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  • JCTU raises concern over proposed changes to motor vehicle duty concession

    JCTU raises concern over proposed changes to motor vehicle duty concession

    KINGSTON, Jamaica – The Jamaica Confederation of Trade Unions (JCTU) has expressed strong reservations regarding the government’s initiative to eliminate the General Consumption Tax (GCT) exemption on motor vehicle duty concessions for designated public sector employees. In an official statement released Monday, the JCTU acknowledged the administration’s need to enhance revenue streams but warned that the proposed measure would substantially diminish a well-established benefit integral to public servants’ compensation packages.

    The confederation emphasized that the motor vehicle duty concession represents a fundamental element of the public service remuneration structure, not merely an ancillary perk. Eligible personnel have historically depended on this provision when planning vehicle purchases and replacements according to predetermined eligibility cycles. This benefit holds significant implications for personal financial management and long-term economic planning for thousands of public officers.

    Of particular concern to the JCTU is the proposal’s timing during ongoing public sector wage negotiations. The union confederation indicated that this unexpected change alters the foundational assumptions upon which current negotiations were based, necessitating a comprehensive reassessment of their bargaining position. The organization has scheduled a meeting with government representatives for Friday, March 13th to address these pressing matters.

    Many public officers, especially those requiring extensive travel across the island, utilize personal vehicles to execute official responsibilities including field operations, regulatory inspections, and service delivery in remote communities. The JCTU contends that increased vehicle acquisition costs would adversely affect both individual employees and the operational effectiveness of Jamaica’s public services.

    The confederation criticized the government’s approach, noting the absence of prior consultation with affected workers’ representatives. They underscored that modifications to embedded compensation benefits require mutual discussion, transparency, and thorough impact analysis rather than unilateral implementation. Despite these challenges, the JCTU reaffirmed its commitment to constructive dialogue that balances fiscal sustainability with the legitimate rights and interests of public sector workers.

  • Waterhouse continue resurgence with 1-0 win over MBU in JPL

    Waterhouse continue resurgence with 1-0 win over MBU in JPL

    In a dramatic Monday night fixture at Drewsland Stadium, Waterhouse FC secured a remarkable 1-0 victory against Jamaica Premier League frontrunners Montego Bay United, achieving this critical win despite being reduced to ten men for nearly half the match. The match’s sole goal materialized in the 37th minute when Neron Barrow calmly converted a penalty kick, cementing his team’s hard-fought triumph.

    The game’s dynamics shifted drastically in the 53rd minute following the dismissal of Waterhouse’s Kvist Paul, who received a red card. Despite this significant disadvantage, Waterhouse’s defense demonstrated exceptional resilience, successfully containing Montego Bay’s attacks to preserve their narrow lead and extend their impressive unbeaten streak to eight consecutive matches.

    This victory represents Waterhouse’s second defeat of Montego Bay this season, having previously edged them out at Jarrett Park in late December. The result propels Waterhouse into fifth place in the league standings with 40 points, surpassing defending champions Cavalier SC. Meanwhile, Montego Bay United experiences their third consecutive winless game, yet maintains their top position with 51 points.

    In related league action, Racing United delivered a commanding 3-0 performance against Harbour View in a match marred by disciplinary issues. Giovanni Cunningham opened the scoring in the 28th minute, followed by Tajay Grant’s 53rd-minute goal. Dean Andre Thomas sealed the victory with an 80th-minute strike. The physical encounter saw three ejections total, with both teams finishing with reduced squads.

  • Remembering Michael Manley and the legacy of the NHT

    Remembering Michael Manley and the legacy of the NHT

    The Jamaican political landscape paused to commemorate the enduring legacy of former Prime Minister Michael Manley on the anniversary of his passing, March 6, 2026. The Opposition People’s National Party (PNP) spearheaded reflections highlighting one of Manley’s most transformative achievements—the National Housing Trust (NHT)—which simultaneously celebrates its golden jubilee this year.

    Hailed as one of Jamaica’s most visionary statesmen, Manley’s governance philosophy centered on elevating ordinary citizens through progressive social policies. The PNP, in an official statement, characterized the NHT as a revolutionary institution founded on the radical principle that adequate housing constitutes a fundamental right rather than a privileged commodity. “Conceived as a bold and people-centered intervention,” the party noted, “the NHT operationalized Manley’s conviction that national development must be measured by tangible improvements in citizens’ daily lives.

    Opposition housing spokesperson Professor Senator Floyd Morris and Michael Manley Foundation Chairperson Senator Donna Scott Mottley jointly celebrated Manley’s multifaceted contributions to Jamaican society. They documented his administration’s sweeping reforms initiated upon taking office in 1972, including groundbreaking labor legislation, the creation of the National Youth Service, the Jamaica Movement for Advancement of Literacy, the abolition of the ‘Bastardy Act,’ and the implementation of universal free education.

