In a significant stride for paediatric healthcare, Jamaica’s Bustamante Hospital for Children received a state-of-the-art phacoemulsification machine valued at $17 million on Wednesday. This transformative donation, funded by the net proceeds of the More Than This Concert held on Emancipation Day, August 1, aims to combat childhood cataracts, a leading cause of preventable blindness among Jamaican children. The concert, headlined by renowned gospel artist CeCe Winans and featuring Jamaica’s top gospel performers, drew over 15,000 attendees at King’s House, making it one of the year’s most impactful faith-based events.
标签： Jamaica
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Opposition demands clarity on Government’s US$150m loan to JPS
KINGSTON, Jamaica — The People’s National Party (PNP), Jamaica’s primary opposition party, has issued a stern call for the government to provide full transparency regarding a contentious $150 million (J$24 billion) loan extended to the Jamaica Public Service Company (JPS) and its handling of the company’s license negotiations. The PNP’s Spokesperson on Energy and Telecommunications, Phillip Paulwell, voiced significant concerns over the lack of critical details surrounding the loan in a statement released on Wednesday. Paulwell emphasized that the government has failed to address key questions, including the risks to taxpayers, the valuation of JPS assets, and the interest rate attached to the loan. He criticized the administration for committing such a substantial sum without disclosing terms that safeguard public interest. Paulwell further revealed that if the loan remains unpaid within two years, the government plans to convert the debt into equity, effectively acquiring JPS assets. He questioned the current valuation of these assets and whether such an assessment has been completed. Additionally, Paulwell raised concerns about JPS’s ability to secure the remaining $200 million of the $350 million it claims is necessary for full service restoration. He demanded clarity on which state agency will oversee the loan disbursement. The opposition also criticized the government for creating instability by sending JPS a letter hinting at a possible termination of its license in 2027. Paulwell urged the government to release the letter in full, asserting that Jamaicans deserve to understand the rationale behind such a destabilizing move. He highlighted the urgency of restoring power to thousands of Jamaicans and recommended leveraging the loan to secure concessions from JPS, including suspending its monopoly during national emergencies and allowing alternative energy sources to supply nearby households. Paulwell also warned of potential electricity price hikes and stressed the need for transparency on the restoration of liquefied natural gas (LNG) generation, which offers cost advantages over heavy fuel oil and diesel. The PNP reiterated its willingness to support responsible and transparent strategies to restore electricity and strengthen Jamaica’s energy resilience but vowed to oppose decisions that unduly burden taxpayers.
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Campbell’s responds to employee’s ‘absurd’ claim it uses 3D-printed chicken
Campbell’s, the renowned food corporation, has vehemently refuted allegations made by a senior executive, Martin Bally, who claimed the company’s soups contain “3D-printed” chicken and are primarily consumed by “poor people.” Bally, the Vice President and Chief Information Security Officer, has been placed on temporary leave pending an internal investigation following a lawsuit filed by an employee, Robert Garza. Garza alleges that Bally made racist remarks and disparaged Campbell’s products during a profanity-laden tirade, which was secretly recorded and later shared with a Michigan-based media outlet. In the audio, Bally reportedly criticized Campbell’s “highly processed foods” as inferior and unsuitable for consumption, while also making derogatory comments about Indian employees. Campbell’s has firmly denied the claims, stating that their chicken is sourced from federally-approved suppliers and meets stringent quality standards. The company emphasized that it does not use lab-grown or bioengineered meat in its products, calling the allegations “absurd” and reaffirming its commitment to quality. The scandal has cast a shadow over the iconic brand, known globally for its canned soups, which have even been immortalized in Andy Warhol’s famous artwork.
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MBU returns to ‘iconic’ Jarrett Park as temporary home
Montego Bay United (MBU) has announced that it will temporarily host its home games at Jarrett Park for the upcoming months in the Jamaica Premier League. This decision comes after the Montego Bay Sports Complex, their usual venue, sustained severe damage during Hurricane Melissa on October 28th. The historic Jarrett Park, long celebrated as the spiritual home of football in western Jamaica, will serve as the interim home ground for MBU, starting with a match against Waterhouse Football Club on December 21st at 3:00 pm. The Montego Bay Sports Complex, which had been MBU’s home for the past two seasons, was devastated by the hurricane, with extensive damage to the football field and the 400m running track due to heavy clay soil deposits. Yoni Epstein, chairman of MBU, estimated that restoring the complex to its former state could cost approximately $300 million. Epstein emphasized that the move to Jarrett Park represents a significant step toward restoring normalcy and community spirit in Montego Bay after the hurricane’s destruction. Jarrett Park, a gift from the Kerr-Jarrett family to Montego Bay, has a rich history of hosting local, national, and international sporting events, including cricket and football competitions. Its reopening for Premier League football symbolizes resilience, unity, and the indomitable spirit of the community. The park has been the venue for legendary matches and unforgettable moments, including the finals of the daCosta Cup, Ben Francis Cup, and Olivier Shield, as well as home games for St James’ National Premier League champions Violet Kickers, Seba United, and Wadadah.
