Join Caribbean history experts Joe & Kevin as they uncover the #1 Caribbean History & Culture Podcast powerful stories, cultural legacies, and untold truths that shaped the region in History of the Caribbeans: Tales of Resilience and Culture — a podcast for listeners passionate about Caribbean history, heritage, and the enduring spirit of a people who’ve shaped the world.
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History Experts Joe Amp Kevin Podcasts

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The Caribbean's Global Impact on Art and Fashion - Exploring Island Culture and Resilience
1:02:19
1:02:19
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1:02:19Explore how Caribbean history and island culture shape global art and fashion in this compelling episode. Discover the stories behind madras patterns, headwraps, and Carnival frames, alongside the vibrant rhythms of reggae, dancehall, and soca. This documentary narrative highlights the journeys of people and places that have propelled local craftsm…
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Exploring Caribbean Iguanas: Conservation Stories and Cultural Heritage | Cultural History Documentary
1:16:35
1:16:35
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1:16:35Dive into the fascinating world of Caribbean Iguanas in this cultural history documentary. Follow the journey of the Jamaican Iguana and the Rhinoceros Iguana through unique habitats, such as Hellshire’s dry limestone forest and Hispaniola’s salt flats. This compelling narrative explores how rangers, herders, teachers, and kids are keeping these sp…
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From Sound to Sanctuary: Papa San’s Journey through Dancehall and Caribbean Identity
1:05:13
1:05:13
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1:05:13Dive deep into the vibrant world of Caribbean music as we explore the compelling story of Papa San in this hard-edged cultural documentary. From his roots in Kingston and Spanish Town to his rise through the sound system arena, including iconic entities like Stereophonic, Lees, and Creation, this episode traces the high-stakes rivalries against tit…
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General Trees: Fast-Style Don of Black Scorpio | Dancehall History Documentary
56:15
56:15
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56:15A clear, human story of a Kingston deejay who turned fast style into a language, carried daily life into hooks, and earned elder respect onstage and off. This is dancehall history told with care—sound system culture, island culture, and caribbean music in plain voice, built like a documentary with lived detail and clean pacing. Keywords: dancehall …
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Jamaican Boa: Island Culture Resilience Documentary
1:27:50
1:27:50
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1:27:50The Jamaican boa is not just a creature; it embodies the heart of Jamaican culture and resilience. In this documentary, we explore how this native hunter acts as a vital part of the island's ecology and serves as a living emblem of Jamaican heritage. Through cinematic narratives following caves, coops, and karst landscapes, we reveal the respect an…
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The Last Poison Mammal: Solenodon and the Caribbean’s Ancient Survivors
4:23:12
4:23:12
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4:23:12Discover the ancient, venomous solenodon, an emblem of resilience in Caribbean history, that survived the trials of colonization and the perils of invasive predators. This cinematic, Smithsonian-style documentary spans across 17 chapters, revealing the intertwined tales of the solenodon with Caribbean history, Indigenous knowledge, and cultural her…
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Forests That Breathe at Night: Teeth, Children, and the Future We Choose
1:28:33
1:28:33
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1:28:33From radio collars and careful hands to classrooms and village nights, the solenodon’s fate runs through Caribbean science, culture, and courage. We witness how venom becomes a clue in understanding our unique wildlife, how Caribbean parks and communities hold a line against environmental challenges, and how children transform a shy night worker in…
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Forests That Breathe at Night: Predators, Disappearances, and a Night of Return
1:26:43
1:26:43
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1:26:43In this episode, we delve into the intriguing interplay between invasive predators and the rich tapestry of Caribbean history and identity. As we explore the mysterious disappearance of the solenodon from maps and memory, we'll uncover stories of resilience amidst changing ecosystems. From Cuba's forgotten species to the landscapes of Hispaniola, j…
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Forests That Breathe at Night: Solenodon and the Untold History of the Caribbean
1:27:57
1:27:57
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1:27:57Discover the intriguing connections between the ancient Solenodon and Caribbean history in this episode of the History of the Caribbeans. This ancient, venomous mammal, once a witness to the reign of dinosaurs, continues to shape the Caribbean landscape today. We delve into how this unique creature collaborates with the forest ecosystem, its pivota…
