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  • Fire believed to be the work of arsonist burning at Riverton dump

    Fire believed to be the work of arsonist burning at Riverton dump

    KINGSTON, Jamaica – A significant environmental incident unfolded late Thursday evening as the National Solid Waste Management Authority (NSWMA) confirmed a major fire eruption at the Riverton disposal site. The blaze was detected simultaneously in two distinct sections of the facility shortly after 11:00 pm, prompting an immediate emergency response.

    Emergency protocols were activated without delay. The Jamaica Fire Brigade received immediate notification and deployed multiple firefighting units to the scene within minutes of the discovery. A coordinated operation between the arriving firefighters and on-site waste management personnel is currently underway, focusing on containment strategies to prevent further spread of the flames.

    Current efforts involve the extensive application of cover material to smother the fire and mitigate the production of hazardous smoke, thereby reducing potential environmental and public health repercussions. The NSWMA has assured the public that sufficient resources, including cover material, trucks, heavy-duty equipment, and trained personnel, are deployed at the site to manage the situation effectively.

    The origin of the fire is under preliminary investigation. Authorities have indicated that the rapid ignition and spread patterns have raised suspicions of the blaze being intentionally set. The NSWMA, however, emphasized that a definitive conclusion will only be reached following a comprehensive investigation into the cause.

    The agency has committed to providing timely updates to the public as the containment operation progresses and more information becomes available.

  • Mottley rejects claim that Trinidadian was ‘kidnapped’ in Barbados

    Mottley rejects claim that Trinidadian was ‘kidnapped’ in Barbados

    A significant diplomatic dispute has emerged between Caribbean leaders regarding the 2022 apprehension of a Trinidadian national in Barbados. The controversy erupted during the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) summit in St. Kitts when Trinidad and Tobago’s Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar characterized the incident as a coordinated “kidnapping” involving regional security assets.

    Barbadian Prime Minister Mia Mottley issued a forceful rebuttal, denouncing these claims as “a scurrilous lie and defamatory in the extreme” during a national television address. Mottley clarified that the operation followed established regional protocols where Trinidadian authorities presented arrest warrants to Barbadian police, who then executed the apprehension independently without government involvement.

    The incident centers on Brent Thomas, who was detained at a Barbados hotel and transported to Trinidad without formal extradition proceedings. A Trinidadian High Court later ruled the operation an “unlawful abduction,” resulting in both governments accepting liability for constitutional breaches.

    Mottley acknowledged the case highlighted systemic deficiencies in regional judicial cooperation, noting that the informal warrant execution practice demonstrated the urgent need for legislative reform. She emphasized Barbados’s commitment to the CARICOM Arrest Warrant Treaty, which requires domestic legislation in each member state to become operational.

    While Guyana, St. Lucia, and Antigua and Barbuda have implemented the necessary laws, Trinidad and Tobago has ratified but not yet enacted domestic legislation. Persad-Bissessar subsequently responded that she took no offence at Mottley’s statements, characterizing them as a clear explanation of Barbados’s position regarding the Thomas case.

  • Bishop Fernander to step aside as president of BCC

    Bishop Fernander to step aside as president of BCC

    Bishop Delton Fernander will conclude his tenure as President of the Bahamas Christian Council (BCC) this year, initiating a leadership transition as the organization prepares for its April elections. Constitutional term limits prevent Bishop Fernander from seeking re-election, ensuring the council will elect a new president during the upcoming vote.

    Bishop Fernander, who assumed the presidency in 2017 following elections at Cousin McPhee Cathedral where he succeeded Dr. Ranford Patterson, will transition from his ecclesiastical leadership role to a significant national position. His departure coincides with his appointment as the new Chaplain for the Royal Bahamas Defence Force, effective Wednesday. He will replace Apostle Raymond Wells, whose service concludes at the month’s end.

