious religious adherents like bogeymen. Bunny Wailer recalls this in a song that melds folklore, his own upbringing, and the Rastafarian beliefs he acquired when he understood the reality of the situation. Full of his customary stateliness and gentle, folky way with a melody, “Blackheart Man” was an instant classic when released in 1976.

Blackheart Man
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Bob Andy was reggae’s philosopher, singing his best songs in an utterly controlled, highly soulful voice. While he is best known for hit duets with Marcia Griffiths such as a cover of “Young, Gifted And Black,” his own material is just as strong and deep. “Life,” from 1972, urges the listener to take a path of creativity, effort, and peace. If you think that sounds rather bumptious, this gifted writer was not fooled into thinking he had his subject worked out: Bob sings “Heed my foolish words.”

Rastafarianism had been an alternative way of life in Jamaica for decades, its adherents scorned like a criminal underclass. Reggae gave this religion an outlet for its reasonings, and among the key figures who put it on record were the harmony trio The Abyssinians. “Satta Massagana,” meaning sit down and give thanks, is delivered with religious fervor; the group even sings in Amharic, showing true devotion. First recorded in 1969, it has resonated in reggae ever since.

Culture, a vocal group, came to prominence in 1977 with Two Sevens Clash, singing of serious issues in a way that lifted the spirits. “Innocent Blood” is a lesson in Black history, Jamaican history, slavery, and imperialism, delivered in a manner that prompts a smile. From the 1979 album Cumbolo, produced by reggae premier female producer, Sonia Pottinger, the roots message is here, as is the soul of Jamaica.

Bogle had become a friend of a wealthy landowner and fellow Baptist George William Gordon, a bi-racial man who served in the Assembly as one of two representatives from St. Thomas-in-the-East parish. Gordon was instrumental in Bogle being appointed deacon of Stony Gut Baptist Church in 1864. Conditions were hard for black peasants, due to social discrimination, flooding and crop failure, and epidemics. The required payment of poll taxesprevented most of them from voting. In August 1865, Gordon criticised the governor of Jamaica, Edward John Eyre, for sanctioning "everything done by the higher class to the oppression of the negroes".[4]

"Artistic Impression of Paul Bogle" in Morant Bay, Jamaica[1]

Born1822Died24 October 1865 (aged 42–43)Cause of deathHangedNationalityJamaicanKnown forLeader of the protesters in the Morant Bay rebellionWebsitehttps://paulboglefoundation.org/

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So history buffs help me out here, so you see how most European countries are reproached for their colonial and imperial past by most African and Asian countries even when their own countries have it those pasts too basically it's like playing a game then blaming the top player. So why is it so?
•3y ago•Edited 3y ago

I think it's largely because of scale and effect on the present day. It's absolutely true that there were slave empires in Africa before the arrival of Europeans, Japan tried to create a Japanese-centric greater East Asian empire during World War II and killed millions of people, the Mongols basically killed off anyone who wouldn't submit to them as they moved across Asia and Eastern Europe etc, so there's plenty of examples of this kind of thing from non-European nations.

The difference is that European colonialism basically touched every single continent on the planet. Both of the Americas, all of Africa, and a huge swathe of Asia was either directly or indirectly controlled and/or colonized by European powers/European descendants at one point or another in the run up to the 20th century, and even Australia became Britain's de facto dumping ground for convict peoples. So just the immensity of it is something to consider. I mean Britain controlled an empire that at one point held what...like a quarter of the world's territory and a third of the world's population? And that's just Britain alone, not even including the other major players like France, the Netherlands, Spain, Portugal, and even lesser one's like Germany, Italy, Belgium (Also the USA even though it's not "European" but still a Western power). I'm sure I'm forgetting some but you get the idea.

