In case you missed it here are the OBSERVER ONLINE’S top 10 stories for today.

1. Musician Carrot Jarrett is dead

Irvin “Carrot” Jarrett, former member of reggae band Third World, was found dead at his home today. His death was confirmed by current band member Cat Coore. The cause of death was not confirmed.

2. Jamaica closes presidency of ACP Council of Ministers

Minister of Foreign Affairs, Kamina Johnson Smith confirmed that Jamaica today closed its presidency of the African, Caribbean and Pacific (ACP) Group of States. The ministry in a release described the tenure as a successful one, having set the stage for the commencement of negotiations between the Group and the European Union, on a postCotonou agreement beyond 2020.

3. Forex: J$135.44 to one US dollar

The US dollar on Monday, July 31 ended trading at J$135.44 up by J$1.07 cents according to the Bank of Jamaica’s daily foreign exchange trading summary.

4. PSOJ concerned over garbage disposal site fires

The Private Sector Organisation of Jamaica (PSOJ) says it is concerned about the fires at dump sites across the island costing the country over $100 million this year alone. In a release today, the PSOJ said that this high expense from scarce public funding is unacceptable as it impacts the environment and the production of goods and services of scores of manufacturers and businesses.

5. Suspect in beheading of Hanover man, fatal chopping of another killed by police

A 30-year-old man believed to be behind the gruesome beheading of a young man over the weekend and the fatal chopping of another last night in the Cascade community of Hanover has been killed by the police. The accused killer has been identified as Keron Watson, a mechanic.

6. Work progressing on National Health Insurance Scheme, says Tufton

Minister of Health, Dr Christopher, says work is progressing on a National Health Insurance Scheme for Jamaicans.“We have brought teams together to look at healthcare financing…how are we going to pay for the increasing cost of healthcare, and that is going to morph into a National Health Insurance Scheme,” Tufton said.

 7. Mandela Highway project 86% complete — NWA

The US$64-million Mandela Highway Realignment and Reconstruction project, which was originally slated to be completed by next month, has been pushed back to year end.

 8. Pearnel Charles to receive honorary degree from NCU

The Northern Caribbean University (NCU) says that it will be conferring honorary degrees to Speaker of the House of Representatives, Pearnel Charles; Managing Director of the Development Bank of Jamaica Limited, Milverton Reynolds; and President of the Atlantic Caribbean Union. Pastor Peter Kerr, at its 95th commencement scheduled for August 12.

 9.INDECOM has right to probe firing of mortars by soldiers, says court

The Full Court which ruled yesterday refused the Jamaica Defence Force’s (JDF) application to prevent INDECOM from serving notices on and taking evidence on oath from persons regarding the 2010 Tivoli operation.

 10. ‘Carrot’ was more than a musician — Phillips

Leader of the Opposition Dr Peter Phillips expressed sadness and shock at the untimely death of noted musician Irvin ‘Carrot’ Jarrett today. Dr Phillips lauded “the tremendous contribution of ‘Carrot’ Jarrett to the development of modern Jamaican music.”