    National Security Minister Wayne Munroe formally welcomed Bishop Fernander to his new capacity, emphasizing the appointee’s technical qualifications and their alignment with the defence force’s ongoing modernization initiatives. Minister Munroe noted that Bishop Fernander’s expertise would contribute substantially to the organization’s improvement goals.

    Beyond his presidential role with the BCC, Bishop Fernander maintains leadership of New Destiny Baptist Cathedral in New Providence and holds a PhD in Philosophy. His distinguished career includes previous service as Presiding Bishop of Kingdom Building Pastors and People International, with national recognition as an accomplished preacher, educator, and motivational speaker.

  • Exuma man dies as airport lights fail

    Exuma man dies as airport lights fail

    A systemic failure in emergency medical infrastructure has come under intense scrutiny in The Bahamas following the tragic death of a 76-year-old man. Alston Rolle, a dementia patient, passed away after an air ambulance dispatched to evacuate him from Exuma to a advanced medical facility in New Providence was forced to abort its mission. The aircraft, circling the Exuma International Airport, was reportedly unable to land due to inoperative runway lighting, a critical safety violation.

    The incident unfolded on the night of February 18th. A’neasha Rolle, the patient’s daughter, recounted the agonizing experience of waiting with her father in a ground ambulance, watching the rescue aircraft circle overhead at least four times before it ultimately departed, low on fuel, without completing its mission. The patient was returned to the Exuma Healthcare Facilities Clinic for overnight observation, where he was placed on oxygen. Despite assurances that a second flight would be arranged after 6 a.m., Ms. Rolle received a call that morning informing her of her father’s death hours earlier, around 4 a.m.

    The tragedy has sparked outrage and demands for accountability. Chester Cooper, the Exuma and Ragged Island MP, confirmed an official investigation by the Civil Aviation Authority of The Bahamas is underway, noting that preliminary checks had found the runway lights operational at sundown. The family’s grief is compounded by further allegations, including a discrepancy in the recorded time of death and the unauthorized removal of Mr. Rolle’s body from the local morgue without family consent.

    This case has ignited a broader political and public debate over the chronic inadequacy of healthcare services for the Out Islands. Debra Moxey-Rolle, a political candidate, condemned the situation as a dangerous systemic failure rather than a mere inconvenience, highlighting that emergency flights are often the only lifeline for residents requiring critical care not available locally. The incident underscores a pervasive issue of infrastructure neglect and its dire human costs.

  • Burgerman takes Market Bag challenge as prices continue to fall at ‘Curry’

    Burgerman takes Market Bag challenge as prices continue to fall at ‘Curry’

    The season finale of the Jamaica Observer’s popular series ‘Market Bag’ is set to deliver thrilling entertainment as Burgerman, a prominent radio personality from The Edge 105 FM, steps into the vibrant atmosphere of Coronation Market. Hosted by Carlysia Ramdeen, the episode will feature an intense shop-off challenge where both competitors must strategically stretch their budgets to demonstrate who can achieve optimal value for money.

    Burgerman has entered the competition with bold confidence, promising an explosive performance, while Ramdeen remains equally determined not to yield in this high-energy face-off. The episode promises a dynamic blend of strategy, humor, and local market culture.

    Viewers can catch the action live this Friday at 6:30 PM on the Jamaica Observer’s YouTube channel and all its social media platforms.

    In related news, shoppers at Coronation Market—affectionately known as ‘Curry’—are currently enjoying a continued decline in produce prices. This week, tomatoes have dropped to as low as $30 per pound, with cabbage and pumpkin selling for just $100 each.

    Corey Bailey, a data collection officer from the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Mining, confirmed the favorable market conditions. ‘Overall, prices are very encouraging,’ Bailey noted. ‘While items like sweet potato and dasheen have remained steady at around $300 to $350, many other products have seen significant price reductions. Now is an excellent time for shopping at the market.’