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The Taíno World: Power, Spirit, and the Last Days of Freedom | Caribbean History Documentary
2:16:52
2:16:52
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2:16:52Explore the final chapters of the Taíno civilization — from the political power of the caciques and spiritual strength of the zemís, to the devastating impact of Spanish colonization. Featuring first-hand accounts from Bartolomé de las Casas, Gonzalo Fernández de Oviedo, and Ramón Pané, this immersive Caribbean history documentary reveals how socie…
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The Taíno World: Leaders, Warriors, and Village Bonds | Caribbean History Documentary
5:40
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5:40Journey into the heart of Taíno leadership, defense, and daily life in Episode 4 of The Taíno World: Society and Spirituality. Discover the role of the cacique, the strategies and rituals of conflict, and the social bonds that kept villages thriving across Hispaniola, Cuba, Puerto Rico, and Jamaica. Told in vivid Smithsonian-style storytelling, thi…
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The Taíno World: Farming, Trade, and the Sacred Spirits | Caribbean History Documentary
7:25
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7:25From the fertile conucos of Hispaniola to the vast canoe routes linking Cuba, Jamaica, and Puerto Rico, Episode 3 of The Taíno World: Society and Spirituality immerses you in the agricultural genius, far-reaching trade networks, and deeply rooted spiritual life of the Taíno people. Learn how they fed their communities, forged alliances across the s…
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The Taíno World: Power, Family, and the Language of the Ancestors | Caribbean History Documentary
42:57
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42:57Step deep into the living heartbeat of the Taíno civilization as we explore their social hierarchy, family bonds, and the language that carried their history across generations. From the powerful caciques who led their communities to the sacred role of women in agriculture and ritual life, this episode uncovers the human structure behind one of the…
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The Taíno World: Uncovering Origins, Leadership, and Family Life in Caribbean History
58:17
58:17
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58:17Journey into the heart of the Taíno world — exploring Caribbean identity and cultural history—from their migration into Hispaniola, Cuba, Puerto Rico, and Jamaica, to the governance of their villages, and to the rhythms of daily life in the bohío. This Smithsonian-style presentation brings to life the leadership, traditions, and intimate family con…
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John Holt: The Legacy of a Jamaican Music Icon | Exploring Caribbean Culture
29:13
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29:13In this episode, we explore John Holt’s profound contributions to Jamaican music and his lasting impact on Caribbean culture. As we step away from the spotlight, we uncover the man behind the music — a mentor to younger artists during the 1990s and 2000s, and a deeply private individual devoted to preserving reggae’s cultural roots. Through his las…
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John Holt: Love Songs, Protest Anthems & Musical Brotherhood in Reggae
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34:09In this episode, we explore the legacy of John Holt within the context of Caribbean history and identity. Mastering the balance between tenderness and defiance, Holt became reggae’s king of love songs. We discuss his iconic tracks like 'Stick by Me' and 'Police in Helicopter,' which showcase his powerful political statements and contributions to th…
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John Holt: Jamaican Music Icon – From Greenwich Town to Global Stage
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38:27From the salt-scented streets of Greenwich Town to the electric glow of Kingston’s stages, this episode follows the rise of John Holt, a pivotal figure in Jamaican music, from a young boy with a gift to the commanding voice of The Paragons. Immerse yourself in the vibrant world of Caribbean music as we explore Holt's defining years in the rockstead…
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Hutia: Jamaica’s Hidden Night Wanderer - Exploring Caribbean History and Wildlife
49:24
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49:24Step into the hidden world of Jamaica’s only native land mammal — the endangered Jamaican Hutia, or “Coney.” In this Smithsonian-style wildlife documentary, we journey deep into Cockpit Country and beyond to uncover the hutia’s secret nightlife, its significant role in Taíno culture and Caribbean history, and the modern challenges it faces. Through…
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Buck Breaking in Jamaica: A Survivor’s Fight for Freedom - A Story of Caribbean History
2:48:07
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2:48:07Through the raw, unfiltered voice of a survivor, 'Buck Breaking in Jamaica: A Survivor’s Fight for Freedom' immerses listeners in one of the most brutal chapters of Caribbean history. This Smithsonian-style documentary exposes the violent practice of buck breaking— a weapon of control used to diminish the spirit of enslaved men in Jamaica. Experien…
