The Junkanoo Corporation of New Providence (JCNP) has expressed deep frustration over the government’s decision to revoke its authority to manage the annual Boxing Day and New Year’s Day parades. This move, described as profoundly unfair, is projected to result in nearly $1 million in losses and damages for the organization. In a strongly worded letter to Youth, Sports, and Culture Minister Mario Bowleg, JCNP Chairman Dion Miller highlighted the severe financial and operational repercussions of the decision. The corporation estimates losses of $747,000, including unpaid sponsorship fees from ALIV and Commonwealth Brewery, as well as $57,000 recently invested in upgrading its scoring system. The abrupt shift in control has also jeopardized long-standing sponsorship agreements and undermined years of collaboration between the JCNP and the government. Miller issued a seven-day ultimatum for the ministry to reverse its decision, warning that failure to do so would compel the JCNP to organize its own private parades in 2025 and 2026. This could lead to a historic showdown, with four separate Junkanoo parades instead of the traditional two, as major groups like the Saxons, One Family, and Roots rally under the JCNP’s banner. The Valley Boys, a prominent Junkanoo group, have split their support, with one faction backing the JCNP and the other aligning with the government. Corporate sponsors have reportedly advised that private parades are the only viable option to avoid breaching existing contracts if the ministry persists with its decision. Miller emphasized that the government provides no direct funding to the JCNP, leaving the organization financially vulnerable. Despite the escalating tensions, the JCNP remains committed to preserving Junkanoo as a cornerstone of Bahamian culture, striving to ensure its celebration reflects fairness and excellence. The corporation also criticized the ministry for allegedly abandoning a prior agreement reached during a September 9 meeting attended by key government officials, including Minister Bowleg and Attorney General Ryan Pinder. The JCNP dismissed a ministry-cited poll as unrepresentative, claiming that longstanding Junkanoo groups were excluded from the process. Miller concluded by urging the ministry not to obstruct its efforts to host private parades, invoking Minister Bowleg’s own statement that private parades are permissible in a free country.
分类： society
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Davis pledges pay ‘before Christmas’ after public servants marched on House of Assembly
Over a hundred Bahamian public servants, including members of the Bahamas Public Services Union and the Bahamas Union of Teachers, staged a protest march to the House of Assembly yesterday, demanding delayed or omitted salary increases. The demonstrators, chanting ‘we want our money right now,’ pressed against police barricades before Prime Minister Philip ‘Brave’ Davis emerged to assure them they would be paid before Christmas. The protest highlighted growing frustrations over disparities in pay between senior administrative officers and lower-level staff, unresolved promotions, unpaid overtime, and hazard pay. Union leaders urged calm as they sought entry to Parliament, eventually being allowed into the gallery. Prime Minister Davis joined them outside, reiterating his commitment to resolving the issue by Christmas and promising a meeting by Monday. The government had previously announced that workers excluded from earlier adjustments would receive at least two increments in December, retroactive to September 1, 2025, with varying amounts by category. Officials noted that the move aims to narrow gaps between public service pay and the wider public sector, with base-pay gains of 8 to 31 percent over four years. Union leaders, however, criticized the lack of clarity and transparency, with Mrs. Wilson emphasizing the need for clear information on salary increases and Mr. Ferguson accusing officials of delaying raises for aviation staff since 2019. Public Service Minister Pia Glover-Rolle stated that payment mechanics lie with the Ministry of Finance, while her ministry has made ‘significant progress’ on legacy issues. She also noted that the December timeline was set due to the complexity of the review. Among the protesters, frustration was palpable, with individuals like Angela Dames expressing personal financial strain due to the delays. BPSU vice-president Debra Foulke criticized the Prime Minister’s address as ‘weak,’ while others like Jessie Vincent and Patrice Johnson shared their long-standing grievances over unresolved promotions and delayed payments.
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Sewage overflow plagues Darling Street, NWC promises repairs
Downtown Kingston’s Darling Street area is once again grappling with a severe sewage overflow, sparking widespread concern among local vendors and residents. Effluent from multiple manholes has flooded public spaces near the bustling Coronation Market, creating unsanitary conditions and a persistent, foul odor that has become unbearable for those working in the area.
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WATCH: One person feared dead in Gallery Apartments fire in New Kingston
A devastating fire erupted at the Gallery Apartments on Oxford Road in New Kingston, Jamaica, in the early hours of Thursday morning, October 9, 2025. The blaze, which occurred after 3 a.m., has reportedly claimed the life of one individual, believed to be a male resident. The cause of the fire remains unknown as investigations continue. Emergency responders, including firefighters and police, swiftly arrived at the scene to manage the situation and assess the damage. The apartment complex, situated opposite Emancipation Park, was engulfed in flames, drawing a crowd of concerned onlookers. A vehicle from Tranquility Funeral Home was also spotted at the location, indicating the gravity of the incident. Observer Online has pledged to provide updates as more information emerges. The community is left in shock as authorities work to determine the cause and prevent future tragedies.
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Communities unite at Project STAR’s Six-a-Side football tournament
In the heart of Westmoreland, Jamaica, the spirit of unity and peace took center stage as the ‘Kicking for Peace’ Six-a-Side Community Football Tournament brought together residents of all ages. Organized by Project STAR in honor of International Day of Peace, the event transformed the Savanna-la-Mar playing field into a vibrant hub of camaraderie and hope. The tournament, held recently, aimed to harness the power of sport to foster community harmony and combat violence. Marlon Moore, Project STAR’s youth and sport coordinator, emphasized the initiative’s goal: to re-engage the community and highlight sports as a medium for peace. While the on-field competition was fierce, the off-field atmosphere was one of reconnection and joy. Neighbors reunited, children cheered, and young people discovered common ground through teamwork and fair play. For Renaldo Alonso Cameron, a participant from New Market Oval, the event was deeply personal. He shared how it promoted non-violence and allowed him to reconnect with old friends while making new ones. Coaches, like Oshane Gordon of the Cooke Street team, underscored the life lessons football imparts—discipline, respect, and cooperation. The tournament also marked the relaunch of Project STAR’s ‘Kicking Forward’ program in October, reaffirming the organization’s commitment to using sport as a tool for resilience and growth.
