分类： society

KINGSTON, Jamaica—Jamaica’s agricultural landscape demonstrates extraordinary resilience as Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Mining Floyd Green reveals a surprising surplus of vegetable crops merely three months after Hurricane Melissa’s devastating passage. The category-five hurricane had previously decimated some of the nation’s most productive farming regions, yet current production data indicates not just recovery but excess availability across multiple crop varieties.

During a January 20 press briefing at the ministry’s Hope Gardens headquarters, Minister Green highlighted the impressive agricultural rebound, particularly noting substantial overproduction in yellow squash, cucumbers, cauliflower, lettuce, pak choi, zucchini, carrots, and string beans. This surplus phenomenon extends even to parishes that suffered severe hurricane damage, including St Elizabeth, St Ann, Westmoreland, Manchester, Clarendon, and St Thomas.

The minister provided crucial context for the unexpected surplus, explaining that demand fluctuations within the hospitality sector have created market imbalances. “We’re observing slow movement in yellow squash, cauliflower, zucchini, and romaine lettuce primarily because these crops cater to our hotel and hospitality industry, which continues its own recovery journey post-Melissa,” Green stated.

Compounding the situation, operational challenges within the supply chain have emerged, particularly regarding cold storage limitations exacerbated by electrical infrastructure damage. Minister Green noted the particular difficulties large-scale providers face in maintaining refrigeration capabilities without reliable grid power.

In positive developments for consumers, market prices for numerous agricultural products have shown significant stabilization following initial post-hurricane spikes. Price reductions ranging from 14 to 77 percent have been recorded across various produce items. Watermelon prices dropped 63 percent from $880 to $330 per kilogram, while Scotch bonnet peppers—previously subject to consumer complaints—decreased by 20 percent. Additional reductions include pumpkin (33 percent), sweet pepper (20 percent), and carrot (40 percent).

Minister Green emphasized the need for careful market management during this recovery phase, ensuring farmer profitability maintains pace with supply availability to enable continued reinvestment. The ministry remains committed to its initially projected six-month recovery timeline, with ongoing monitoring of strategic interventions to ensure agricultural sector stability.

KINGSTON, Jamaica — Jamaican authorities have issued a critical deadline for parents to enroll their children in the national student transportation program as the country transitions to a fully cashless rural school bus system effective February 1, 2026. The government has confirmed that students without officially registered transportation cards will be denied bus access after the deadline.

Energy, Transport and Telecommunications Minister Daryl Vaz emphasized the administrative shift during a post-Cabinet media briefing, revealing that bus operators will completely cease accepting cash payments. The initiative guarantees subsidized travel at a fixed rate of J$50 per journey, representing substantial savings compared to standard transportation costs ranging from J$300-600 daily.

The program, which initially provided complimentary service since its September 2025 launch at the beginning of the academic year, now establishes a nominal fee structure while maintaining significant government subsidy. Minister Vaz highlighted the triple advantage of the electronic system: “It is both cost-effective for families, enhances safety protocols for student travelers, and improves operational convenience.”

Government officials have directed citizens to access registration portals through the Jamaica Urban Transport Company (JUTC) or the Ministry of Education, Skills, Youth and Information digital platforms. The minister additionally issued a social appeal to parliamentary representatives, local councilors, religious organizations, and public agencies to assist economically vulnerable students in obtaining their transportation cards.

Current operational data indicates robust system performance with 82 buses actively deployed across island-wide routes as of January 2026. The transport ministry reported consistent schedule adherence and uninterrupted service since implementation. Proactive measures include recruiting additional drivers to expand route coverage and preemptively address potential service gaps amid anticipated ridership increases.

KINGSTON, Jamaica — A new chapter begins for 24-year-old Andre Hollinzed from Clarendon as he joins the first contingent of Jamaican workers departing for Canada under the longstanding Seasonal Agricultural Workers Programme (SAWP). The ambitious young farmer, speaking with JIS News during a farewell ceremony at the Ministry of Labour and Social Security’s Overseas Employment Centre, expressed profound gratitude for the opportunity to transform his family’s circumstances through international employment.

Hollinzed credits his agricultural background and his mother’s encouragement as driving forces behind his application. ‘My mom is a farmer, my dad is a farmer, so we all grew up in a farming area,’ he shared. ‘She motivated me to get a farm-work ticket. Now that I got through, it’s my time to rise and shine.’