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John Holt: Jamaica’s Heartbeat—A Cultural Biography of Reggae Legend
1:40:38
1:40:38
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1:40:38Explore the cultural biography of John Kenneth Holt, the smooth-voiced reggae legend whose impact on Jamaican music and Caribbean identity transcended borders. From his beginnings in Greenwich Farm to international stardom, this narrative dives into John’s remarkable journey—a compelling blend of Caribbean history and music. Discover how he influen…
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Blueprint to the Island Life: Top Places and Smart Choices for Returning Jamaicans
49:49
49:49
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49:49More Jamaicans returned home in 2023 than any year in recent memory, but where they choose to settle determines everything. From the cool mountains of Manchester Parish to the bustling tourism centers of St. James, each of Jamaica's fourteen parishes offers a different path to homecoming. Real estate prices have doubled in five years, infrastructur…
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Shatta Wale’s Rise and Reign: African Dancehall Cultural Revolution
1:04:04
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1:04:04He stormed awards stages with fiery outbursts and forced Ghana’s music industry to kneel. He hosted Ghana’s first virtual concert and scored a Beyoncé Grammy nod. He invested $368 000 in youth talent through the Accra Invasion Project. This cultural history of African dancehall traces his battles, brilliance, and leadership.…
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Should You Retire in Jamaica as a Returning Resident or Expat?
2:36:00
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2:36:00Discover how to thrive in Jamaican retirement—blending affordable living, evolving healthcare, protective infrastructure, and cultural pride into your ideal island life. What would you build first in your new home?By history experts | Joe & Kevin
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Nigeria vs Ghana: Epic Clash of West African Music & Culture
1:01:48
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1:01:48A riveting exploration of West Africa’s most celebrated cultural rivalry—Nigeria’s Afrobeats explosion vs. Ghana’s highlife heritage. Discover how two nations shaped modern African sound, fueled by identity, pride, and friendly fire. Which side resonates with you? What would you bring to this musical battleground? What would you have done in their …
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Breaking Through: Jamaica’s Great Transformation
1:19:34
1:19:34
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1:19:34Discover how Jamaica achieved the impossible: transforming from having the world's highest murder rate and crushing debt crisis to becoming a model of infrastructure development and community renewal.This comprehensive 3-part documentary report reveals the untold story behind Jamaica's remarkable turnaround through exclusive insights, policy analys…
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Untold Caribbean Stories: Hidden History & Secret Island Legends
2:24:05
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2:24:05Beneath the sunlit surface, the Caribbean hides powerful stories that defy colonial stereotypes—tales of survival, indigenous resistance, secret codes, and the cultural fusion that shaped world music. How much history never made it into the books? Dive into this immersive journey where every rhythm and ritual reveals a legacy of hidden brilliance. …
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From Kingston Streets to Dancehall Throne: The True-Life Legend of Ninjaman
1:47:17
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1:47:17Explore the untold journey of Ninjaman—dancehall’s most controversial and influential icon. From the mud lanes of Annotto Bay and the defiant stages of Kingston to courtroom trials and cultural immortality, his story is a masterclass in survival, creation, and consequence. Was Desmond Ballentine a hero, a villain, or a mirror of Jamaica’s hardest t…
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Inner Circle: Reggae Legends Discuss Their Journey
2:20:57
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2:20:57They stood in Bob Marley's shadow—until the world finally realized they were legends in their own right. From the streets of 1960s Kingston to the global stage, Inner Circle's journey is one of survival, sonic rebellion, and cultural restoration. This isn’t just a band story — it’s the living history of reggae music told through fire, fame, exile, …
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Island by Island: The Ultimate Caribbean Adventure | Caribbean Travel Narratives, Cultural Awakening & Historical Exploration
2:55:17
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2:55:17Embark on an extraordinary Caribbean odyssey, exploring 10 iconic islands through immersive, Smithsonian-style storytelling. Discover hidden colonial histories, powerful stories of cultural resilience, Afro-Caribbean traditions, and sustainable island living. From Jamaica’s vibrant music scene and Grenada’s revolutionary spirit to the Dominican Rep…