This brings me to my second point. Together with the scale of European colonialism, those empires only died out relatively recently in terms of world history (early-mid 20th century, still ongoing in a lot of ways though) and their immediate impact on other peoples has been more profound because of that. For sure the Mongols basically ruled over the greatest empire in terms of land mass and they tortured and killed millions, but that was roughly what, like 600-800 years ago? It doesn't have the same immediate ramifications. Today the West in general is much richer and more privileged today than other countries because of their (relatively) recent colonial exploitations. How many projects in Belgium were funded in some way by the 19th-20th century rubber and mineral exploits in the Congo? (I have no idea but it's just an example). Or how about the United States? The institution of chattel slavery was valued anywhere between 5-25 trillion dollars today in terms of assets that contributed to the American economy, we still feel the effects of that today. Or Britain? Queue your standard joke about how non-British your average British museum is TODAY. Stuff like that. So, much of the money/power that goes into what the West looks like and how it functions today came directly out of those recent colonial ventures, and many previously colonized nations are comparatively worse off still because of that.

It's not so much that people are saying that European/Westerners are the only ones to blame for imperialism (they're not as I've said, human beings of every description everywhere have the capacity to be shitty and exploitive) it's just that the scope of what Europeans did is much greater, much more recent, and has a larger historical footprint, therefore they deserve greater scrutiny. No one is "blaming" Mongolia for the Mongol hordes today because we don't live with the immediate consequences of that anymore (relatively speaking, obviously the Mongol invasions had a big impact on world history). Kind of a jumbled answer but still. Likewise no one "blames" Muslim countries for the 8th century attacks of the early Islamic empires into parts of Europe today, even though it happened and it was just as brutal as any other expansionist move, with killings, theft, forced conversions, whatever. But too much time has passed and too much has happened in the interim for it too hold the same significance in peoples' minds as more recent stuff.

I think also it depends on who you ask, every country is different. Like Japan still hasn't officially apologized to China for killing millions during World War II, but you never hear about it in the Western centric media landscape.

I'll also say that this is a very complex topic as well, I'm sure someone here will give a more concise answer.

Some women may believe they don't need men due to societal shifts, increased financial independence, and a desire for autonomy. This can stem from experiences of inequality, patriarchal structures, or simply a personal preference for a single life. Consequences can include a different path in relationships, career choices, and social dynamics. However, it's crucial to remember that this is a complex issue with diverse perspectives and individual experiences. Here's a more detailed breakdown: 

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4.07BeachesBy JADEYY00This beach is beautiful. if you, your friend or family member works at the university of the west indies you will get...

4.03WaterfallsBy Notating53Located on the roadside of the main road in St Thomas the gem of a free waterfalls is perfect for Spring water street...

4.022Bus Services • WaterfallsOpen nowReggae Falls or Reggae Falls Travel & Tours is a waterfalls and attraction site. We provide tour guide services onsite as well as transportation and airport transfer service through .

3.77Points of Interest & Landmarks • LighthousesBy Notating53The drive there is on very rough unpaved roads. The roads in and to the lighthouse are the worst! It is best to drive...

BeachesCow Bay is a fishing beach in St Thomas, it one of the deepest harbours in the Western hemisphere with a rich history, eco system and beauty. It is not a bathing beach, but wonderful for walks and… 

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Yoga & PilatesOur bamboo beach house has a sandy seaside space just for Smai African yoga and elemental tai chi. We have a remedy room for reiki, wellness coaching and spa treatments like facials and massage.

5.01Historical & Heritage Tours • Taxis & Shuttles♠Visit historic Judgement Cliff, MB Courthouse, 3Finger Jack, Old Rum estate, The Spring or Falls, etc. ♠Hike & Camp in Timesha's Park Valley&Mountain. ♠Enjoy Riverside experience. ♠Chill at the beach… 

Taxis & Shuttles • Walking ToursLocated minutes from Albion in St Thomas Jamaica. Enjoy this elegant, comfy, exclusive getaway and Oasis. We offer a tranquil and peaceful atmosphere for those in need of rest and relaxation. Wake… 

Climbing Tours • Hiking & Camping ToursRest assured you'll be in good safe hands! Your guide is military trained in Jungle survival. Outdoors Vybz Survival Adventures offer a military escape and survival adventures in the hills, on the… 

