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  • Nationwide underground grid too costly, says JPS

    Nationwide underground grid too costly, says JPS

    Jamaica’s national electricity provider has declared a comprehensive underground power grid financially unfeasible despite growing political pressure for storm-resistant infrastructure. The Jamaica Public Service Company (JPS) presented this assessment during a parliamentary committee hearing that examined grid resilience strategies following recent devastating hurricanes.

    JPS President and CEO Hugh Grant, drawing from his experience with New York’s extensive underground network, informed Parliament’s Public Administration and Appropriations Committee that subterranean systems typically cost ‘north of 15 times’ more than overhead lines. While acknowledging the superior reliability of underground infrastructure, Grant emphasized that burying Jamaica’s entire electrical network would impose an overwhelming financial burden on the nation.

    The debate emerged amid heightened concerns about climate resilience after Hurricane Melissa’s October 2025 devastation, which caused extended blackouts across multiple parishes. Lawmakers specifically questioned whether Jamaica’s overhead grid could withstand increasingly severe weather events and seismic activity, with St Mary Central MP Omar Newell querying earthquake preparedness and underground alternatives.

    Instead of nationwide conversion, JPS is advancing a strategy of ‘selective undergrounding’ that prioritizes critical infrastructure. This targeted approach would focus protection on essential facilities like hospitals, tourism corridors, and other high-priority zones rather than attempting complete grid overhaul. Grant confirmed the company has obtained preliminary pricing for such targeted projects, noting they remain ‘extremely expensive’ but offer more achievable resilience benefits.

    The discussion reflects Jamaica’s broader ‘build back better’ initiative following repeated storm seasons that have exposed vulnerabilities in overhead transmission systems, particularly in rural and coastal communities most susceptible to weather-related damage.

  • ‘Legal light, and it feels good’

    ‘Legal light, and it feels good’

    ANNATTO BAY, St. Mary — A transformative initiative is bringing legal electricity and renewed dignity to residents of rural Jamaica through the government’s Rural Electrification Programme (REP). The program, implemented through a partnership between the Ministry of Science, Energy, Telecommunications and Transport and the Jamaica Social Investment Fund (JSIF), is regularizing previously unauthorized connections while installing proper electrical infrastructure.

    Sixty-year-old Kerron Buchanan, once disconnected from the Jamaica Public Service Company (JPS) grid due to unaffordable accumulating bills, now watches with anticipation as certified electricians install a new breaker box at his Cargill Lane residence. “I maintained monthly payments, but the carried-over balances became insurmountable,” Buchanan recounted, describing the financial strain that led to his disconnection.

    Buchanan is among more than 70 Annatto Bay residents who received complete household rewiring on January 21, marking a significant step in normalizing their electrical access. The emotional impact was palpable as Buchanan shared his immediate plans: “The first thing I will do is play some music and clean up the place.”

    Local cosmetologist Malika Murray expressed profound relief at transitioning from an illegal connection to authorized service. She described the constant anxiety of living with unauthorized electricity: “When you see a JPS vehicle, your heart leaps because you don’t know if they’re coming with police to your house.” Murray praised the utility’s initiative and committed to maintaining regular payments, encouraging fellow community members to embrace legal connections. “No more hide and seek. Legal light, and it feels good,” she beamed.

    The current initiative continues work that began in 2023 under former Member of Parliament Dr. Norman Dunn, with Annatto Bay representing the first phase in St. Mary South Eastern where over 100 households were previously regularized. REP liaison officer Omar Love confirmed the program’s expansion across the constituency, with more than 300 residents slated for regularization.

    Established with a mandate to extend electricity access to rural regions, REP supports the government’s broader objective of island-wide power availability to stimulate economic development. The institutional framework was strengthened in 2006 when JSIF signed a memorandum of understanding with REP and JPS to facilitate household regularization across 12 inner-city communities. The program encompasses complete household wiring and certification of contractor-performed electrical work.