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Crown Without a Throne: Is Vybz Kartel the True King of Dancehall
20:22
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20:22Was it justice… or just myth? In this raw and reflective Caribbean music documentary, a dancehall journalist returns to Jamaica in 2025 to witness the long-awaited coronation of Vybz Kartel at Reggae Sumfest. From the streets of Portmore to prison recordings and viral TikToks, Kartel’s influence remains unmatched. But does cultural impact excuse co…
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The Role of Slavery in Shaping the Caribbean Today
19:45
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19:45In this emotionally charged, fact-based audiobook documentary, cultural journalist and documentarian Robert Williams retraces the enduring impact of the transatlantic slave trade across the Caribbean. Told in a Smithsonian-style first-person narrative, this journey spans Jamaica, Barbados, Haiti, Trinidad, and more — exposing how slavery’s legacy r…
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Decoding the Viral Success of Kendrick Lamar and Captain Traoré
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23:23What happens when a Pulitzer-winning rapper and a revolutionary military leader both capture the world’s attention—through completely different paths? In this immersive Caribbean documentary, we decode the viral ascent of Kendrick Lamar and Captain Ibrahim Traoré. Told through the eyes of a cultural analyst, this episode explores the power of digit…
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Digital Rebirth: The Caribbean Content Creators & Influencers Summit 2025
29:18
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29:18Explore the rise of digital Caribbean influence in this cinematic first-person documentary told by a Caribbean journalist attending the viral Caribbean Content Creators & Influencers Summit 2025. From the rhythms of Patois on TikTok to the preservation of Afro-Caribbean identity on YouTube, this powerful story unpacks how creators are reclaiming th…
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Trinidad & Tobago Carnival: Africa–Caribbean Cultural Fusion
23:24
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23:24Trinidad & Tobago Carnival: Africa–Caribbean Cultural Fusion explores the 2025 Carnival season through the eyes of a Trinidadian cultural historian witnessing a powerful moment of diasporic unity. This immersive documentary captures the cultural electricity of Machel Montano and Davido’s joint performance, the viral rise of their “Pardy” Road March…
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Exploring the Cayman Islands: Culture, Cuisine & Caribbean Adventures
26:54
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26:54They say the Cayman Islands are a paradise — but paradise for whom? This powerful two-part documentary pulls back the curtain on a Caribbean nation known more for its bank accounts than its soul. Why did the Cayman Islands never follow the independence wave that swept the region? How did the descendants of enslaved Africans preserve their identity …
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Exploring Aruba: Culture, Cuisine & Caribbean Adventures
18:43
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18:43Most people think Aruba is all beaches and piña coladas—until they walk through San Nicolas at dawn, sip cactus soup boiled by grandmothers, and hear Carnival drums echoing in a language built from colonization and resistance.This isn’t just a travel guide—it’s a deep dive into the identity of an island forged by desert winds, African roots, and Du…
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Exploring The US Virgin Islands: Culture, Cuisine & Caribbean Adventures
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15:55Most people know the U.S. Virgin Islands for their white sands and warm waters—but this story goes far deeper. Beneath the tourist gloss is a history of colonial conquest, Afro-Caribbean resistance, and cultural resilience that refuses to die.From the Fireburn rebellion led by enslaved women, to the revolutionary roots of Quelbe music and Carnival,…
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Cultural Politics & National Identity: How Captain Traoré is Using Sankara, Cinema, and Symbolism to Remake Burkina Faso
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49:08In this explosive 4-chapter documentary-style deep dive, we explore how Captain Ibrahim Traoré’s military government is turning culture into a strategic weapon of nation-building. From the resurrection of Thomas Sankara through a state-funded mausoleum designed by Francis Kéré to the revitalization of the iconic FESPACO film festival, Burkina Faso …
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Dana Seetahal’s Assassins — The Network Too Powerful to Name
18:36
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18:36When Trinidad’s top prosecutor Dana Seetahal was assassinated in a calculated, military-style hit, the public demanded answers. But what they got was silence. Behind her death lies an invisible criminal network—funded by drug money, protected by politics, and operating through systems meant to uphold justice. This isn’t just the story of one woman’…