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$2.3-b police headquarters to ignite new era of development in Spanish Town
KINGSTON, Jamaica — Prime Minister Andrew Holness has heralded the construction of the St Catherine North Divisional Headquarters for the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) in Spanish Town as a transformative project for the historic town. The $2.3 billion facility, funded through the Capital Expenditure (CAPEX) Programme, is poised to serve as a catalyst for social, economic, and educational advancements over the next decade. Holness emphasized that this investment is a ‘security guarantee’ that will attract further development and de-risk future projects in the area, marking the beginning of a new era for Spanish Town. The Prime Minister made these remarks during a site visit on Wednesday, accompanied by Deputy Prime Minister Horace Chang and Minister Olivia Grange. The state-of-the-art headquarters, set to be completed by April 2027, will house 300 law enforcement personnel and feature modern amenities, including a jogging trail, sports courts, and advanced infrastructure like a sewer-treatment plant and stormwater drainage. Beyond enhancing operational efficiency, the facility aims to foster stronger community engagement and improve relations between the JCF and local residents. Minister Grange highlighted the project’s potential to boost the local economy, with businesses already showing increased interest in the area. Glendon Lodge, a local food vendor, noted the growing inquiries about land availability, signaling a positive shift in public confidence and economic activity. The project is expected to bring jobs, attract commercial developments, and create a safer, more vibrant community.
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‘A bullfrog the Epworth people dem up there a drink,’ says PNP councillor
In St Ann, Jamaica, Councillor Ian Bell of the People’s National Party has raised concerns over the delayed response by the St Ann Municipal Corporation to address the contamination of the main water catchment tank in the Epworth community. The tank, which serves as the sole source of potable water for the area, has been compromised by the presence of dead frogs, rendering the water unsafe for consumption. Bell voiced his frustrations during the monthly meeting of the St Ann Municipal Corporation on Thursday, emphasizing that repeated reports to the authorities have yielded no significant action. Two weeks prior, Saad Williams, the chief engineering officer, inspected the site to assess the damage and estimate repair costs. Williams acknowledged the urgency but stated that full restoration would require more time. He outlined a phased approach, beginning with immediate remedial measures such as covering the tank with zinc sheets to prevent further contamination, followed by cleaning and patching. Extensive repairs are planned for a later stage. Mayor Michael Belnavis of St Ann’s Bay assured residents that the initial cleaning would be completed promptly, likely before the weekend. The ongoing delay has left the community grappling with a critical water shortage, underscoring the need for swift and effective intervention.
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UPDATE: 70-y-o man perishes in Gallery Apartments fire
KINGSTON, Jamaica — A devastating fire at the Gallery Apartments on Oxford Road in New Kingston has resulted in the tragic death of a 70-year-old man, as confirmed by Courtney Thompson, assistant superintendent of the Jamaica Fire Brigade (JFB). The incident occurred early Thursday morning, leaving the community in shock and mourning.
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48-hour curfew extended in sections of St Andrew
KINGSTON, Jamaica – Authorities have announced the extension of a 48-hour curfew in specific areas of the St Andrew South Police Division for an additional 48 hours. Initially implemented on Wednesday, October 8, at 6:00 pm, the curfew will now remain in effect until Friday, October 10, at 6:00 pm. The restricted zone is demarcated by imaginary lines: to the east, from Chisholm Avenue/Maxfield Avenue southward to East Avenue intersecting Marcus Garvey Drive; to the south, from the coastline at Marcus Garvey Drive near East Avenue to the Duhaney River; to the west, from the Duhaney River to Kingston Harbour; and to the north, from the Happy Grove community to the Chisholm Avenue/Maxfield Avenue intersection, following the divisional boundary. Residents within these boundaries are mandated to stay indoors during curfew hours unless granted explicit permission by the ground commander.
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Students urged to use social media for growth and development
KINGSTON, Jamaica — Shanika Crosdale, a former Deputy Head Girl at Edwin Allen High School in Clarendon, is calling on students to harness the power of social media for their academic and personal growth. Now a sixth-form student, Shanika emphasizes the importance of using platforms like TikTok and YouTube as educational tools rather than mere sources of entertainment. In an interview with JIS News, she highlighted the availability of online tutors, past papers, and other resources that can significantly aid in learning. Shanika, who excelled in all seven of her CSEC subjects, credits her success to the strategic use of social media. She urges students to balance their time between entertainment and education, ensuring they make the most of the opportunities available to them. Shanika also stresses the importance of honoring parental investments in education by focusing on academic achievements. Another student, Rickoy Thomas, who passed eight CSEC subjects, echoes this sentiment, advising students to remove distracting apps if they hinder their studies. The Ministry of Education, Skills, Youth, and Information supports these efforts by providing online resources through its website and the e-Resources app, offering a wealth of learning materials for students, teachers, and parents. Additionally, the ministry collaborates with platforms like Google Play and BookFusion to provide approved digital reading materials and educational resources. Shanika and Rickoy’s insights underscore the potential of social media as a valuable educational tool when used responsibly.