In Kingston, Jamaica, a man faced legal consequences for operating a jerk restaurant without the necessary food handler’s permit. Rohan Gayle appeared before Judge Paula Blake Powell in the Kingston and St Andrew Parish Court on Tuesday, charged with selling jerked chicken in a jerk-themed establishment without proper authorization. Gayle admitted that he had applied for the permit on November 4th, but only after being caught violating the law on November 1st. Judge Blake Powell, while showing some leniency, emphasized the importance of food safety training, particularly in light of the recent Hurricane Melissa, which struck on October 28th and has raised significant health and safety concerns across the country. Gayle was fined $15,000, a fraction of the maximum penalty of $50,000, with the alternative of serving a 30-day jail sentence.
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Maldon High withdraw from daCosta Cup
In a heartbreaking turn of events, Maldon High School has been compelled to withdraw from the ISSA daCosta Cup football competition, which is scheduled to resume this Saturday. The decision comes in the wake of the devastating impact of Hurricane Melissa, which has left the team unable to adequately prepare for their crucial match against Christiana High. This announcement was officially confirmed on Wednesday.
Maldon High, having achieved a historic milestone by qualifying for the Round of 16 for the first time, was set to face Christiana High in the opening game of a doubleheader at Manchester High. However, Coach Dillon Thelwell revealed to Observer Online that the school had no alternative but to make what he described as ‘a very tough decision.’
Thelwell, who led the south St. James-based school to their first-ever second-round qualification from the highly competitive Zone A, disclosed earlier this week that the team had been struggling to conduct training sessions. Many players were severely affected by Hurricane Melissa, which struck on October 28th. In a subsequent update on Tuesday, Thelwell admitted that preparations had still not commenced.
‘The turnout has been dismal, with no more than seven players attending at any given time,’ Thelwell explained. ‘Several boys have lost their homes or suffered significant damage to their properties. Some have lost their school uniforms, and others have seen their books completely destroyed.’
Maldon High had previously suffered a heavy 6-1 defeat to Cornwall College in their first Round of 16 game, placing them at the bottom of the Zone 1 standings alongside William Knibb Memorial, who lost 3-0 to Christiana High.
As the situation unfolds, the Inter-Secondary Schools Sports Association (ISSA), the organizers of the competition, are awaiting official confirmation before determining the outcome of the zone. The withdrawal of Maldon High marks a somber moment in the tournament, highlighting the far-reaching consequences of natural disasters on communities and their aspirations.
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Cop in assault case to return to court
KINGSTON, Jamaica — A police officer accused of using excessive force in an alleged baton assault will return to court in May 2026. Maurice Hylton appeared before Judge Paula Blake Powell in the Kingston and St Andrew Parish Court on Tuesday, facing charges of assault occasioning actual bodily harm. The incident, captured in a 2024 video, reportedly occurred on July 30, 2024, along Shortwood Road in St Andrew, where Hylton allegedly struck a man in the head with a baton. The Independent Commission of Investigations (Indecom) conducted an inquiry, leading the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) to recommend charges against Hylton. Representatives from Indecom, along with two police witnesses and the complainants, were present in court. The case has been delayed due to a cross-case filing, where both Hylton and the complainants have lodged separate legal actions against each other. Hylton’s case, in which he is the complainant, has already proceeded to trial, scheduled for May 19, 2026, after mediation efforts failed. Judge Blake Powell has set the Indecom case for case management on the same date, with the trial judge expected to rule on the initial case before addressing the Indecom matter.
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Taxi union warns of ‘escalating’ industrial action over livery dispute
The Bahamas Taxicab Union (BTCU) is gearing up for intensified industrial action, citing unresolved grievances and accusing the government of failing to curb illegal operations that undermine taxi drivers’ livelihoods. Union President Tyrone Butler expressed frustration over livery drivers allegedly soliciting passengers in areas reserved for taxis, with major hubs like Atlantis, Nassau Cruise Port, and Lynden Pindling International Airport enabling the practice. Butler warned of escalating unrest, stating, ‘We can’t continue to operate where the government is allowing one fraction of society to operate illegally.’ He also criticized Transport and Energy Minister JoBeth Coleby-Davis for allegedly favoring livery drivers, claiming she supports their right to operate despite legal violations. The dispute, which escalated earlier this year, led to a formal request for legal guidance from the Office of the Attorney General regarding the Road Traffic Act. The Ministry of Transport and Energy emphasized its commitment to a fair and modern regulatory framework but acknowledged the conflict stems from differing interpretations of the law. Recent protests outside Nassau Cruise Port, which resulted in arrests of two taxi drivers, underscored the union’s determination to be heard. Butler expressed satisfaction with the union’s efforts to highlight their concerns but warned of further unrest if the government continues to ignore the issue.