The determined participant has prepared meticulously for the Canadian climate, packing ample warm clothing to combat the harsh winter conditions. Beyond physical preparation, Hollinzed carries a deeper motivation: rebuilding his family’s home and livelihood devastated by Hurricane Melissa, which destroyed crops, livestock, and their roof. With four younger brothers depending on him, his aspirations extend beyond immediate earnings to establishing a solid foundation for his family’s future.

Minister of Labour and Social Security Pearnel Charles Jr. offered inspirational guidance to the first-time participant, emphasizing the program’s transformative potential. ‘This is not only an opportunity to earn money but to help you restart and rebuild,’ Minister Charles noted. He highlighted the program’s dual benefit as both a skills development initiative and a cultural exchange, urging Hollinzed to maintain exemplary conduct as a Jamaican ambassador.

The SAWP, celebrating its 60th anniversary this year, represents a significant bilateral agreement between Jamaica and Canada that enables temporary agricultural employment while providing Jamaican workers with lawful employment, income security, and exposure to international practices. The 182 workers departing on January 6-7 will spend eight months working on farms across Ontario, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, and Newfoundland, contributing to greenhouse operations and fruit and vegetable cultivation while supporting their families back home.

KINGSTON, Jamaica—A significant fire erupted at the Jamaica Urban Transit Company’s (JUTC) Rockfort maintenance depot in East Kingston on Tuesday afternoon, resulting in the complete destruction of two dozen decommissioned buses. The incident, which began shortly after 3:00 pm, prompted an immediate emergency response from multiple units of the Jamaica Fire Brigade.

Emergency crews from the Rollington Town, York Park, and Trench Town fire stations deployed four fire engines to combat the rapidly spreading flames. By approximately 4:00 pm, firefighters had successfully contained the majority of the blaze and initiated cooling operations to prevent reignition. Preliminary investigations are underway to determine the exact cause of the fire, though officials confirmed the destroyed buses had been out of service for over 15 years.

Notably, the incident resulted in no injuries to personnel or damage to operational infrastructure. JUTC representatives initially declined immediate commentary but subsequently released an official statement confirming that the depot’s critical operations remained unaffected. The company emphasized that its active vehicle fleet, storage facilities, and essential operational equipment remained entirely untouched by the fire.

The destruction of these aging vehicles represents a symbolic loss for Jamaica’s public transportation system, though without immediate impact on current transit services. The incident highlights ongoing challenges faced by public transport authorities in managing aging infrastructure and equipment disposal procedures.

KINGSTON, Jamaica—Significant traffic modifications are imminent as Jamaica’s National Works Agency (NWA) accelerates its ambitious Naggo Head to Braeton roadway enhancement initiative in St Catherine. This critical infrastructure development, valued at approximately $2 billion, forms an integral component of the Government’s Capital Expenditure (CAPEX) programme aimed at urban transportation modernization.

Stephen Shaw, Manager of Communications and Customer Relations at NWA, recently confirmed the project’s progression in discussions with JIS News. Construction activities are being substantially intensified along the three-kilometer corridor stretching from Naggo Head to the junction of Braeton and Hellshire Road, ultimately connecting to Greater Portmore. The NWA pledges to issue timely advisories to Portmore residents and commuters regarding impending traffic flow alterations, enabling necessary adjustments to travel schedules and routes.

Upon completion, the transformed corridor will feature a modern four-lane configuration with raised medians, synchronized traffic signaling systems, and comprehensive safety enhancements including adequate sidewalks. The project incorporates sophisticated drainage solutions and water line installations alongside dedicated ducts for fiber-optic cables, aligning with Jamaica’s National Broadband Initiative for digital infrastructure expansion.

The CAPEX programme represents a strategic infrastructure investment framework designed to stimulate short to medium-term economic growth through targeted urban transportation improvements. Six major projects currently fall under this initiative: Grange Lane widening (St Catherine); Braeton Road and Hellshire main road dualisation (St Catherine); Arthur Wint Drive widening (St Andrew); East Kings House Road and Lady Musgrave Road widening (St Andrew); Sandy Gully Bridge enhancement along Washington Boulevard (Kingston); and improved access to Portmore via Mandela Highway and Municipal Boulevard (St Catherine).

Concurrently, the NWA anticipates concluding the Southern Coastal Highway Improvement Project by March end, initiating a two-year defects liability period wherein contractors will address any construction-related issues. This multibillion-dollar infrastructure development spans St Andrew, St Thomas, and Portland parishes, incorporating comprehensive flood mitigation measures, roadway expansions, and safety feature installations.