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  • Payment for jurors to move to $6,000 per day

    Payment for jurors to move to $6,000 per day

    Jamaica’s House of Representatives has enacted landmark legislation to substantially improve financial compensation for citizens participating in the judicial system. The Jury (Amendment) Bill, successfully passed on Tuesday with eight revisions, mandates a tripling of daily juror payments from $2,000 to $6,000 for each day of service in civil or criminal proceedings.

    The legislative overhaul extends beyond seated jurors to address systemic participation barriers. Individuals summoned for jury selection who aren’t ultimately chosen will now receive guaranteed compensation of $2,000 per day for their court attendance during the selection process—a provision previously absent from Jamaica’s judicial framework.

    Justice and Constitutional Affairs Minister Delroy Chuck provided critical clarification regarding the bill’s scope during closing deliberations. In response to parliamentary concerns, the government strategically excised provisions addressing jury tampering from the current legislation. Minister Chuck acknowledged that despite attempted refinements, the tampering provisions required additional legal precision and would be referred to Parliament’s Joint Select Committee on the Jury Act for comprehensive review.

    The Jamaica Information Service reports this compensation adjustment represents the most significant improvement to juror remuneration in recent history, potentially enhancing civic participation in legal processes while acknowledging the substantial time commitment required of judicial participants.

  • IT staff protest outside OPM over outstanding unresolved promotions and regularisations

    IT staff protest outside OPM over outstanding unresolved promotions and regularisations

    Employees of the Bahamas’ Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) organized a demonstration outside the Office of the Prime Minister on Tuesday, demanding resolution to long-standing promotion and regularization disputes. The protest saw staff members gathering near Prime Minister Philip “Brave” Davis’s vehicle while holding placards with messages including “Silence is compliance. We choose to speak” and “No fight. No fuss. Just pay us.”

    Bahamas Public Service Union (BPSU) President Kimsley Ferguson revealed to journalists that multiple attempts to engage government officials, including Economic Affairs Minister Michael Halkitis, have failed to address the unresolved personnel matters. Ferguson expressed particular concern about the implementation of a new career progression framework that has created uncertainty among employees who qualified for advancement under the previous system.

    “The implementation of new systems without proper consultation has adversely affected the terms and conditions of these dedicated professionals,” Ferguson stated, emphasizing that the transition should not have occurred without union collaboration. He noted the ironic circumstance of DICT staff—many of whom work within the Prime Minister’s Office—having to abandon their posts to demonstrate outside the very building where they serve.

    The union leader urged government action before the next general election, highlighting the critical role DICT personnel play in maintaining digital services across government agencies. He called for immediate meetings between the prime minister, relevant ministers, and union representatives to address these concerns.

    Jannette Pratt, a senior system network officer, provided additional context, explaining that line staff have awaited reclassification and promotions for years despite the introduction of the new ICT scale. According to Pratt, only five executive managers have thus far benefited from promotions, reclassifications, and back pay under the new system, while rank-and-file employees remain in limbo.

    Pratt indicated that recent industrial action by nurses over unpaid overtime influenced the DICT protest, noting the particular irony that DICT officers would typically be responsible for processing such back pay payments for other government employees.

  • Smith backtracks on Grand Lucayan ‘non-sale’ remarks

    Smith backtracks on Grand Lucayan ‘non-sale’ remarks

    In a significant reversal, West Grand Bahama and Bimini Member of Parliament Kingsley Smith has walked back previous comments that cast doubt on the completion of the Grand Lucayan resort sale, despite official government assertions to the contrary. Serving as parliamentary secretary in the Ministry of Grand Bahama, Smith acknowledged in an official statement that his word selection during a recent media interaction could have been improved to prevent misinterpretation regarding the project’s status. Smith emphasized his unwavering alignment with the government’s position, stating: “My position is, and remains, entirely consistent with the government’s stance. Having been personally present for the execution of the legal documents and the signing of the conveyance, I have no doubt about the reality of the sale.” The controversy emerged following Smith’s Sunday remarks to journalists that “the hotel transaction did not happen at this time” – a statement that directly conflicted with Prime Minister Philip Davis’s confirmation that the resort had been sold and the government awaited the operator’s development plans. Smith attributed the discrepancy to misunderstandings arising during “the heat of a media scrum” amid complex international business negotiations. He vehemently denied any rift with the Office of the Prime Minister, characterizing the incident as a communication issue rather than a policy disagreement. The Davis administration had announced the $120 million sale to U.S.-based Concord Wilshire Capital in May, with the company pledging an additional $827 million investment toward redeveloping the Grand Lucayan property and adjacent 160-acre Reef Golf Course. While visible construction remains absent at the site, Smith maintained that substantial progress is occurring behind the scenes, dismissing opposition claims that the deal had faltered. “Where the opposition is concerned, because they cannot see the internal work being done, they would have the public believe the deal is nonexistent. I refuse to let my words be used to support that lie,” Smith asserted. “A delay in visible activity does not equate to a non-sale.” Concord Wilshire Capital officials had not responded to requests for comment at the time of reporting.

