KINGSTON, Jamaica – The Electoral Commission of Jamaica (ECJ) has issued a reminder to all candidates who participated in the September 3, 2025, General Election, emphasizing that the deadline for submitting their election expense reports is Wednesday. According to the Representation of the People Act (ROPA), candidates or their official agents are legally obligated to file the Return of Election Expenses within six weeks following Election Day. The submission must be made using the prescribed Form 22, and the law caps election spending at a maximum of $15 million per candidate. Additionally, contributors to election campaigns are also mandated to provide their legally required declarations by the same deadline. These documents must be submitted to the returning officer of the respective constituency or directly to the Director of Elections at 43 Duke Street, Kingston, addressed to the Legal Affairs and Compliance Department. Once the submissions are received, the ECJ will compile and publish a summary of the declarations provided by the candidates.
标签： Jamaica
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Vacancy tax on idle properties proposed as part of waterfront’s economic revival
Renowned urban planner Brent Toderian has proposed a vacancy tax on unused properties as a potential strategy to stimulate economic activity in downtown Kingston, Jamaica. The suggestion was made during the fifth Maurice Facey Lecture, held at the Jamaica Conference Centre last week. Toderian, former chief planner for Vancouver, Canada, emphasized that while he is not advocating for immediate implementation, such a tax could incentivize property owners to repurpose derelict buildings and vacant lots for commercial or residential use.
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Reggae Boyz player ratings vs Bermuda: High marks as Jamaica inch closer to WC qualification
Jamaica’s national football team, the Reggae Boyz, delivered a commanding performance on Tuesday, securing a resounding 4-0 victory over Bermuda in their FIFA World Cup qualifier. This triumph has propelled them back to the top of their group in the final round of the Concacaf World Cup Qualifiers, with just two matches left to play. The game, held at the National Stadium, showcased a series of standout individual performances that underscored the team’s dominance.
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Master Mac Food adds 15th store in latest round of expansion
Master Mac Food Store, a prominent grocery chain, is poised to open its 15th location and 5th supermarket on Thursday, October 16, marking a significant milestone in its expansion strategy. The new superstore, situated at 108-110 Constant Spring Road, spans approximately 40,000 square feet, making it the largest and most advanced outlet in the company’s 30-year history. Located near popular establishments like Furniture Land, Carmen’s Corner, and Taboo nightclub, the store is part of a larger commercial complex on a 2.5-acre property owned by the company for several years.
The superstore will feature unique additions such as a bakery and deli, alongside a wider variety of grocery items, enhancing the shopping experience for customers. Owner Raymond McMaster emphasized the strategic location and potential for strong returns, though he declined to disclose the exact investment cost. The development aligns with the increasing residential and commercial activity in the Constant Spring area, prompting the company to activate the property’s potential.
As the anchor tenant, the supermarket is surrounded by 20 other commercial units, many of which are already leased or preparing to open. These include retail shops, professional services, and eateries like the popular Mystic Thai, set to open in November 2025. The new store is expected to create 75 jobs, bringing the company’s total employment in Jamaica to approximately 600.
Founded in the late 1980s, Master Mac Food Store remains a family-run enterprise, with McMaster and his wife Wendy leading the business alongside their children, who are being groomed for future leadership. While there are no immediate plans for further expansion, the company remains open to opportunities, particularly in St Thomas, which is emerging as a new development frontier.
The Constant Spring superstore aims to cater to a diverse demographic, offering competitive pricing, a broad product selection, and a comfortable shopping environment. McMaster expressed optimism about the store’s potential to deliver value and a superior shopping experience, reinforcing the company’s commitment to customer satisfaction.
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Businessman charged for allegedly obstructing election officer
KINGSTON, Jamaica — A prominent businessman from St Mary has been formally charged following a controversial incident during the recent general election in the St Mary South Eastern constituency. Leon Campbell, 47, also known as “Poogie,” residing at Addison Close, Gibraltar Housing Scheme, faces allegations of using a computer for malicious communication and obstructing an election officer, violations under the Representation of the People Act. The incident occurred on September 4 at a primary school serving as a polling station.
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BACK ON TOP!
The Jamaican national football team, affectionately known as the Reggae Boyz, have taken a significant step towards securing a spot in the 2026 FIFA World Cup after a commanding 4-0 victory over Bermuda in the Concacaf World Cup Qualifiers. The match, held at the National Stadium on Tuesday, saw goals from Bobby Reid, Shamar Nicholson, Dujuan ‘Whisper’ Richards, and an own goal from Bermuda’s captain Dante Leverock. This win not only mirrored their earlier 4-0 triumph over Bermuda in September but also marked their third consecutive victory in the campaign, bringing their total goals scored to 10. The result was further sweetened by Curacao’s 1-1 draw with Trinidad and Tobago (T&T), allowing Jamaica to reclaim the top spot in Group B with nine points, one ahead of Curacao. With only the group winner guaranteed a place in the 2026 World Cup, Jamaica now control their destiny as they prepare for their final two matches against T&T and Curacao in November. T&T, despite their recent draw, remain in contention with five points, while Bermuda have been eliminated from the race after losing all four of their matches. The Reggae Boyz displayed their dominance with over 70% possession and nearly 30 shots, bouncing back from a 2-0 defeat to Curacao last Friday. Midfielder Kasey Palmer, who missed the previous game, set the tone with a free kick that led to Leverock’s own goal in the 24th minute. Reid, Nicholson, and Richards added to the tally, with Richards’ electrifying performance off the bench showcasing his potential. Jamaica’s next match against T&T on November 13 will be crucial, followed by a potentially decisive clash with Curacao on November 18 at the National Stadium.