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Short videosVideos about Lyssons Beach, Reggae Falls Travel & Tours and more0:27Explore St. Thomas Jamaica: Hidden Gems, Hot Spots & Nature Adventures46.8K+ viewsmrs_quality_travelsTikTok · 10 months ago0:16Sheldon Levene | Have you been to these places in Saint Thomas, Jamaica 🇯🇲850+ likessheldonlevInstagram · 1 year ago0:15There are so many fun things to do in St. Thomas, you might need to plan a second trip (or five) to experience them all. 🏝️​ ​ From stunning beaches and... | By United States Virgin Islands2.9K+ reactionsUnited States Virgin IslandsFacebook · 2 months ago0:34St. Thomas, what’s up!! Still got a few more to add to the list, but f... | allen spring st thomas194.2K+ viewsexplorewithtash_TikTok · 5 months ago0:35St. Thomas Travel Guide: Beaches, History & More!410+ viewsTravel DayTrip IdeasYouTube · 1 month ago0:08Exploring Hidden Gems in St. Thomas, Jamaica16.2K+ viewshalimahtravelsTikTok · 8 months ago1:25876 Let’s Travel St. Thomas | 📍Reggae Falls Hill side, St. Thomas 🎥Via: @simplylocal.life #StThomas #River #Beach #Falls #Food #Nature #BlueSky #ClearWater...50+ likes876travelstthomasInstagram · 1 month ago0:0532 Best Things to Do in St. ThomasviatravelersPinterest · 1 year ago1:00Exploring Stony Gut and Morant Bay, St Thomas, #jamaica #explorejamaica640+ viewsOnestop Cultural Tours JamaicaYouTube · 11 months ago0:40Exploring the Breathtaking Scenery of St. Thomas, Jamaica!29.5K+ viewsshevmedzTikTok · 8 months agoTripadvisorhttps://www.tripadvisor.co.ukSaint Thomas Parish: All You Need to Know Before You Go (2025)Saint Thomas Parish Tourism: Tripadvisor has 338 reviews of Saint Thomas Parish Hotels, Attractions, and Restaurants making it your best Saint Thomas Parish ...Discussions and forumsSt Thomas - Jamaica ForumTripadvisor · 8ySt. Thomas has nice sea excursions to the other U.S. Virgin Islands and British Virgin Islands which are worth a day trip. I didn't find a ... MoreFull Day/Night ~ What to do? - St. Thomas Message BoardTripadvisor · 3moSt Thomas or Negril, Jamaica?Tripadvisor · 6ynaturessweetescapes.comhttps://www.naturessweetescapes.comExploring the Hidden Gems of St. Thomas, Jamaica - Nature's Sweet Escapes20 Nov 2023 — A breathtaking waterfall in Cloney District, White Hall. The journey to this undisclosed paradise involved a coaster bus to Morant Bay, followed by a taxi to ...

Notting Hill carnival

A group of young people has decided to take a stand and 'Be the Change' they want to see in Jamaica. Forming a foundation around their mission, the activists' main focus at this point is child abuse.

Originator of Be the Change Foundation, Monique Mitchell told Rural Xpress that she identified that there was a lapse in the system and many children were silently suffering from abuse. She knew she had to do something about it, so she began seeking volunteers who are passionate about making a change.

Under the theme: 'Break the Silence: Uncover the Abuse', their initial campaign hopes to educate the communities in St Thomas about the definition of child abuse, what constitutes child abuse, measures to take if they, or someone they know, is being abused and, ultimately, ways in which they can prevent the mistreatment.

"Though the foundation is island-focused, our first campaign will be done here in St Thomas and we hope that it will impact the rest of Jamaica," said Mitchell, who revealed that her interest in making a change stemmed from her own childhood.

I was abused at a young age and I realised that it had taken a toll on my life. The fact that no one else knew about it drove me crazy. I kept gravitating to the wrong things, but then I realised that overcoming my fear of the abuse would allow me to be a better person. It also led me to realise that a lot of people need to know that it wasn't their fault that they were abused or had a terrible childhood, so it makes no sense they beat up themselves about it for the rest of their lives," she said, adding that those abused need help and guidance.

And thus, the foundation was formed.

Though the official launch date for Let's Be The Change Foundation is set for December 12, Mitchell said a meeting was recently held in an attempt to recruit volunteers for the movement. The campaign, she said, is going well so far.

"We have a few dedicated team members and volunteers. So far, we've been flooding social media with pictures we've been taking for the campaign. The pictures are of us covering our eyes and mouth to signal the abuse and break the silence, respectively," Mitchell said.

According to her: "Starting next week (this week), we'll be going into the schools and various communities to host presentations on child abuse. The public needs to hear us."