  • Clifford Everald Warmington appointed ECJ Commissioner

    Clifford Everald Warmington appointed ECJ Commissioner

    KINGSTON, Jamaica – In a significant development for Jamaica’s electoral governance, Governor-General Sir Patrick Allen has formally appointed Clifford Everald Warmington as Nominated Commissioner to the Electoral Commission of Jamaica (ECJ). The appointment, made on the recommendation of Prime Minister Andrew Holness, becomes effective February 1, 2026.

    Warmington assumes the crucial role previously held by Senator Thomas Tavares-Finson, who concluded his service with the commission on January 31, 2026. This transition marks an important shift in the composition of Jamaica’s primary electoral oversight body.

    The newly appointed commissioner will join Dr. Aundre Franklin as the second Nominated Commissioner representing the Prime Minister’s interests within the commission. Warmington brings considerable political experience to the position, currently serving as Member of Parliament for St Catherine South Western constituency.

    The Electoral Commission of Jamaica maintains a carefully balanced structure comprising nine members. This includes four Selected Commissioners who serve as independent voices, four Nominated Commissioners (with equal representation for both the Prime Minister and Opposition Leader), and the Director of Elections who oversees operational matters. This composition ensures multipartite oversight of Jamaica’s electoral processes, safeguarding the integrity of the nation’s democratic systems.

  • House passes legislation to strengthen cybercrime framework

    House passes legislation to strengthen cybercrime framework

    KINGSTON, Jamaica — In a significant legislative move, Jamaica’s House of Representatives has approved comprehensive amendments to its Cybercrimes Act, substantially reinforcing the nation’s digital security infrastructure. The updated legislation aims to enhance protections for vulnerable groups, particularly children, while equipping law enforcement and prosecutors with more robust legal instruments to combat digital offenses.

    The parliamentary debate, concluded by Minister Andrew Wheatley from the Office of the Prime Minister (with responsibility for Science, Technology and Special Projects), addressed pointed criticisms from the Opposition regarding the bill’s approach to emerging technologies. Opposition members had expressed concerns that the legislation failed to explicitly address artificial intelligence applications, deepfake technology, forged digital documents, or manipulated video content—potentially creating prosecution challenges.

    Minister Wheatley defended the technologically neutral stance of the legislation, emphasizing its intentional design to remain applicable across evolving digital platforms. “The Cybercrimes Act is crafted to be technologically agnostic,” Wheatley stated. “This neutrality is deliberate, enabling prosecution of offenses irrespective of the specific technology employed, the platform involved, or the method of digital manipulation.”

    The Minister further clarified that “the absence of a specific reference to AI is not detrimental to prosecution efforts. The critical factor remains whether the fundamental elements of the offense exist—whether intimate imagery has been generated or fraudulent data manipulation has occurred through input alteration, deletion, suppression, or other means outlined in the legislation.”

    Concurrently, the Jamaican government has initiated development of a National AI policy through a reconvened National AI Task Force. This body will conduct comprehensive analysis of Jamaica’s existing legal and regulatory frameworks, potentially recommending additional legislation or amendments specific to artificial intelligence applications.

    Recognizing that legislative efficacy depends on public awareness, Minister Wheatley committed to implementing extensive public education initiatives. “Legislation cannot operate in isolation,” he noted. “We have a responsibility to ensure our citizens fully understand these protective measures. Following parliamentary passage, we will launch comprehensive education programs ensuring citizens, institutions, and law enforcement agencies thoroughly understand the Act’s provisions, practical standards, and consequences for violations.”