  • Goat thieves hit Sydney Pagon STEM Academy

    Goat thieves hit Sydney Pagon STEM Academy

    The Sydney Pagon STEM Academy in Elim, St Elizabeth, has been struck by criminals for the third time in recent years, with armed thieves stealing seven valuable goats worth approximately $500,000 Jamaican dollars. The incident occurred Monday night as the agricultural institution continues to recover from extensive damage caused by Category 5 Hurricane Melissa three months ago.

    According to Principal Milbert Miller, the thieves fired two shots to intimidate security personnel during the brazen operation. The stolen livestock included five bucks and two does, with one pair having been recently donated by Jamaica’s Ministry of Agriculture to improve the school’s breeding stock. The loss represents a significant setback to both the educational program and nutritional initiatives that benefit students.

    The academy, situated on over 200 acres just miles from Santa Cruz, specializes in agricultural education alongside STEM subjects. The goats, sheep, and rabbits maintained on the property serve dual purposes: providing hands-on learning opportunities for students who often apply these skills at home, and supplying protein for the school’s nutritional program.

    Principal Miller expressed particular concern about the theft of their ‘service buck,’ which will severely impact their breeding capabilities. The school has suffered approximately $1.5 million in total losses from repeated thefts in recent years. Miller cited the lack of electricity in the area as enabling criminals to operate under cover of darkness and appealed for enhanced security measures including armed personnel and surveillance cameras to protect the vulnerable institution.

  • Cybercrime crackdown

    Cybercrime crackdown

    In a decisive move to confront the escalating challenges of the digital age, the Jamaican government has introduced comprehensive amendments to its Cybercrimes Act. Minister Andrew Wheatley, spearheading the legislative reform, emphasized that the existing legal framework had become inadequate against sophisticated modern threats including AI-facilitated crimes and cross-border online fraud.

    The proposed legislation specifically criminalizes the non-consensual distribution of intimate images, including those generated or manipulated through artificial intelligence. This landmark provision acknowledges that digital harm now extends beyond authentic imagery to include fabricated content designed to damage reputations.

    A significant aspect of the reform involves enhanced protection for minors, with courts authorized to impose severe penalties of up to 20 years imprisonment for offenses involving children. The amendments also target the infrastructure enabling cybercrime, addressing the possession and distribution of hacking tools and malicious software that have become commodified in online markets.

    The legislative overhaul strengthens provisions against phishing, impersonation, and social engineering tactics while updating legal definitions to encompass contemporary digital elements including electronic keys, authentication tools, and encrypted data. Law enforcement capabilities receive substantial boosts through expanded authority to seize digital devices, preserve electronic evidence, and pursue both principal offenders and those facilitating cybercrimes.

    Minister Wheatley articulated the philosophy behind the amendments: ‘This Bill is not anti-technology. It is pro-trust. Digital transformation only works when citizens believe the digital space is not a lawless space.’

    The opposition has expressed broad support for the reforms, with spokesman Christopher Brown describing them as ‘necessary and overdue.’ Brown additionally advocated for Jamaica’s accession to the Budapest Convention on Cybercrime to enhance international cooperation in pursuing offenders operating beyond national borders.

  • VISA TROUBLES

    VISA TROUBLES

    Jamaica’s Mount Pleasant Football Academy faces a potential competitive crisis as visa complications threaten to derail their historic CONCACAF Champions Cup campaign. The Caribbean Cup champions await confirmation of their Round of 16 opponents, with sporting director Paul Christie warning that logistical challenges could severely compromise team strength if paired against LA Galaxy.

    The St Ann-based club earned direct qualification to the tournament’s knockout stage after their December victory over Dominican Republic’s O&M in the Caribbean Cup final. Their upcoming opponents will be determined following a February playoff between Major League Soccer’s LA Galaxy and Panama’s Sporting San Miguelito.

    Should Galaxy advance, Mount Pleasant would travel to California for the first leg at Dignity Health Sports Park in mid-March. Christie revealed this scenario presents formidable obstacles, as several key players from Trinidad, Haiti, and other Caribbean nations lack necessary U.S. travel documentation.

