Ebuzz News
Archived: They Passed The Bar Exam. Now These Young, Female Attorneys Are Encouraging Other Women.
There’s a 26-year-old female attorney who hails from the fishing village of Charlotteville, Tobago, who, having recently achieved her lifelong goal of becoming an attorney at law, says she wants other young women to aspire for greatness.
Jose-Ann Hackett told EBUZZTT she’s wanted to be an attorney since she was just 5-years-old. Now attached to the law chambers of Ingrid Melville and Company in Tobago, Jose-Ann says it’s her personal desire to lead in the industry with integrity, honesty and wisdom “because while there may be many attorneys in our small society, there is always room for good, upstanding attorneys.”
Hackett along with her friend, Desiree Tommy were called to the BAR in December. Tommy is now an attorney at the firm of Hove and Associates Attorneys in Trinidad. She attended UWI, Mona and graduated with honours with a Bachelor of Law degree. She is the eldest of three while Hackett has one younger sibling.
“Be happy to see others win.” This was the expression of the young Trinidad based attorney as we questioned her on the advice she’d offer to other young females like herself. “Stay focused and consistent in pursuing your own goals and you will achieve your own success in time,” she encouraged. Tobago based Hackett told us she sees the profession as an opportunity to help those who are prejudiced, and bring justice for the voiceless. “I want young women to know that they should never allow stereotypical elements to define them. I am a testimony of persistence, determination and manifestation,” she said.
Desiree, who attended the Hugh Wooding Law School, obtaining a Legal Education Certificate before gaining work experience in Jamaica and St. Lucia, emphasised the need for young people to consistently work hard to achieve their goals, while engaging in activities that facilitate and enhance the learning and understanding of their desired professions. “If you happen to stumble or fall along the way, fix your crown and keep pushing,” she said.
Hopes for 2021
“My hope for 2021 is to be the change the society needs in whatever way I can effect change,” said Hackett. Her ambition is to continue working arduously to bring peace and justice for people who are prejudiced and helpless in their situations, within the confines of the law. “I want to make a mark in Trinidad and Tobago, in my own, unique way.”
Tommy says she strives to become the best version of herself possible. “As I continue to learn and grow in the legal profession, I will forever be humbled by the opportunity to vigorously defend and serve others. My hope is to be a role model to young women and a voice for the defenceless in the continued pursuit of justice.”
Music News
Vybz Kartel To Headline Reggae Sumfest This Year, Alongside Mavado. New Album, ‘God & Time’ Set for June Release.
One of the most influential artists in dancehall history, Vybz Kartel, marks a defining new chapter with his forthcoming album God & Time, slated for release June 5th, 2026.
In recent weeks, dancehall artiste, Vybz Kartel has been receiving some backlash online after sharing videos of himself wearing a bonnet while dancing in his underwear and a robe. The noise increased after he shared it a second time, almost taunting his detractors and making it clear that he is rich and does not care for the unsolicited comments of naysayers. Fast forward days later and like magic, the artiste’s pre-album release publicity stunt ushers in the release of his forthcoming album God & Time, set for a June 5th release. Kartel ain’t no fool.
The upcoming album is symbolic for the artiste who spent 13 years behind bars in Jamaica and was only released in 2024. It is being touted as his most personal and sonically expansive body of work since his release. The album will span genres and features an all star lineup of artistes including, Puerto Rican superstar Farruko, Jamaica’s Skillibeng, and Shenseea, with more artistes to be included.
In a media release, it is highlighted that throughout God & Time, Vybz Kartel moves seamlessly between personal reflections, hard-hitting dancehall anthems, sensual records for the ladies, genre-bending crossover records, and rare moments of vulnerability. It adds that it is inspired by the Jamaican expression “God & Time”—rooted in faith, patience, and destiny—and reflects the artiste’s survival, rebirth, and creative freedom.
The title track evokes the same introspective tone as Kartel’s most streamed post-release hit “God Is The Greatest,” which has surpassed 30 million video views year-to-date.
Produced by longtime collaborator TJ Records alongside Kartel, the album reunites the creative team behind Viking (Vybz Is King) (2015) and King of the Dancehall (2016), which included the RIAA Gold-certified hit “Fever.” God & Time will be released via TJ Records / Vybz Kartel Muzik and distributed by Zojak World Wide.
In support of the new album, Vybz Kartel will headline Reggae Sumfest on July 18th, alongside Mavado, reuniting two dancehall icons whose rivalry defined the genre throughout the 2000s in a landmark moment for Jamaican music and culture.
Ebuzz News
Denise Belfon Thanks Drake’s ‘OVO’ Team for Inclusion of Her ‘Work’ on New Track.
Canadian rapper, Drake is once again teaming up with Caribbean entertainers, delivering a brand new album called, ‘Maid of Honor,’ which is now available on all streaming platforms. It was one of three albums the artiste simultaneously dropped on May 15th – the other two being ICEMAN and HABIBTI.
One of the singles on ‘Maid of Honor,’ called ‘BBW’ features the work of Trinidad and Tobago entertainer, Denise ‘Saucy Wow’ Belfon – her 1998 track, ‘Work.’
The lyrics, ‘Put Yuh Back in It’ became a trending expression on TikTok in 2020 when it became a challenge on the popular platform. That viral opportunity six years ago, led to the song’s resurgence and Belfon’s name being called by younger generations whose parents, aunts and uncles would’ve more than likely grown up on her music and performances in the Caribbean. Fast forward to 2026, and Belfon is once again enjoying a viral moment as news broke that her song had been sampled by Drake. “Everything is legitimate and I want to thank the team – Fabian Alfonso, a copyright specialist out of Trinidad and Tobago ; He was very instrumental in making this deal become reality, said Belfon in a chat with Ebuzztt, before expressing gratitude to several other instrumental people, and Drake’s OVO team.
In 2022, dancehall artiste, Shenseea and rapper, Megan Thee Stallion also sampled ‘Work’ on the single, ‘Lick.’ Belfon, who lives in New York, had, at that time, attended a release party at a nightclub in New York, where Shenseea acknowledged the Soca artiste’s influence on the new release.
The Maid of Honor album delivers 14 singles and added to T&T’s Denise Belfon, Jamaican artiste, Popcaan is also featured on a single called, ‘Amazing Shape.’
Denise Belfon’s personality and charisma has, for a very long time, made her a fan favorite in the Caribbean. A vocal powerhouse and unique stage performer, she has stood the test of time in the Soca music industry, having created massive soca anthems like ‘Work,’ ‘Wine and Bend Over’ and ‘Wining Queen’ among countless other flavorful singles.