    The senators emphasized that the NHT transcends its physical infrastructure achievements, catalyzing profound social mobility, strengthening family stability, and fostering inclusive economic participation. By enabling generational wealth transfer through homeownership, the institution has systematically reduced inequality and fortified the nation’s social fabric. “Entire towns and housing schemes across Jamaica stand as living testaments to this initiative,” they observed.

    Morris and Scott Mottley articulated Manley’s governing philosophy that true independence necessitates economic empowerment, with the state bearing responsibility for innovative public interventions. The NHT embodies this ideology through its practical, sustainable, and human-centered approach to national development.

    As Jamaica celebrates both Manley’s legacy and the NHT’s five decades of service, the senators urged the current government to officially recognize the institution’s anniversary and honor its visionary founder. They concluded with a powerful testament: “Brilliant ideas will last for a while but legendary actions last for generations.”

  • UN says in talks with US on humanitarian fuel supplies for Cuba

    UN says in talks with US on humanitarian fuel supplies for Cuba

    The United Nations has initiated diplomatic discussions with the United States government to secure humanitarian exemptions to the stringent oil embargo currently imposed on Cuba. UN Coordinator Francisco Pichon confirmed to AFP that these negotiations aim to facilitate fuel access specifically for emergency relief operations and vulnerable population support services.

    According to Pichon, UN representatives have engaged in substantive exchanges with the Trump administration to guarantee fuel availability for critical humanitarian functions. These discussions specifically address the energy requirements of Cuban non-governmental organizations partnering with UN agencies, along with state-operated healthcare facilities serving elderly citizens, pregnant women, and other vulnerable demographic groups.

    This diplomatic development occurs against the backdrop of President Trump’s intensified sanctions regime targeting Cuba’s communist government. Following similar measures against Iran and Venezuela, the administration implemented a comprehensive energy blockade in January that has severely constrained Cuba’s economic functions. The embargo has resulted in a complete halt of oil shipments to the island nation for two consecutive months, creating cascading effects across multiple sectors.

    Commercial aviation has been particularly affected, with multiple airlines reducing or suspending flight operations to Cuba due to fuel unavailability. The country’s power generation infrastructure and agricultural sector face critical fuel shortages, bringing daily economic and social activities to near paralysis. President Trump recently informed Latin American allies that Cuba approached its ‘final moments of life’ under current conditions.

    The UN itself faces operational challenges within Cuba, with Pichon confirming that strict fuel rationing has compromised the organization’s capacity to execute its humanitarian mandate. Field operations have been largely suspended, while UN agencies struggle to retrieve and distribute aid shipments from ports and airports due to transportation constraints.

    Cuban leadership under President Miguel Diaz-Canel has implemented emergency fuel conservation measures, including stringent rationing protocols. The government maintains that the Trump administration’s policies represent a deliberate attempt to destabilize Cuba’s economy and political system. Washington justifies the embargo by characterizing Cuba as an ‘extraordinary threat’ to United States interests, continuing a long-standing geopolitical stance toward the Caribbean nation.

  • Elva Goulbourne, JC 1999 4×800 relay team to be honoured at Penn Relays

    Elva Goulbourne, JC 1999 4×800 relay team to be honoured at Penn Relays

    KINGSTON, Jamaica—Two iconic Jamaican track and field entities are poised to receive one of the sport’s highest honors with induction into the prestigious Penn Relays Wall of Fame. Elva Goulbourne, a former long jump phenom from Dinthill Technical, and the record-shattering 1999 4x800m relay squad from Jamaica College will be formally recognized during the 130th edition of the relay carnival, scheduled for April 23-25 at Franklin Field in Philadelphia.

    Goulbourne’s legendary status was cemented at the 1999 Penn Relays when she launched herself into the history books with a monumental leap of 6.40 meters. This phenomenal effort shattered the previous high school girls’ long jump record of 6.33m, held by Carol Lewis, and her mark remains the standing record a quarter-century later. Her prowess extended into collegiate competition; while representing Auburn University, Goulbourne established the Penn Relays College record with a jump of 6.65m and clinched consecutive individual titles in 2002 and 2003. She further solidified her legacy as Jamaica’s national record holder in both the outdoor and indoor long jump disciplines.

    The Jamaica College quartet, comprised of athletes Jeffrey Wallace, Dwyane Medley, Kenrick Ferrit, and Mashel Jackson, delivered a performance for the ages in the same 1999 meet. Their blistering time of 7:37.71 seconds not only secured victory but also earned the distinction of being the second-fastest high school time ever recorded in the event’s history at that time. This induction serves as a lasting tribute to their extraordinary teamwork and speed.