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‘People have to steal to eat’: Charity faces crisis as demand for food surges
Great Commission Ministries (GCM), a prominent charity in The Bahamas, is grappling with a severe financial crisis as its resources dwindled to a mere $246 last month. Founder Bishop Walter Hanchell revealed the dire situation during a press conference announcing the charity’s inaugural Hope Fest. He highlighted the escalating demand for food, shelter, and emergency support, driven by the surging cost of living and deepening social crisis. GCM, which serves up to 600 people daily, provides groceries, shelter, and support for homeless residents, alongside initiatives like a weekly Children’s Club, a substance abuse treatment program, and daily street outreach. Bishop Hanchell described the increasing desperation among families, with many resorting to living in their vehicles. He also noted a rise in young men experiencing mental and emotional breakdowns, often requiring staff to locate and assist them. The ministry’s operating expenses now exceed $5,000 daily, including the purchase of 300 pounds of meat, even as donations have declined over the past six months. Despite the financial strain, Bishop Hanchell emphasized the spiritual motivation behind GCM’s mission, crediting unexpected miracles for keeping the ministry afloat. He urged the public to support the charity by contributing money, groceries, or meat, stressing the critical need for assistance.
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Opening of $3.5m homeless shelter pushed back two years amid serious setbacks
The highly anticipated Hope City homeless shelter, a project by Great Commission Ministries (GCM), has been postponed until 2026 due to significant setbacks. Bishop Walter Hanchell, the founder of GCM, acknowledged the challenges but assured the public that a detailed update would be provided before the end of the year. The shelter, announced in 2023, is envisioned as a two-story, 100-bed facility equipped with dormitories and an empowerment center focused on skills training, job readiness, and life-skills development. Despite having approved plans and a construction estimate of $3.5 million, the project has encountered serious obstacles. Paul Daniel Lewis, chair of GCM’s Resource and Philosophy Committee, emphasized the critical role of increased volunteer participation in the ministry’s future expansion, particularly for the successful launch of Hope City. He highlighted ongoing initiatives like ‘Live to Give’ and ‘Stop and Drop,’ as well as direct-deposit options, to encourage consistent contributions from residents and corporate partners. Bishop Hanchell also detailed GCM’s monthly ‘Power Up’ program, which aims to empower disenfranchised individuals through training in budgeting and life improvement. The ministry continues to face overwhelming demand for its emergency housing services, often resorting to placing families in hotels when shelters are full. With the need for public support growing, GCM is seeking at least 200 new volunteers to bolster its operations in 2026.
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Industrial Tribunal launches AI pilot as Winder calls for safeguards against misuse
Chief Justice Ian Winder has issued a stark warning about the potential risks of artificial intelligence (AI) in judicial processes, emphasizing that technology must never compromise the integrity of justice. Speaking at the opening of the Industrial Tribunal’s legal year, Justice Winder acknowledged the benefits of digital tools in enhancing efficiency and transparency but stressed the need for robust safeguards to prevent misuse. He highlighted the importance of maintaining judicial fairness, particularly in cases involving self-represented litigants, where AI can serve as a valuable aid when used responsibly. Justice Winder urged the tribunal to adopt guidelines recently issued by the Supreme Court on the ethical use of AI, ensuring that technological advancements do not undermine thoroughness or public trust. Industrial Tribunal President Indira Demeritte-Francis announced the launch of an AI pilot project aimed at assisting with legal research, judgment formatting, and case management. This initiative is part of a broader modernization effort, with its effectiveness set to be evaluated in 2026. The move follows a recent directive from the Supreme Court, prompted by an incident where an attorney submitted AI-generated “fake cases” in support of a legal argument. The directive underscores the need for accountability in AI usage, requiring court users to disclose AI involvement in document preparation and ensure the accuracy of submissions. Justice Winder also cautioned against inputting sensitive or privileged information into unsecured AI platforms, as such data could be inadvertently shared with other users. He emphasized that while AI can aid judicial processes, its deployment must never erode confidence in the impartiality and fairness of the courts.