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Consultations to be held on establishment of one road authority
KINGSTON, Jamaica — The Jamaican government is advancing plans to establish a One Road Authority, a centralized regulatory body aimed at overseeing the management of the nation’s extensive road network. This initiative seeks to address persistent challenges related to road maintenance, accountability, and development by creating a unified framework for all roads across the country. Robert Morgan, Minister without Portfolio in the Ministry of Economic Growth and Infrastructure Development, announced the initiative during the Incorporated Masterbuilders Association of Jamaica (IMAJ) seminar held in Kingston on November 25. Morgan emphasized that the authority will ensure consistent standards for all roads, regardless of their location or ownership. Jamaica currently has approximately 27,000 kilometers of roads managed by various entities, including the National Works Agency, the Rural Agricultural Development Authority, and municipal corporations. However, some roads fall outside these jurisdictions, complicating repair efforts. The proposed authority aims to streamline planning and maintenance, ensuring uniform standards for farm roads, municipal roads, and main highways. Morgan clarified that the initiative is not intended to disempower existing authorities but to prioritize citizens’ needs by ensuring timely and efficient road repairs. The government plans to consult with key stakeholders, including the Masterbuilders Association and municipal corporations, to develop a comprehensive framework for the authority.
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Power play
In a decisive move to accelerate national power restoration efforts, Jamaica’s Energy Minister Daryl Vaz announced on Tuesday that the government has approved a $150 million emergency loan to the Jamaica Public Service Company (JPS). However, the government firmly rejected any early extension of JPS’s operating licence beyond its 2027 expiration. The loan, expected to be disbursed at a rate of $75 million per month, aims to expedite repairs to the electricity grid devastated by Hurricane Melissa on October 28. Vaz emphasized that the funds would enable JPS to mobilize resources and restore power to major areas by late January or early February 2024. The minister clarified that the loan is strictly separate from ongoing discussions about JPS’s licence renewal, ensuring no delays in recovery efforts. He highlighted that the government’s approach preserves its negotiating leverage, particularly as JPS had sought a 15-year licence extension in exchange for self-financed recovery. Vaz assured that the loan, spanning five years with an interest rate to be finalized by the Ministry of Finance, poses no risk to taxpayers. JPS has the option to repay the loan within two years, and if the company fails to secure a renewed licence by 2027, the government is prepared to acquire its assets. Updated assessments now estimate hurricane damage at $350 million, significantly lower than earlier projections of $480–$600 million. Meanwhile, JPS has suspended dividend payments until full restoration is achieved. Opposition energy spokesman Phillip Paulwell raised concerns about transparency, urging the government to secure concessions from JPS, including grid access, renewable energy flexibility, and cheaper power for industrial zones. Paulwell also called for structural reforms to address long-standing issues like monopoly control and electricity pricing, suggesting that the loan should push for greater flexibility in crisis situations, such as allowing private solar systems to share power with neighbours during outages.
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Cop in assault case to return to court
KINGSTON, Jamaica — A police officer accused of using excessive force in an alleged baton assault will return to court in May 2026. Maurice Hylton appeared before Judge Paula Blake Powell in the Kingston and St Andrew Parish Court on Tuesday, facing charges of assault occasioning actual bodily harm. The incident, captured in a 2024 video, reportedly occurred on July 30, 2024, along Shortwood Road in St Andrew, where Hylton allegedly struck a man in the head with a baton. The Independent Commission of Investigations (Indecom) conducted an inquiry, leading the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) to recommend charges against Hylton. Representatives from Indecom, along with two police witnesses and the complainants, were present in court. The case has been delayed due to a cross-case filing, where both Hylton and the complainants have lodged separate legal actions against each other. Hylton’s case, in which he is the complainant, has already proceeded to trial, scheduled for May 19, 2026, after mediation efforts failed. Judge Blake Powell has set the Indecom case for case management on the same date, with the trial judge expected to rule on the initial case before addressing the Indecom matter.