    The Wall of Fame induction celebrates the most unforgettable performances in the long and storied history of the Penn Relays, acknowledging athletes and teams whose achievements have left an indelible mark on the competition.

  • New Diaspora battle heading for US court over GJDC elections

    New Diaspora battle heading for US court over GJDC elections

    A significant legal challenge has emerged within the Jamaican diaspora community in the United States following recent elections for the Global Jamaica Diaspora Council (GJDC). Attorney Wilfred Rattigan, a retired FBI special agent and former candidate for the Northeast US representative position, has filed a defamation lawsuit in Queens Supreme Court, New York, alleging wrongful disqualification from the electoral process.

    The lawsuit targets both the GJDC electoral committee and The Gleaner newspaper, claiming they disseminated false information implying Rattigan had criminal convictions and questionable character. According to court documents, Rattigan asserts these allegations caused substantial reputational damage, professional harm to his legal practice, and economic injury.

    The controversy stems from the February 20, 2026 elections that selected new leadership for both the GJDC and Global Jamaica Diaspora Youth Council across six international regions. The Jamaican foreign ministry described the process as “the most competitive and participatory contest in the councils’ history,” with 52 candidates and approximately 1,700 voters participating globally.

    Committee chairman Donovan Wilson defended the disqualification decisions, explaining that two candidates were excluded—one for late filing and another under section 5.2 of election rules, which prohibits individuals with criminal convictions or bankruptcy filings from representing the diaspora. Wilson emphasized the committee deliberately avoided specifying which subsection applied to Rattigan to prevent further controversy.

    This legal action represents the latest in a series of challenges facing the GJDC and its predecessor organization. Earlier this year, former Jamaica Advisory Board member Patrick Beckford called for an election boycott advocating for greater council autonomy, a position echoed by outgoing Southern US representative Peter Gracey following the elections.

    Despite the controversy, newly elected representatives including Janice McIntosh (Southern US), Dr. Binzie R. Davidson (West-Midwest US), and returning Northeast US representative Michelle Tulloch-Neil are now preparing for the 11th GJDC Biennial Conference scheduled for June 14-18 in Montego Bay, St. James.

  • Guyana says it did not withdraw from the Cuban health programme

    Guyana says it did not withdraw from the Cuban health programme

    GEORGETOWN, Guyana — The Cuban government has unilaterally terminated its long-standing medical brigade program with Guyana, ending a 48-year healthcare partnership between the two nations. Health Minister Dr. Frank Anthony confirmed the development, stating that Havana’s decision came in February 2026 despite ongoing diplomatic discussions between the two governments.

    In response to Cuba’s withdrawal, the Guyanese government has implemented a new recruitment strategy, offering direct employment contracts to qualified Cuban medical professionals. ‘Cuban doctors, nurses, and technicians can still work in Guyana if they meet our medical councils’ certification requirements,’ Anthony explained in an interview with News Source. ‘Many have already joined our public healthcare system through this arrangement.’

    The termination follows increased pressure from the United States, which has criticized Cuba’s medical missions as exploitative labor practices. Washington alleges that Cuban medical workers face ‘coercion and abuse, withheld wages, confiscated passports, and forced family separation.’ The U.S. has previously threatened visa restrictions for officials in countries participating in the program.

    Minister Anthony emphasized that the transition has not impacted healthcare delivery in Guyana. The country has accelerated its domestic medical training programs, with approximately 800 nursing graduates expected by mid-year. This expansion complements the direct hiring of international medical staff, ensuring continued service delivery despite the diplomatic shift.

    The program’s termination has sparked some public concern, with citizen groups petitioning President Irfaan Ali to reverse the decision. However, the government maintains that its new approach ensures both regulatory compliance and healthcare continuity while respecting medical professionals’ autonomy.

  • Jamaica-Cuba Eye Care Programme will continue – Dr Tufton

    Jamaica-Cuba Eye Care Programme will continue – Dr Tufton

    KINGSTON, Jamaica—Jamaica’s Ministry of Health and Wellness has confirmed the continuation of the Jamaica-Cuba Eye Care Programme following the expiration of the technical cooperation agreement between the two governments. Health Minister Dr. Christopher Tufton provided reassurances during a hybrid press briefing on March 9, emphasizing the program’s critical importance to public health.

    The program, operating at St. Joseph’s Hospital with support from 18 Cuban healthcare specialists, has provided substantial benefits to numerous Jamaican patients. Minister Tufton clarified that while the current agreement is concluding, the program itself will not be discontinued. Instead, transitional measures are being implemented to ensure service continuity.