Rasheda Rodney-Samuels, the event manager of the foundation, told Rural Xpress that they are now in the process of seeking sponsorship to fund the various campaigns.

"We're not only asking for their money, but we also need their involvement. We don't want to just have community members involved to give people the idea that this will only last for a couple of months. When we have the various businesses and government entities on board, then it becomes more noticeable," she said, advising that this will cause the campaigns to cover a larger population, thus influencing more feedback and results. Volunteers are still being asked to reach out.

Greg EvansFriday 07 March 2025 17:47 GMTComments

The YouTube sensations the Sidemen return on Saturday (March 8) with the latest edition of their football charity match, which is being held at Wembley Stadium. 

The collective, who have more than 22 million subscribers on YouTube, is made up of online stars including KSI, Wroetoshaw, Miniminter, Behzinga, TBJZL, Vikkstar123 and Zerkaa. 

The group formed in 2013 to initially record themselves playing games like Grand Theft Auto V together. Their popularity has flourished ever since, evolving into other ventures including a clothing brand, a fast food restaurant chain, a book and their own Netflix documentary.

They have held charity football matches since 2016, previously playing the games at Southampton’s St Mary’s Stadium, Charlton’s The Valley, and West Ham’s London Stadium. 

Saturday’s game will be the biggest that they have ever hosted, having sold-out Wembley with more than 90,000 fans expected to attend. This year money is being raised for Bright Side and BBC Children in Need. 

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The fifth match, held in 2023, raised more than £2m for charity. It also broke a Guinness world record for the most viewers for a sports event live stream on social media after 2,558,501 people tuned in.

Fans of popular YouTubers will be able to stream the event on the group’s official channel from 2.10pm GMT on 8 March.

The game itself is always contested between the Sidemen’s team and the YouTube AllStars with the Sidemen winning all but one of the matches so far. 

Although the starting XI for both sides will be announced before Saturday’s 3 pm kick-off, the squads for both teams have already been announced with major YouTube stars, Logan Paul, iShowSpeed and MrBeast, all set to play.

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The YouTube sensations the Sidemen return on Saturday (March 8) with the latest edition of their football charity

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Through the Programme’s targeted capacity-building sessions, law enforcement officials at the nation’s maritime and seaports, airport authorities and customs agents now boast of improved detection capabilities. The Programme is also providing legal advice and legislative support in the development of a new Firearms Bill, a  legislative framework governing small arms reduction.

Further, it has also facilitated meaningful research by launching the first Violence Audit conducted in Jamaica. The Audit is the first time a clear baseline has been established on the use of small arms and light weapons in volatile communities. Moreover, the inter-agency technical working group, an innovative component of the programme, has fostered increased collaboration and information sharing, ensuring a comprehensive and people-centered approach to tackling violence.

The Programme has also worked closely with educators and youth to foster firearm free and peaceful school communities. Engaging closely with the Ministry of Education and Youth, the Programme has led to the establishment of clear guidelines on reducing the presence of firearms in schools, opening channels of communications to various breaches and recording incidents of use. For vulnerable youth, the Programme has been instrumental in setting up “Youth For Peace Clubs” that are helping inculcate peaceful conflict mediation skills, manage their social and emotional behaviours and tackle gender stereotypes to bring about change.

One teacher, participating in the training, commented, "I really appreciated all that was shared about peace. My main take away is that peace is more than just a word but an active tool to effect positive change in all our lives and improve the quality of our lives. What I will do now is to promote peace in all my classes and guide my students to peaceful resolutions for their conflicts.”

Reflecting on how interpersonal conflicts would earlier escalate into fights and the change since the Programme’s intervention, two youth participants to the training said, “I learned the difference between conflict and violence. I want to use my learnings to change the school. I want to be a change maker. I want to create a Youth For Peace Club at my school.”

“It is time for the Government to take action and ban machetes, and zombie knives with immediate effect.”

Friday, March 14, 2025

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• No To Guns! Yes To Life - International Awareness Campaign against Gun Violence

By Karl Pearson on Sunday, November 21, 2010 - 2 comments

Gun and knives crime appears to be an increasing problem the world over with more than Three Million (3,000,000) lives taken by it each year and it is probably fair to say that Jamaica has more than its share. A campaign is now underway there to try and unify people into saying enough really is enough.   