  • Hidden lifeline

    Hidden lifeline

    Jamaica’s Justice Ministry is spearheading an intensive public education campaign to address critical knowledge gaps surrounding the nation’s Child Diversion Programme, following alarming revelations that numerous judges, law enforcement personnel, and educational institutions remain unfamiliar with the initiative designed to protect minors from criminal prosecution.

    Justice Minister Delroy Chuck disclosed during Thursday’s joint select committee review of the Child Diversion Act that fundamental misunderstandings among key stakeholders have severely limited the program’s effectiveness. The minister recounted instances where police officers in parish divisions responded with confusion when questioned about the program, asking ‘What is that, Sir?’

    Minister Chuck revealed that even judicial authorities had demonstrated significant misinterpretations of the legislation until recent clarification sessions. ‘Sitting there and listening to the judges, I realized how they misinterpreted and felt that the Act should be done this way,’ Chuck stated, emphasizing the urgent need for professional communications support to educate stakeholders about program intricacies and referral procedures.

    Jamaicans For Justice (JFJ) Executive Director Mickel Jackson provided compelling testimony regarding the awareness crisis, noting that despite training approximately 300 police officers over three years, fewer than ten participants in any session demonstrated familiarity with the diversion program. Jackson highlighted particularly concerning misconceptions within law enforcement, where many officers erroneously believe the program applies exclusively to sexual offenses.

    Data obtained through Access to Information requests revealed striking disparities in program referrals between March 2020 and January 2024. Police departments made merely 218 referrals, all originating from the Centre for the Investigation of Sexual Offences and Child Abuse (CISOCA), while courts submitted 1,234 referrals during the same period. Further analysis showed sexual offenses accounted for 62% of completed diversion cases, including charges such as sexual intercourse with minors under 16 and indecent assault.

    State Minister Marisa Dalrymple-Philibert endorsed the public education initiative, drawing parallels to successful past campaigns like ‘Two is better than too many.’ She emphasized that early intervention through proper program implementation could significantly impact Jamaica’s crime reduction efforts by redirecting youth from the criminal justice system.

    The Ministry of Justice is now pursuing dedicated funding for professional public relations support to ensure comprehensive nationwide awareness about the Child Diversion Programme’s mechanisms and benefits.

  • Nurses answer Tufton’s SOS

    Nurses answer Tufton’s SOS

    Jamaica’s Ministry of Health and Wellness has reported significant international interest in its overseas recruitment campaign for specialist nurses, with 134 applications received from healthcare professionals abroad. Among these respondents, 26 are Jamaican nationals seeking to return home, including two nurses who previously left the public health system for employment in the United Kingdom during 2023.

    The recruitment initiative, advertised across the United Kingdom, United States, and Canada, has also attracted a British nurse with prior experience working within Jamaica’s healthcare framework. Health Minister Dr. Christopher Tufton expressed particular satisfaction with the response from Jamaican expatriates, stating: ‘It is encouraging that our own citizens recognize the value in returning to strengthen our healthcare infrastructure and contribute to national development.’

    This development follows recent skepticism from emigrated Jamaican nurses, including Dr. Cheryl Morgan, who migrated in 2009 citing inadequate compensation and unfavorable working conditions. Morgan previously highlighted systemic challenges within Jamaica’s healthcare system, noting that nurses frequently resorted to public demonstrations to demand basic salary adjustments during her tenure.

    Minister Tufton’s recruitment strategy emphasizes Jamaica’s ongoing infrastructure improvements, hospital modernization projects, and enhanced public safety measures. The government has committed to providing relocation incentives and housing support through specialized programs designed to facilitate smooth transitions for returning medical professionals.

    The current application pool demonstrates diverse specialization areas: 42 registered nurses, 14 peri-operative specialists, 12 registered nurse-midwives, and numerous experts across psychiatric care, critical care, paediatric/neonatology, and other specialized fields. The ministry plans to sustain recruitment efforts to support upcoming healthcare expansions, including the new adolescent hospital in St. James and upgraded facilities at Cornwall Regional and Spanish Town hospitals.