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Trump considering strikes on land against Venezuela cartels
WASHINGTON, United States—President Donald Trump announced on Wednesday that the United States is evaluating the possibility of launching land-based strikes against Venezuelan cartels, following a series of deadly maritime operations targeting alleged drug-trafficking vessels. Speaking to reporters in the Oval Office, Trump emphasized that while maritime operations are under control, land strikes are now under consideration. However, he refrained from confirming a New York Times report suggesting he had secretly authorized the CIA to conduct covert actions in Venezuela against President Nicolas Maduro’s administration. When questioned about authorizing the CIA to target Maduro, Trump dismissed the inquiry as ‘ridiculous’ to answer. The announcement comes after Trump revealed that a recent strike on suspected drug-carrying boats resulted in the deaths of six ‘narcoterrorists.’ Since the operations began, at least 27 individuals have been killed, raising concerns among experts about the legality of using lethal force in foreign or international waters without prior interception or questioning. Colombian President Gustavo Petro has also expressed concerns, stating that some of the deceased may have been Colombian nationals.
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‘Unacceptable!’
Kingston Mayor Andrew Swaby expressed deep frustration during the monthly meeting of the Kingston and St Andrew Municipal Corporation (KSAMC) on Tuesday, addressing the ongoing garbage collection crisis plaguing several communities. Residents have reported domestic waste remaining uncollected for up to two months, creating significant health and environmental hazards. Mayor Swaby criticized the National Solid Waste Management Authority (NSWMA) for its inconsistent service delivery, despite its mandate to handle waste management. He also highlighted the agency’s frequent excuse of rainfall hindering access to dumpsites, which he deemed insufficient to justify such prolonged delays. Furthermore, Swaby raised concerns about irregular street sweeping in downtown areas, including Parade, King Street, and West Queen Street, forcing the KSAMC to hire external contractors to maintain cleanliness. He also alleged that some NSWMA employees may be receiving pay without performing their duties. The mayor urged the NSWMA to take immediate action to resolve these issues and emphasized the importance of collaboration between the agency and the KSAMC. Additionally, Swaby called on residents to improve their waste disposal practices, stressing that maintaining clean streets is a shared responsibility. The KSAMC’s Public Health and Sanitation Committee has outlined several objectives, including quarterly reviews of reporting processes and enhanced oversight of sewer line blockages and road cuts, to improve service efficiency and accountability.
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Observer and Gleaner move to sign joint venture agreement
In a landmark move aimed at optimizing operational efficiency, Jamaica Observer Limited (JOL) and Gleaner Company Media Limited (GCML) have announced plans to establish a formal joint venture (JV) by the end of the calendar year. This collaboration follows the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) in early August, which initiated a feasibility study into shared logistics and production services. The MOU explored the potential for consolidating printing, distribution networks, and other operational processes to achieve cost savings, improved delivery timelines, and enhanced consumer service.
Anthony Smith, Chief Executive Officer of the RJRGleaner Communications Group, emphasized the strategic nature of the partnership, stating, ‘Our JV discussions have focused on coordinating efficient printing and distribution logistics, as well as establishing processes that ensure the stability and integrity of both operations.’
Dominic Beaubrun, Managing Director of JOL, highlighted the transformative potential of the venture, noting, ‘This JV represents a practical and forward-thinking approach to preserving the industry. Our companies recognize the exponential benefits this collaboration will bring.’
Despite the joint venture, both companies will retain their independence, with separate ownership, operations, and editorial control. The Gleaner, established in 1834, and the Jamaica Observer, founded in 1993, will continue to deliver high-quality journalism and maintain their unique identities while leveraging the efficiencies of the shared logistics model. This partnership marks a significant step in the evolution of Jamaica’s media landscape, setting a precedent for innovative collaboration in the industry.
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Plea for the homeless
Human rights advocate Carla Gullotta is urging Jamaica’s Ministry of Local Government and Community Development to prioritize the establishment of more transitional facilities for the homeless, arguing that the current reliance on drop-in centres is insufficient to address the root causes of homelessness. Gullotta, who operates the Portland Rehabilitation Management Homeless Shelter in Port Antonio, highlighted the limitations of drop-in centres, which provide temporary shelter but fail to offer long-term solutions or professional support for mental health issues often linked to homelessness. She emphasized that transitional facilities, like her shelter, have proven more effective in helping individuals regain stability and reintegrate into society. Gullotta also underscored the alarming prevalence of mental health challenges in Jamaica, citing Health and Wellness Minister Dr. Christopher Tufton’s revelation that 40% of Jamaicans experience mental health issues at some point in their lives. Meanwhile, Local Government Minister Desmond McKenzie announced plans to conduct a nationwide survey on homelessness and build 14 new shelters across the island, aiming to address the growing crisis more comprehensively.