The “No To Guns! Yes To Life International Awareness Campaign Against Gun, Knife & Gang Violence” is being spear headed by Black Music Promotions from Portmore. They believe that fighting crime is not just the sole responsibility of the Police, but of all citizens as well, and only through collaborated, committed effort can this be achieved.

"Joshua grieved, and wanted to do a song, that would be used as a learning tool, for others. This is how he got the inspiration, to write this song", told us Randolph Fisher, Chief Executive Officer of Black Music Promotion.

"GUN OR LIFE was recorded in 2006, as Joshua had a friend who was involved in illegal gun activities. Joshua on numerous occasions, ask him to quit and change from his way of living. At one point in time, Joshua ask him to come to the studio with him, to see if he could get the man involved in music recording, but he refused as usual. That same day Joshua invited him to the studio, he died the evening, he was killed by police after robing & shot some one."

"Joshua grieved, and wanted to do a song, that would be used as a learning tool, for others. This is how he got the inspiration, to write this song."

It hopes that by getting its citizens and police to work together and unite as one they will dim
Plan to cut thousands of civil service jobs in radical government shake-up

Exclusive: Proposals also include crackdown on quangos and restructuring NHS England

• What are quangos and what do they do?

A radical blueprint for reforming the state is being drawn up by government officials, including a crackdown on quangos and thousands more civil service job cuts, the Guardian understands.

Proposals to restructure NHS England, with entire teams axed to save money and avoid duplication, could be replicated across a range of arm’s length bodies that spend about £353bn of public money.

Separately, No 10 and the Treasury are understood to be taking a close interest in proposals drawn up by Labour Together, a thinktank with close links to the government, to reshape the state under plans dubbed “project chainsaw”.

The project’s nickname is a reference to Elon Musk’s stunt wielding a chainsaw to symbolise controversial government cuts for Donald Trump’s administration.

Keir Starmer told his cabinet at their weekly meeting on Tuesday that they should stop “outsourcing” decisions to regulators and quangos and take more responsibility for their own departments.

The prime minister said they “must go further and faster to reform the state” and reverse what he described as a “trend” under previous government of decisions being made by other bodies.

In a speech on Thursday he will set out plans expected to result in the cutting of thousands more Whitehall jobs than expected, as well as a reorganisation of more than 300 quangos, including NHS England, which together employ almost 300,000 people.

0:00 / 0:47How much water should you drinkdaily?

The initiative, from DHSC and the Department for Education, will be backed by £11 million. Schools are able to voluntarily sign up to the scheme.

Health minister Stephen Kinnock said: “It is shocking that a third of five-year-olds in the most deprived areas have experience of tooth decay, something we know can have a lifelong impact on their health.

“It’s why we’re delivering supervised toothbrushing to young children and families who are most in need of support as part of our wider plans to revive the oral health of the nation.

“This includes providing 23 million free toothbrushes and toothpastes through our partnership with Colgate-Palmolive to reach up to 600,000 children each year.”

Early education minister Stephen Morgan, added: “This Government is working hard to break the unfair link between background and opportunity, to ensure tens of thousands more children are school ready every year.”

Do you agree with the rollout of this campaign across England? (Image: DEAN HINDMARCH/Getty)Eddie Crouch, chairman of the British Dental Association commented: “It’s rare to find something to smile about in dentistry these days.

“But supervised tooth-brushing is tried and tested policy that will save children from pain and our NHS a fortune.”

Paul Whiteman, general secretary of school leaders’ union NAHT, explained: “There is no doubt that there is a crisis in childhood dental health in this country and the Government are right to make it a priority.

“However, we cannot keep loading increasing expectations on schools.

Recommended reading:

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• How to appeal a school place if your child doesn't get their first choice 

“Nor can we keep looking to schools to fix all of society’s ills. Most people would see tooth-brushing as a basic part of parenting, and we must be careful not to shift what is ultimately a parental responsibility on to the shoulders of schools.

“The new expectations around breakfast clubs are already placing increasing demands in schools, there is only so much we can expect teachers and school staff to do.

“We would urge the Government to think further about how parents can be supported to look after their children’s oral health and to focus on rebuilding NHS dentistry.”

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