    Tufton acknowledged existing staffing challenges, particularly in remote locations requiring specialized skills, and recognized that current personnel face excessive workloads due to personnel shortages. The minister characterized this recruitment drive as a pilot program aiming to reverse historical migration patterns and reestablish Jamaica as an attractive destination for healthcare professionals.

  • More than $5 billion paid out under ROOFS so far

    More than $5 billion paid out under ROOFS so far

    MONTEGO BAY, St James — Emotional scenes unfolded as Hurricane Melissa survivors received long-awaited reconstruction assistance through Jamaica’s innovative ROOFS initiative. The Restoration of Owner or Occupant Family Shelters program, administered by the Ministry of Labour and Social Security, has now disbursed over half of its $10-billion budget directly to affected households across storm-ravaged communities.

    Juliet Howard, a resident of Paradise, Norwood, expressed profound gratitude after receiving her grant. Her home in St James North Western suffered severe damage during last October’s Category 5 hurricane, leaving her and her grandson in vulnerable conditions. “Right now them can jook mi in it from outside,” Howard remarked with bittersweet humor about her compromised dwelling.

    The relief program categorizes assistance into three tiers: $75,000 for minor damage, $200,000 for major damage, and $500,000 for severe structural impacts. Howard qualified for the maximum grant amount due to her home’s extensive destruction.

    Minister Pearnel Charles Jr revealed that St James residents alone will receive nearly $1 billion of the total allocation, benefiting 1,677 major damage cases, 293 minor damage cases, and 1,128 severe damage cases. The ministry has distributed $521,917,500 to date, surpassing the 50% milestone in disbursements.

    For Howard, the assistance represents more than material support—it marks emotional redemption. Eleven years after losing everything in a house fire, the hurricane struck during the same October anniversary period. “This storm took me back right on my anniversary,” she shared, making the government’s intervention particularly meaningful.

    The distribution event at the Western Jamaica Conference of Seventh-day Adventists auditorium saw hundreds of residents gathering for updates. Minister Charles announced that successful applicants would receive QR codes with instructions for accessing their grants immediately.

    Among other beneficiaries, Tangle River resident Selvin Samuels described living under makeshift zinc and canvas arrangements after complete home destruction. “Now with this, I can build back a little place,” he stated, embodying the resilience echoed throughout the community.

    Cambridge resident Joshua Walker expressed surprise and gratitude for the unexpected assistance, summarizing the collective sentiment: “None of us never expect this and it come.” The program represents one of Jamaica’s most significant post-disaster reconstruction efforts, directly addressing housing vulnerability through structured financial empowerment.

  • Soul Sundays makes moves

    Soul Sundays makes moves

    A Jamaican music event, Soul Sundays, has dramatically exceeded its creators’ expectations, evolving from a local liquor store promotion into a nationally celebrated phenomenon with international aspirations. Conceived by promoter Shane Buchanan and his brother as part of a weekend trilogy—alongside 90s Dancehall Fridays and a Saturday night experience—the Sunday concept was intentionally designed to be a soulful affair.

    The event’s trajectory has been described as ‘mind-blowing’ by its founders, with its growth accelerating significantly towards a pivotal 2026 expansion. A major turning point arrived with the acquisition of premium sponsorships from Appleton Estate, as title sponsor, and Campari. Buchanan emphasizes that such high-profile partnerships serve as powerful endorsements, attracting discerning patrons who associate quality brands with exceptional experiences.

    These strategic alliances provide substantial financial backing, enabling the organizers to enhance production value and craft increasingly memorable experiences. Buchanan confidently asserts that Soul Sundays now stands as Jamaica’s premier soul music event, crediting the sponsors for significantly elevating its prestige.