    Cuban medical personnel will continue performing surgical procedures and post-operative care until March 20. This arrangement covers approximately 140 scheduled surgeries and necessary follow-up treatments for patients who have already undergone eye operations, particularly retina-related procedures.

    Minister Tufton urged all patients who have received surgeries to maintain their scheduled follow-up appointments to ensure proper recovery and ongoing care. Meanwhile, the Jamaican government is developing alternative operational frameworks that combine domestic healthcare capacity with private sector partnerships. Cabinet approval has been secured for these arrangements, which include budgetary provisions for engaging private medical services.

    The ministry recognizes the program’s significant contributions to Jamaica’s healthcare system and remains committed to preserving its benefits through strategic restructuring rather than termination.

  • RACQUET DREAMS

    RACQUET DREAMS

    Tennis Jamaica is advancing plans for a transformative multimillion-dollar national tennis facility, signaling a new era for the sport’s development across the island. President John Azar confirmed the association is in advanced negotiations to establish a modern complex that would replace its current headquarters at the Eric Bell Tennis Centre in Kingston.

    While acknowledging the project remains a long-term initiative, Azar revealed that funding has already been secured through private sponsorships and support from the International Tennis Federation. The primary challenge lies not in financing but in finalizing land acquisition details for the proposed facility, which aims to be situated in a more centralized location to better serve Jamaica’s tennis community.

    The association’s vision extends beyond the capital city. Tennis Jamaica is actively pursuing partnerships with schools island-wide to construct additional courts, addressing what Azar identifies as the fundamental constraint to tennis development: limited playing infrastructure. ‘Unlike football where any open space suffices, tennis is limited by the number of courts,’ Azar noted, emphasizing the need to expand facilities to make the sport more accessible.

    Complementing this infrastructure expansion, Tennis Jamaica is working with institutions like G.C. Foster College to certify physical education teachers as tennis instructors, creating a sustainable pipeline of qualified coaches. This initiative forms part of a broader strategy to dismantle historical perceptions of tennis as an elitist sport. The association now provides racquets, balls, and complimentary coaching to remove financial barriers to participation.

    Despite recent high-profile tournaments including the Davis Cup matches hosted at Eric Bell Centre in 2023-2025, some events have migrated to alternative venues like the Liguanea Club, underscoring the need for enhanced facilities. Azar, who will not seek re-election in 2028 after three terms leading the association, anticipates the transition to a new national tennis center will occur ‘sooner than later,’ marking a significant milestone in Jamaica’s tennis evolution.

  • Keneil Bernard and Janeilia Hemmings crowned Mr and Miss Law (UWI) 2026

    Keneil Bernard and Janeilia Hemmings crowned Mr and Miss Law (UWI) 2026

    The University of the West Indies Faculty of Law has announced its new student ambassadors following a highly anticipated annual pageant. Keneil Bernard and Janeilia Hemmings emerged victorious, claiming the prestigious titles of Mr. and Miss Law 2026 at an event held last Saturday on the faculty’s rooftop.

    Fourteen contenders, comprising seven male and seven female candidates, participated in the intensely competitive showcase. The event attracted substantial attendance from university peers across multiple faculties alongside supportive parents.

    In post-victory reflections, Hemmings characterized her pageant involvement as profoundly transformative. “Participating ranks among my most rewarding decisions,” the first-year law student and Wolmer’s Girls High School alumna stated. “While challenging, the collaborative environment with fellow contestants and organizing committee members revealed previously untapped aspects of my personality.” She dedicated her triumph to her mother, Terre-Ann Terrelonge, acknowledging significant sacrifices that enabled her participation.

    Bernard, a Spanish Town native and Calabar High School graduate, described the competition as a catalyst for personal development. “This experience cultivated community engagement and forged meaningful connections that strengthened my confidence and Christian faith,” he explained. The title represents a critical milestone in his pursuit of broader success and service objectives.

    Both titleholders outlined ambitious plans for their tenure. Hemmings intends to enhance student experiences and faculty spirit, while Bernard prioritizes initiatives addressing spiritual growth, mental health support, and academic balance. His agenda includes launching outreach programs to position the faculty as a societal beacon beyond its academic role.

    The competition recognized multiple exceptional performers through sectional awards. Jailon Bailey and Jaleel Smith secured first and second runner-up positions respectively in the Mr. Law category, while Kaylia Powell and Anselena Boothe achieved equivalent honors for Miss Law.

    Hemmings demonstrated particular versatility by winning Talent, Most Popular female, and Best in Legal Wear awards. Bernard similarly excelled, claiming male honors in both Talent and Legal Wear categories. Additional fast-track victories included debate triumphs for Anselena Boothe and Victor Stewart, athletic awards for Javier Sellars and Shanna Kay Willis, and fundraising recognition for Victor Stewart and Zhuri Martin.