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MBU returns to ‘iconic’ Jarrett Park as temporary home
Montego Bay United (MBU) has announced that it will temporarily host its home games at Jarrett Park for the upcoming months in the Jamaica Premier League. This decision comes after the Montego Bay Sports Complex, their usual venue, sustained severe damage during Hurricane Melissa on October 28th. The historic Jarrett Park, long celebrated as the spiritual home of football in western Jamaica, will serve as the interim home ground for MBU, starting with a match against Waterhouse Football Club on December 21st at 3:00 pm. The Montego Bay Sports Complex, which had been MBU’s home for the past two seasons, was devastated by the hurricane, with extensive damage to the football field and the 400m running track due to heavy clay soil deposits. Yoni Epstein, chairman of MBU, estimated that restoring the complex to its former state could cost approximately $300 million. Epstein emphasized that the move to Jarrett Park represents a significant step toward restoring normalcy and community spirit in Montego Bay after the hurricane’s destruction. Jarrett Park, a gift from the Kerr-Jarrett family to Montego Bay, has a rich history of hosting local, national, and international sporting events, including cricket and football competitions. Its reopening for Premier League football symbolizes resilience, unity, and the indomitable spirit of the community. The park has been the venue for legendary matches and unforgettable moments, including the finals of the daCosta Cup, Ben Francis Cup, and Olivier Shield, as well as home games for St James’ National Premier League champions Violet Kickers, Seba United, and Wadadah.
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Tunapuna man freed of gun charges
In a significant legal ruling, the High Court has dismissed all charges against Akim Jaggernauth, a Tunapuna man who spent five months in remand. The charges, which included shooting with intent, possession of a firearm, and possession of ammunition, were dropped after Master Rehanna Hosein found that the prosecution failed to establish a prima facie case against him. The decision followed a sufficiency hearing, where the court identified serious gaps in the evidence presented. The prosecution’s case relied heavily on a civilian witness who claimed to have seen Jaggernauth holding an object resembling a firearm before hearing explosions. However, the court noted that no firearm, ammunition, or spent shells were recovered, and there was no ballistic, medical, or forensic evidence to support the allegations. Additionally, a police search of Jaggernauth’s home yielded no weapons or clothing described in witness statements. Master Hosein emphasized that the witness’s account was inconsistent and lacked credibility, as he admitted to never seeing Jaggernauth fire anything. She concluded that the evidence, even at its highest, could not support a conviction. The court ordered Jaggernauth’s discharge on all counts under Section 24 of the Administration of Justice (Indictable Proceedings) Act. Defence attorney Yves Jacques Nicholson welcomed the ruling, stating that it reaffirms the importance of sufficiency hearings as a procedural safeguard in the criminal justice system. He emphasized that no one should stand trial based on conjecture or inference without a proper evidential foundation.
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Opposition demands clarity on Government’s US$150m loan to JPS
KINGSTON, Jamaica — The People’s National Party (PNP), Jamaica’s primary opposition party, has issued a stern call for the government to provide full transparency regarding a contentious $150 million (J$24 billion) loan extended to the Jamaica Public Service Company (JPS) and its handling of the company’s license negotiations. The PNP’s Spokesperson on Energy and Telecommunications, Phillip Paulwell, voiced significant concerns over the lack of critical details surrounding the loan in a statement released on Wednesday. Paulwell emphasized that the government has failed to address key questions, including the risks to taxpayers, the valuation of JPS assets, and the interest rate attached to the loan. He criticized the administration for committing such a substantial sum without disclosing terms that safeguard public interest. Paulwell further revealed that if the loan remains unpaid within two years, the government plans to convert the debt into equity, effectively acquiring JPS assets. He questioned the current valuation of these assets and whether such an assessment has been completed. Additionally, Paulwell raised concerns about JPS’s ability to secure the remaining $200 million of the $350 million it claims is necessary for full service restoration. He demanded clarity on which state agency will oversee the loan disbursement. The opposition also criticized the government for creating instability by sending JPS a letter hinting at a possible termination of its license in 2027. Paulwell urged the government to release the letter in full, asserting that Jamaicans deserve to understand the rationale behind such a destabilizing move. He highlighted the urgency of restoring power to thousands of Jamaicans and recommended leveraging the loan to secure concessions from JPS, including suspending its monopoly during national emergencies and allowing alternative energy sources to supply nearby households. Paulwell also warned of potential electricity price hikes and stressed the need for transparency on the restoration of liquefied natural gas (LNG) generation, which offers cost advantages over heavy fuel oil and diesel. The PNP reiterated its willingness to support responsible and transparent strategies to restore electricity and strengthen Jamaica’s energy resilience but vowed to oppose decisions that unduly burden taxpayers.