    Soul Sundays has carved a unique niche by attracting mature audiences and couples seeking authentic soul music that once dominated Jamaica’s nightlife. The event serves as a sanctuary for those who appreciate classic sounds, effectively reviving a nostalgic vibe that has become scarce in contemporary nightlife.

    The recent Valentine’s edition exemplified this atmosphere, featuring fireworks, rose distributions to female attendees, and an emphasis on celebrating love. Mark Telfer of J Wray & Nephew Limited explained that Appleton Estate’s title sponsorship and Campari’s involvement perfectly aligned with enhancing the event’s passion element, coinciding with Campari’s ‘Win Your Passion Moment’ campaign.

    The experience seamlessly blends generations through its musical programming, with two DJs strategically catering to both seasoned enthusiasts and younger patrons discovering classics for the first time. This creates an energetic yet soulful environment characterized by passion and nostalgia.

    With growth surpassing all expectations, the brand is now preparing for both local venue changes and international expansion. Buchanan proudly announced plans for Soul Sundays to launch in the United States by 2026, accompanied by bookings of both local and international entertainers to further elevate the entertainment package. From its Portmore origins to the global stage, 2026 is poised to become the event’s most transformative year yet, fundamentally reshaping Jamaica’s Sunday night culture.

  • JCCC poised for growth

    JCCC poised for growth

    The Jamaica Classic Car Club (JCCC) has ushered in a new era of leadership following its annual general meeting and elections held on February 22 at Curphey Place, St Andrew. Shane Angus, a seasoned figure within the organization, has been elected as the club’s new president, succeeding Naresh Potopsingh.

    Expressing his enthusiasm about the membership’s support, Angus revealed his strategic vision for the JCCC. “We have assembled a purpose-driven executive team with individuals specifically suited for their roles. This alignment is poised to bring significant positive transformation to the club,” Angus stated in an interview with the Jamaica Observer’s weekly Auto magazine.

    The newly constituted executive leadership includes Nigel McFarlane as First Vice-President, Gerald Cameron as Second Vice-President, Dwight Burchell as Treasurer, Paul Gammon as Assistant Treasurer, Marcel Brandon as Secretary, and Rick Chang as Assistant Secretary. The broader executive committee comprises twelve dedicated members: Wade Marsh, Rae Parchment, Neville Marsh, Raymond Shields, Courtney Thompson, Nicholas Chang, Vivian Mitchell, Kyle Jaisingh-Byles, Cressmore White, Douglas Ewbanks, Richard Hylton, and Denesh Baboolal.

    Angus, who previously presided over the club from 2013 to 2019, maintained his involvement with the executive committee even during his time overseas. His permanent return to Jamaica in 2025 marks a full reengagement with the JCCC’s mission. He assumes leadership of a club reported to be in robust financial and operational health, as highlighted by outgoing president Potopsingh. The former president’s report noted the club’s current status of being fully updated on all obligations, positioning it ideally for future expansion. Potopsingh also highlighted the club’s strengthened media presence and a notable increase in youth participation at events, thanking members for their support during his tenure.

    Key challenges identified for the incoming administration include addressing issues surrounding back licences for long-term vehicle projects, advocating for a flat registration fee for classic cars, and streamlining the re-registration process for vehicles lacking original documentation. Angus has augmented these priorities with his own ambitious goals: securing a permanent physical headquarters for the JCCC and reinvigorating the club’s core identity as a community for classic car enthusiasts. This involves re-engaging former members and assisting them in restoring and returning their vehicles to the road. A clubhouse would provide a vital social and administrative hub for both existing and prospective members.

    The meeting also served as an occasion to honor distinguished members. Raymond Shields was awarded the prestigious Clubman of the Year trophy, acknowledging his dedicated participation. Awards for outstanding service were presented to Gerald Cameron, Winston Marshall, and Gregory Webster. Brian Madden was recognized as the outstanding club member, while Shane Angus and Michael McFarlane were bestowed the title of Global Ambassador for their contributions.