Crystal Davis, daughter of renowned reggae and dancehall icons Carlene Davis and Beenie Man, has proudly graduated from University of the West Indies (UWI), marking a powerful personal and academic victory.
Sharing her journey online, Crystal reflected on perseverance with the words: “Rough times, resilient heart, finished strong.” Her message resonated widely, offering motivation to others navigating challenges on their own educational paths. Family support was front and center during the celebrations, with Carlene Davis present and Beenie Man expressing pride despite being overseas. The moment stands as a reminder that determination, faith, and community can carry one through even the toughest seasons.
“I Am Truly, Honestly Thankful”: Marcia Griffiths Honoured by UWI
Reggae royalty was celebrated at UWI’s Mona campus as the Queen of Reggae, Marcia Griffiths, received the Honorary Doctor of Letters during the university’s January 2026 graduation ceremony.
Visibly moved, Dr Griffiths reflected on a remarkable 61-year musical journey that began in 1964, thanking God and the Jamaican people for sustaining her legacy. Raised in West Kingston, she helped shape reggae’s global sound, from her early days with Byron Lee and the Dragonaires to her historic role as a member of the I-Threes supporting Bob Marley.
With 19 solo albums, global hits like Electric Boogie, and decades of cultural influence, this latest honour adds to her national accolades, including her 2023 elevation to the Order of Jamaica. Addressing graduates, she urged them to dream boldly and pursue their aspirations without limits, closing with a moving a cappella rendition of Dreamland that united the ceremony in song.
Speed, Power, and Legacy: Jamaica’s Sports Stars Shine in 2025
Jamaica’s dominance on the global track was reaffirmed at the 65th RJRGleaner Sports Foundation National Awards, where Oblique Seville and Tina Clayton were crowned National Sportsman and Sportswoman of the Year for 2025.
Seville claimed his first Sportsman of the Year title after capturing World Championship gold in the 100 metres with a personal best 9.77 seconds, restoring Jamaica to the top of men’s sprinting for the first time since the Usain Bolt era. Clayton, just 21, earned her honour following a sensational silver medal performance in the women’s 100 metres, clocking 10.76 seconds and signaling her readiness to carry Jamaica’s sprinting legacy forward.
The awards night also celebrated excellence beyond the track, recognizing emerging and lifetime achievements across sport, reinforcing Jamaica’s reputation as a small nation with an outsized global impact.
A Nation Moving Forward
From academic triumphs and cultural recognition to world-class athletic performances, these stories collectively reflect Jamaica’s unwavering commitment to excellence. They remind us that resilience, discipline, and purpose continue to shape individuals—and the nation itself—toward a future defined by achievement and pride.