    “Our squad composition creates unique challenges,” Christie told local media. “Approximately five Jamaican internationals and several Haitian players—who are absolutely critical to our system—currently don’t possess U.S. visas. We’ve received no substantive support in addressing this pressing matter.”

    The club’s efforts have included multiple appointments at the U.S. Embassy, all unsuccessful thus far. While Jamaica faces no specific visa restrictions, heightened entry requirements for Haitian nationals following the 2025 U.S. presidential election affect midfielders Daniel Saint-Fleur and Johnson Jeudy, plus forwards Rafa Intervil, Clifford Thomas, and Angelo Exilus.

    Christie emphasized the national significance of their participation, stating: “This transcends club football. We’re representing the Jamaican brand on an international stage. Government intervention at the highest levels could determine whether we field a competitive squad.”

    With approximately six weeks remaining before potential travel, time becomes an increasingly critical factor. The sporting director acknowledged assistance from Sports Minister Olivia Grange but stressed that broader diplomatic engagement is urgently needed.

    Mount Pleasant seeks to become the first Jamaican club to advance beyond the Round of 16 in the prestigious continental competition. Their qualification marks the second time in three years a Jamaican team has reached this stage, following Cavalier FC’s previous appearances against MLS opposition.

  • Deed Poll required for alterations to legally registered names

    Deed Poll required for alterations to legally registered names

    The Grenadian Ministry of Health has issued an official advisory clarifying procedural requirements for legal name changes. According to the directive, any adult citizen seeking to modify their legally registered name must present a properly executed Deed Poll document that has been formally registered with the Deeds and Land Registry of Grenada.

    This authenticated documentation must be submitted to the Births and Deaths Department before authorities can process any amendments to official civil records. The Ministry emphasized that this protocol ensures the maintenance of accurate and lawful civil registration databases while upholding administrative integrity.

    The public notice underscores the government’s commitment to maintaining robust civil documentation systems. Officials have requested full public cooperation with these established procedures, which are designed to prevent fraudulent alterations to personal identification records.

    NOW Grenada, the publishing platform that disseminated this announcement, included a standard disclaimer noting they are not responsible for contributor opinions or statements. The notice concluded with instructions for reporting content abuse through their established channels.

  • UDP Stages Protest Outside BTL Over Speednet/SMART Deal

    UDP Stages Protest Outside BTL Over Speednet/SMART Deal

    BELIZE CITY – A significant demonstration organized by the United Democratic Party (UDP) unfolded outside Belize Telemedia Limited’s headquarters on St. Thomas Street this Tuesday morning. Dozens of activists gathered to voice strong opposition to the telecommunications giant’s proposed acquisition of competitor Speednet/SMART, raising concerns about transparency and corporate governance.

    The protest, characterized by its peaceful nature, featured participants displaying banners with messages including “Our future matters,” “BTL Board do the right thing,” and “No secret deals.” Chants of “Bacon must go!” echoed through the streets, reflecting growing public discontent with the proposed merger arrangement.

    Opposition Leader Tracy Panton confirmed the demonstration yesterday, stating the party felt compelled to take direct action as BTL’s board convened today to reportedly seek provisional approval for the controversial deal. This development follows Monday’s joint statement from the Belize Chamber of Commerce and Industry and the National Trade Union Congress of Belize, both urging a complete halt to any binding decisions until comprehensive public consultations are conducted.

    Adding to the chorus of concern, NGO Senator Janelle Chanona issued remarks addressing the delicate balance between meaningful public consultation and national decision-making processes. Although not directly referencing the BTL acquisition, her statement emerged amid ongoing discussions surrounding the telecommunications merger.

    The protest, which commenced at approximately 8:00 AM local time, continued through the morning with participants pledging to enter the BTL compound at 10:00 AM to further amplify their demands for transparency and proper democratic process in the significant telecommunications sector decision.