    The amended legislation now proceeds to Jamaica’s Senate for final review and approval.

  • Forex: $157.38 to one US dollar

    Forex: $157.38 to one US dollar

    KINGSTON, Jamaica — Jamaica’s foreign exchange market witnessed notable currency movements during Wednesday’s trading session, with the Jamaican dollar demonstrating appreciable strength against its US counterpart. Official data released by the Bank of Jamaica revealed the US dollar concluded trading at J$157.38, marking a decline of five cents from previous valuations.

    The midweek trading activity showcased contrasting performances across major currency pairs. While the US dollar experienced depreciation, the Canadian dollar demonstrated notable resilience, closing substantially stronger at J$116.32 compared to Tuesday’s closing rate of J$114.63. Similarly, the British pound sterling maintained its upward trajectory, finishing the trading day at J$215.48, representing an increase from the previous session’s close of J$214.87.

    These currency fluctuations occurred within the context of Jamaica’s managed exchange rate regime, where the Bank of Jamaica periodically intervenes to maintain stability in the foreign exchange market. The central bank’s daily trading summary provides critical insights into currency performance, serving as an important indicator for businesses, investors, and policymakers monitoring the Caribbean nation’s economic landscape and external trade dynamics.

  • Reputed gang leader ‘Bloodstain’ charged with double murder in Molynes shooting

    Reputed gang leader ‘Bloodstain’ charged with double murder in Molynes shooting

    KINGSTON, Jamaica — Jamaican authorities have formally charged alleged gang leader Courtney Ashley, also known as “Blood Stain” or “Biggs,” with multiple serious offenses stemming from a deadly September 2025 shooting incident in the St Andrew South community.

    The charges include two counts of murder, wounding with intent, possession of a prohibited weapon, and possession of prohibited ammunition. The case originates from a targeted attack on September 15, 2025, approximately at 7:00 pm on Grenmeade Road in the Molynes area.

    According to investigative reports, assailants in a white Nissan AD Wagon executed a calculated assault on a group of individuals seated outside premises number 14. The shooting resulted in the tragic death of 25-year-old business operator Kimalie Powell (alias “Beans”) and two-year-old Tajuan Jackson, while 44-year-old chef Desmond Brown (alias “Papa”) sustained serious injuries.

    Eyewitness accounts and police evidence indicate the vehicle initially passed the victims, reversed direction, and halted nearby before occupants unleashed gunfire. Powell attempted to flee into a nearby property but collapsed fatally. Jackson suffered a fatal neck wound, and Brown was shot in the left chest area.

    Local residents transported the victims to Kingston Public Hospital, where Jackson was pronounced dead at 7:20 pm and Powell at 7:30 pm. Brown remained hospitalized in serious condition following emergency treatment.

    Forensic teams from the Major Investigation Division processed the crime scene, recovering substantial evidence including four 9mm spent casings, a damaged bullet, bullet fragments, and multiple biological samples for DNA analysis.

    Ashley’s apprehension occurred on January 12, 2026, during a coordinated police operation in Phoenix Park Village, St Catherine. Subsequent identification procedures conducted on February 2, 2026, at Greater Portmore Police Station led to formal charges being filed the following day.

    The judicial process is underway as authorities finalize court proceedings while continuing complementary investigations into the incident.

  • Man sentenced to life in prison for plotting to kill Trump in 2024

    Man sentenced to life in prison for plotting to kill Trump in 2024

    A federal court has sentenced Ryan Routh to life imprisonment plus seven years for his meticulously planned attempt to assassinate former President Donald Trump during the critical pre-election period of September 2024. The 59-year-old Hawaiian resident was convicted on multiple charges, including attempted assassination of a presidential candidate and assaulting a federal officer, following a dramatic trial that revealed extensive preparation for the violent act.

    US District Judge Aileen Cannon delivered the stern sentence after a comprehensive 90-minute hearing, emphasizing the necessity to safeguard public security from Routh’s demonstrated dangerousness. The judicial proceedings reached their climax when Routh, who elected to represent himself despite lacking legal qualifications, delivered a perplexing 20-page statement that required repeated judicial intervention to conclude.