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Dada Cop — The Double Life of Jamaica’s Most Feared Enforcer
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22:11He was a ghost with a badge. A killer with state protection. In Kingston’s deadliest garrison, one man blurred the line between police officer and gangland enforcer so perfectly that even the government used him—until it didn’t.Was Dada Cop a rogue gangster? Or a sanctioned asset the state had to erase?For years, he carried out hits using inside in…
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Don of Tivoli: The Ruthless Rise and Bloody Fall of Rohan Gordon
19:47
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19:47Most people think they understand Jamaican gang culture—until they hear the true story of Rohan “Don” Gordon. He rose from street enforcer to the feared successor of Jim Brown, commanding Tivoli Gardens through brute force, cocaine routes, and political intimidation. But his crown came at a cost. Why did his own allies turn against him after a myst…
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Deedo: The Jungle Enforcer Who Declared War on Tivoli
17:48
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17:48He wasn’t just another Kingston gunman. Deedo was the PNP’s shadow enforcer—controlling cocaine corridors, directing political hits, and orchestrating war against Jim Brown’s Tivoli Gardens. For a decade, he operated above the law—until his violent death shattered Jungle’s control and plunged South Kingston into chaos. Was Deedo a protector, a kill…
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Entrapment or Empire: The Buju Banton Cocaine Sting
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16:33Most people think Buju Banton’s arrest was about drugs. But the real story may be more disturbing. This reggae icon never handled cocaine, never made money, and wasn’t even present at the drug deal. So why did a U.S. jury convict him—and why was a paid DEA informant allowed to bait him into criminal talk for five months?Was it justice? Or was it a …
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Fresh to Death — The Rise and Betrayal of Kerwin Phillip
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17:38Kerwin “Fresh” Phillip wasn’t just another gangster—he was Trinidad’s most provocative symbol of street power and style. But behind the designer clothes and Instagram followers was a darker truth: secret deals with police, betrayals by his own men, and a flash drive that could've brought down the entire system. When Fresh was gunned down in a surgi…
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Mark Guerra: Murdered in Custody — The Gang Boss Who Died with Secrets Too Dangerous to Live
19:15
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19:15Mark Guerra was more than a gang boss—he was a kingmaker in Trinidad’s most dangerous neighborhood. From drug routes to political favors, he built a criminal empire with government secrets at its core. But in 2004, he was arrested—and murdered before he could testify. The official story said “gang dispute.” But the broken ribs, bruises, and missing…
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Robocop: The Businessman Who Ruled Enterprise With a Gun in One Hand and Groceries in the Other
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13:22Most people think a gangster can’t be a community hero—until they meet Selwyn “Robocop” Alexis. He ruled Enterprise with ruthless authority, but also fed children, paid rent for the poor, and kept order where the government failed. Was he a villain in disguise—or the only thing keeping his neighborhood from collapse? Why was he assassinated in broa…
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Stone Crusher Gang — The Butchers of Montego Bay
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11:23Most people think gangs hide in the shadows. But the Stone Crusher Gang walked into police stations and opened fire — daring Jamaica’s government to stop them. This isn’t just a gang story. It’s a tale of how Montego Bay, a tourist paradise, became a war zone. From military-style executions to beheadings and extortion of entire neighborhoods, Stone…
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The Ghost Supplier: Michael “Freddie” Brown and the Guns That Set Jamaica on Fire
20:04
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20:04Michael “Freddie” Brown never made headlines—but every gang war in Jamaica bore his fingerprints. From Spanish Town to May Pen, he armed an entire generation without ever being seen. He wasn’t a don. He wasn’t a killer. He was worse: the man who made killing easier. This cinematic investigative true crime story unpacks how one arms dealer ran a gho…
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Exploring Saint Vincent and the Grenadines: Culture, Cuisine & Caribbean Adventures
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22:51Most travelers see Saint Vincent as a tropical getaway. But behind the beaches lies a defiant history of Indigenous resistance, African survival, and cultural resurrection. This is the untold story of the Garifuna, the volcano that fights back, and the people who turned colonization into cuisine — and trauma into tradition.How did Saint Vincent def…
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