At least one Jamaican family is now in mourning following Thursday night's deadly plane crash in New York.

The crash claimed the lives of 49 people aboard a Continental aeroplane and one person on the ground after it crashed into a house near Buffalo, New York, and burst into flames.

Among the victims were Jamaicans Danny Massop (42), Dawn Massop (43), their 13-year-old son, Shawn Massop, and Dawn's sister, Ferris Reid - all from one family.

Jamaica's Ambassador to the United States Anthony Johnson has described the crash as sad and unfortunate.

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A legendary reggae icon was the lone Caribbean singer to walk away with a Grammy Award Sunday night.Jamaican Burning Spear grabbed the Best Reggae Album award at the 51st annual Grammy Awards last night at the Staples Center in Los Angeles. Rihanna, the other Caribbean singer nominated for the 2009 awards, failed to win. She had been nominated for three awards including Best Pop Collaboration With Vocals and Best Dance Recording  for `Distubia.`

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Mrs. Clinton was speaking with Jamaica's Ambassador to Washington, Anthony Johnson at a diplomatic reception at Washington Union Station on Tuesday night (Jan. 20), hours after the historic inauguration ceremony of Barack Obama as the 44th President of the United States. Former President Bill Clinton was also in attendance.

Mrs. Clinton said she expected to deepen engagement with foreign countries as part of the effort to bring about more productive relations with America's trading partners.

Former President Clinton, for his part, said that he had been observing the progress being made against HIV/AIDS in the Caribbean and was pleased that his charitable foundation had made a contribution in that area.

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Jamaican Ambassador to the United States of America (USA), Anthony Johnson, has said that he anticipates, under President Barack Obama's administration, a strengthening of the positive relations that Jamaica has always enjoyed with the U.S.

Ambassador Johnson, who, along with his wife, Pamella, represented Jamaica at the inauguration ceremony of the 44th President of the States of America, in Washington, DC on January 20th, told JIS News, that he was, "really excited to witness this historic moment in the history of the United States.

Secretary of State Mrs. Hillary Clinton says she has high hopes of closer links and working relationships with the Caribbean.

Mrs. Clinton made her observation as she, along with former President Bill Clinton met with Jamaica's Ambassador, Anthony Johnson at a Diplomatic Reception at the Washington Union Station on Tuesday night.

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