    The operational details emerged during trial testimonies: Secret Service personnel identified a rifle barrel protruding from vegetation at Trump’s West Palm Beach golf course on September 15, 2024. This observation triggered immediate defensive measures, resulting in Routh’s apprehension after a brief vehicular pursuit. Law enforcement subsequently recovered an AK-pattern rifle equipped with optical targeting technology and additional ammunition at the scene.

    Prosecutor John Shipley characterized the plot as a calculated effort to destabilize American democracy through political violence. The Justice Department, through Attorney General Pam Bondi, condemned the attempt as fundamentally anti-democratic. This incident occurred merely two months after another assassination attempt in Pennsylvania, where a rally attendee died from gunfire that slightly injured Trump’s ear.

    Routh’s courtroom behavior included bizarre requests for exotic trial accommodations and unconventional juror selection criteria, all denied by the court. Following his conviction, he attempted self-harm with a writing instrument, requiring intervention by court security personnel. Although Routh expressed abstract regrets during sentencing, his precise motivations for targeting Trump remain officially undetermined.

  • Ex-Klansman members expected to testify against Tesha Miller, co-accused

    Ex-Klansman members expected to testify against Tesha Miller, co-accused

    KINGSTON, Jamaica – Jamaica’s judicial system has embarked on a monumental legal proceeding against alleged Klansman gang leader Tesha Miller and two dozen co-defendants in the Supreme Court’s Home Circuit Division. The prosecution has unveiled a sweeping 32-count indictment detailing 16 distinct criminal incidents spanning from 2017 to 2022, portraying a pattern of organized criminal operations rather than isolated unlawful acts.

    During Wednesday’s opening statements, senior prosecutors articulated their strategy to demonstrate how the similarities in perpetrators, methodologies, and outcomes across these incidents reveal sustained criminal coordination. The Crown positions Miller as the primary architect of this criminal enterprise while characterizing the other defendants as active participants or affiliated members.

    A pivotal element of the prosecution’s case involves testimony from two former Klansman affiliates currently incarcerated for separate offenses. These turncoat witnesses are expected to provide insider perspectives on the gang’s operational structure and alleged activities. According to court statements, the organization maintained territorial influence through firearm violence while advancing collective criminal objectives for material gain.

    Presiding Justice Dale Palmer oversees proceedings that represent Jamaica’s continued application of the Criminal Justice (Suppression of Criminal Organisations) Act, commonly known as the anti-gang legislation. Miller, already serving a 38-year sentence for orchestrating the 2008 murder of Jamaica Urban Transit Company Chairman Douglas Chambers, now faces additional leadership charges under this statute. All defendants have entered not guilty pleas to all counts, including the central charge of participating in criminal organization activities.

  • Struggling Cavalier SC host Mt Pleasant in rescheduled JPL game

    Struggling Cavalier SC host Mt Pleasant in rescheduled JPL game

    KINGSTON, Jamaica — A highly anticipated Jamaica Premier League clash between reigning champions Cavalier SC and rising contenders Mount Pleasant FA is set for Wednesday at Stadium East, with kickoff scheduled for 4:00 pm. This rescheduled second-round fixture pits the last two Concacaf Caribbean Cup titleholders against each other, renewing a rivalry that has defined Jamaican football in recent seasons.

    Despite their storied history of meeting in the past three JPL finals, the two clubs are experiencing dramatically different fortunes this campaign. Cavalier SC finds itself in a pronounced slump, having suffered three consecutive defeats that dropped them to eighth position with 26 points. They currently sit level with Arnett Gardens, though with an inferior goal differential.

    In stark contrast, Mount Pleasant FA arrives pursuing their third straight victory. A win would propel them into third place, surpassing Portmore United on goal difference while maintaining three games in hand—a significant strategic advantage as the season progresses.

    The historical matchup between these clubs has consistently produced tightly contested encounters. Statistical analysis reveals that eight of their 14 previous meetings were decided by a single-goal margin, highlighting the competitive balance. Since the 2018-19 season, only three matches have seen either side score three goals in a game, underscoring the typically defensive nature of this fixture.

    The current season’s form guide reveals a dramatic divergence: Mount Pleasant has suffered merely two defeats throughout the campaign, while Cavalier has already endured nine losses—nearly matching their combined total of 10 defeats across the previous two seasons.