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JDSF raises over $3.1 million to support Hurricane Melissa relief efforts
The Jamaica Down’s Syndrome Foundation (JDSF) has successfully raised over $3.1 million through its second annual Bredrin 2K Walk, held at Hope Gardens last Sunday. The funds will be directed toward supporting families impacted by Hurricane Melissa, particularly those in western Jamaica. The event, aligned with World Down Syndrome Awareness Month in October, emphasized the theme ‘Health Equity’ and aimed to foster inclusion, healthy living, and national unity. Approximately 100 participants joined the walk, which also garnered significant product donations from Wisynco and National Bakery. To date, 10 families have received $225,000 in financial aid and care packages, with an additional 50 care packages provided by the Jamaica Public Service (JPS) Foundation. JDSF founder Dr. Charmaine Scott highlighted the event’s significance in showcasing Jamaica’s resilience and compassion during recovery efforts. Executive Director Nadine Tarawali praised the community’s generosity, noting that the walk exceeded financial and emotional expectations. The foundation expressed gratitude to its sponsors, including NCB Foundation, Digicel Foundation, and others, for their unwavering support in promoting inclusion and nation-building.
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Still on track
Despite the severe damage caused by Hurricane Melissa in West Green and Catherine Hall, including sections of the Montego Bay Perimeter Road Project, the National Road Operating and Constructing Company Limited (NROCC) has confirmed that the project remains on schedule for its May 2026 completion. NROCC Managing Director Stephen Edwards assured the public that the construction timeline is being adjusted to accommodate the challenges posed by the hurricane. Edwards emphasized that while some minor work is required on the road connecting West Green to Howard Cooke Boulevard, the overall project is progressing as planned. The hurricane, a Category 5 storm, caused significant damage, including the emergence of a spring in one section of the bypass road, raising concerns about potential long-term impacts. The US$374-million project, funded by the Jamaican government and executed by China Harbour Engineering Company, includes several phases, such as the Montego Bay Bypass, Barnett Street/West Green Avenue Road Rehabilitation, and a comprehensive drainage study. The project aims to alleviate traffic congestion in Montego Bay by diverting vehicles from heavily congested streets and will feature open-road tolling, eliminating the need for toll booths. Despite the ongoing construction, some motorists have been using the road, prompting NROCC to issue warnings about the dangers of accessing the site before its official opening. Edwards urged the public to refrain from using the bypass road until it is fully completed and declared safe for regular traffic.
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Maldon High withdraw from daCosta Cup
In a heartbreaking turn of events, Maldon High School has been compelled to withdraw from the ISSA daCosta Cup football competition, which is scheduled to resume this Saturday. The decision comes in the wake of the devastating impact of Hurricane Melissa, which has left the team unable to adequately prepare for their crucial match against Christiana High. This announcement was officially confirmed on Wednesday.
Maldon High, having achieved a historic milestone by qualifying for the Round of 16 for the first time, was set to face Christiana High in the opening game of a doubleheader at Manchester High. However, Coach Dillon Thelwell revealed to Observer Online that the school had no alternative but to make what he described as ‘a very tough decision.’
Thelwell, who led the south St. James-based school to their first-ever second-round qualification from the highly competitive Zone A, disclosed earlier this week that the team had been struggling to conduct training sessions. Many players were severely affected by Hurricane Melissa, which struck on October 28th. In a subsequent update on Tuesday, Thelwell admitted that preparations had still not commenced.
‘The turnout has been dismal, with no more than seven players attending at any given time,’ Thelwell explained. ‘Several boys have lost their homes or suffered significant damage to their properties. Some have lost their school uniforms, and others have seen their books completely destroyed.’
Maldon High had previously suffered a heavy 6-1 defeat to Cornwall College in their first Round of 16 game, placing them at the bottom of the Zone 1 standings alongside William Knibb Memorial, who lost 3-0 to Christiana High.
As the situation unfolds, the Inter-Secondary Schools Sports Association (ISSA), the organizers of the competition, are awaiting official confirmation before determining the outcome of the zone. The withdrawal of Maldon High marks a somber moment in the tournament, highlighting the far-reaching consequences of natural disasters on communities and their aspirations.