Top 20 media moments of 2019
It is hard to believe that 2019 is almost
over. Where did the time go? It was a year of headlines, hilarious moments,
heartaches, hard choices and historic happenings. Some topics are funny, some straight
bar talk and salacious salon chatting and others downright controversial. They
made us laugh or argue, and most of us had an opinion on what made either the newspaper
front cover or was fodder for social media. Indeed, no one can say 2019 was
boring.
The following are some of the most talked-about topics of the year compiled in no particular order. See if you can recall most of them.
1. Former Education Minister Ruel Reid’s
scandal and subsequent arrest. It may not have been the ‘mother of all
scandals’, but it was pretty close with even his staff members being embroiled
in the missing million saga.
2. People’s National Party presidential
election between Peter Phillips and Peter Bunting. It got nasty and then in a
blink it was over.
3. The historic debut of the Reggae Girlz at the World Cup. For first time participants, they represented well.
4. Ann-Marie Vaz beating Damion Crawford for
Portland Seat. This was almost as keenly contested as the PNP race.
5. Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce’s comeback and win
at Doha. Now blessed with ‘mommy’ power, the queen reclaimed her throne as the
top woman in sprinting.
6. Artiste Koffee’s Toast reaches 50 million views.
7. Shaggy’s Little Mermaid
performance. The magical world of Disney benefitted from ‘Mr Bombastic’s
injection of Caribbean culture.
8. Konshen’s confessions of contemplating suicide.
In a missive directed at his estranged wife, the deejay poured his heart out on
social media addressing their complicated relationship; the death of his
brother and how it devastated him.
9. The Voice
winner Tessanne Chin expecting a baby girl. It is a new man and a new bundle
for the beloved artiste
10. Olympian Elaine Thompson gets married. She
may not have won at the World Championships, but she is still winning in life.
The athlete got married shortly after her return from the games.
11. Clan Carty Primary student dies in freak
accident. A seven-year-old lost his life when a garbage truck overturned on
him.
12. Pembrooke Hall High teacher meltdown. In a video that went viral, the teacher threatened the male ninth grader and the public took sides as to whether she was wrong or if she was simply a frustrated educator that was provoked
13. Jamaica Stock Exchange featured on Wall
Street. Having attained the distinction of Best Performance on the stock
market, our flag was flown on the Wall Street building.
14. Male lecturer at Edna Manley College
accused of sexually harassing both students and faculty member. The powers that
be at the institution were said to be aware of the issue for years and did
nothing.
15. Tesha Miller found guilty. The Spanish
Town don had his verdict handed down with the sentencing stage left to go
16. Edna Manley culturally ‘colourful’ Valedictorian
speech sparks controversy. Ending his speech with the ‘fabric’ that Jamaicans
find the most expressive, it made the round all the way to the Diaspora.
17. Yahweh Church clash with authorities over
safety and ethical issues involving children. With rumours of underage girls
were being married off to old men, the Child Protection and Family Services
Agency and the police stepped in, and there was almost a showdown between the
church and the State.
18. Cultural Icon Louise Bennett’s Centenary celebrated. One of the most beloved cultural icon 100th birthday was marked with events and performances, especially in her old home at Gordon Town, St Andrew
19. Protest over mining in Cockpit Country. Protest against bauxite mining in this protected area reached as far as outside the United Nations General Assembly building in New York.
20. Popular politicians’ visas revoked.
Phillip Paulwell and Daryl Vaz were said to be two of a few top politicians who
were ‘persona non grata’ with the United States immigration officials.
Is this list complete, BUZZ fam? What other media moment would you add?