  • Message from DNO: Likes and dislikes are back. Here is why they were temporarily disabled

    Message from DNO: Likes and dislikes are back. Here is why they were temporarily disabled

    Dominica News Online (DNO) has confronted a sophisticated manipulation campaign targeting its comment section engagement metrics, forcing the media outlet to temporarily disable and then reinstate its reaction features while investigating the source of anomalous activity.

    The publication, which has maintained operational integrity for nearly two decades, identified a disturbing pattern where comments would receive massive volumes of likes or dislikes immediately upon publication, bypassing normal organic engagement patterns. This coordinated activity showed no incremental buildup characteristic of genuine reader interaction, instead demonstrating instant, artificial amplification.

    In an open letter to readers, DNO’s editorial team explained their initial decision to disable reaction buttons stemmed from concerns about algorithmic manipulation distorting public discourse. The extreme and consistent pattern of engagement manipulation represented a departure from nearly twenty years of normal community interaction on the platform.

    The media organization emphasized its commitment to preserving authentic democratic discourse while protecting readers from artificially manipulated sentiment indicators. Despite ongoing investigation into the source and methodology of the manipulation, DNO has temporarily reactivated engagement features while continuing to monitor for suspicious activity.

    The incident highlights growing challenges digital media platforms face in maintaining integrity of public forums amid increasingly sophisticated disinformation tactics. DNO has committed to developing more robust systems to detect and prevent future manipulation attempts while preserving genuine community engagement.

  • One Year Since Orden Passo David Was Last Seen

    One Year Since Orden Passo David Was Last Seen

    A full year has elapsed since Orden was last seen, marking a somber anniversary for family members and community advocates who persist in their quest for closure. Despite the passage of time, investigative efforts remain actively underway, with both law enforcement and civil society organizations amplifying their appeals for public cooperation.

    The Eastern Caribbean Alliance for Diversity and Equality has reaffirmed its commitment to the case, characterizing the search as ongoing and urgent. The organization emphasizes that even seemingly insignificant details could prove crucial to the investigation and is imploring individuals with any relevant information to step forward immediately.

    This milestone has evoked complex emotions among supporters, serving simultaneously as a painful reminder of the prolonged uncertainty and as a catalyst for renewed determination. The collective resolve has strengthened rather than diminished, transforming grief into persistent advocacy.

    Authorities have reiterated their request for the public to share only verified information through official channels to ensure the integrity of the investigation. The collaboration between advocacy groups and law enforcement agencies demonstrates a multifaceted approach to resolving missing persons cases, highlighting the critical role community engagement plays in such investigations.

  • Greene Says Barbuda’s Development Targets High-End Tourism, Not Mass Market

    Greene Says Barbuda’s Development Targets High-End Tourism, Not Mass Market

    In a strategic move to redefine its economic future, the government of Barbuda is deliberately steering its development trajectory towards an exclusive, high-value tourism model. This approach, as articulated by officials, explicitly rejects the conventional mass-market tourism strategy embraced by many Caribbean destinations. The vision centers on creating a sustainable and luxurious niche, targeting discerning travelers seeking privacy, exclusivity, and premium experiences rather than high-volume, low-margin visitor traffic.

    The policy underscores a commitment to environmental preservation and cultural integrity. By limiting the scale of development, Barbuda aims to protect its pristine natural assets—including its famous pink sand beaches and fragile coral reefs—which are the very foundation of its appeal. This selective development model is positioned not merely as an economic decision but as a holistic strategy for sustainable growth. It seeks to ensure that the benefits of tourism directly support local community development and infrastructure projects, fostering a more resilient and self-determined economy for the island’s residents.

    This pivot to high-end tourism represents a significant differentiation from its sister island, Antigua, and signals Barbuda’s intent to carve out a unique and prestigious identity within the competitive Caribbean tourism market. The long-term goal is to build a globally recognized brand synonymous with unrivaled quality and responsible stewardship.