Carib Scope

标签： Jamaica

牙买加

  • Montague, church leaders discuss land titling and adverse possession issues

    Montague, church leaders discuss land titling and adverse possession issues

    KINGSTON, Jamaica — In a landmark move to address systemic property rights challenges, the Jamaican government has initiated a collaborative partnership with religious institutions through high-level consultations with the Jamaica Umbrella Group of Churches (JUGC). The Ministry of Economic Growth and Infrastructure Development (MEGID) is spearheading this initiative to streamline land titling processes and resolve complex adverse possession issues affecting faith-based organizations nationwide.

    The strategic dialogue was chaired by Minister Robert Montague, who holds portfolio responsibility for land titling and settlements. He was accompanied by senior technical experts from the National Land Agency (NLA) and representatives from the Ministry of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport, which maintains oversight of faith-based institutions.

    Minister Montague articulated the government’s ambitious vision of achieving comprehensive land ownership documentation across Jamaica. “Our objective is to secure legal titles for 100 percent of lands nationwide,” Montague stated. “This collaboration is essential as churches have historically served as pillars within their communities for generations. They warrant an unambiguous, economically feasible, and streamlined pathway to formalize property ownership.”

    Technical specialists from the NLA conducted an extensive briefing session detailing the procedural requirements for obtaining land titles, available institutional support mechanisms, and the legal parameters surrounding adverse possession claims. Church representatives engaged in a substantive question-and-answer segment, voicing specific institutional concerns and receiving direct technical advisory support.

    This initiative operationalizes a commitment previously made by Jamaica’s Prime Minister and constitutes a critical component of the nation’s broader land reform and titling strategy. The program aims to dramatically increase the number of Jamaicans—including community collectives and religious organizations—with formally registered and legally secure property rights.

  • Power play

    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.

  • Cop in assault case to return to court

    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.

  • JDSF raises over $3.1 million to support Hurricane Melissa relief efforts

    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.

  • Still on track

    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.

  • Maldon High withdraw from daCosta Cup

    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.

  • Portland principal helps community ‘press’ forward after Hurricane Melissa

    Portland principal helps community ‘press’ forward after Hurricane Melissa

    In the aftermath of Hurricane Melissa, Adli Lewis, the principal of Seaside Primary School in Portland, Jamaica, has garnered widespread acclaim for his innovative efforts to support the community. Recognizing the struggles faced by families left without power, Lewis transformed the school into a vital resource center, offering ironing facilities for parents and students alike.

  • ‘Playing politics’

    ‘Playing politics’

    Members of Parliament (MPs) from the People’s National Party (PNP) have voiced strong criticism against the Jamaican Government’s handling of the recovery process following Hurricane Melissa. At a press conference held at the Office of the Leader of the Opposition, PNP legislators from Westmoreland and Hanover expressed their frustration over the widespread homelessness and suffering experienced by thousands of Jamaicans. Dr. Dayton Campbell, MP for Westmoreland Eastern, highlighted the extensive damage, estimating that approximately 5,000 houses were completely destroyed, with many others suffering significant damage to infrastructure. He praised the efforts of private sector entities and non-governmental organizations for stepping in to provide relief, but criticized the Government’s response as inadequate, delayed, and politically motivated. Campbell emphasized the need for urgent intervention to provide temporary housing for displaced individuals and called for greater involvement of elected officials in the distribution of aid. Other MPs, including Duane Vaz, Ian Hayles, Heatha Miller-Bennett, and Andrea Purkiss, also expressed disappointment with the Government’s approach, citing issues with shelter conditions, relief distribution, and the under-reporting of devastation in their constituencies. They urged the Government to take more decisive action to address the humanitarian crisis and ensure that affected communities receive the support they need.

  • Man fined $15,000 for selling jerk without food handler’s permit

    Man fined $15,000 for selling jerk without food handler’s permit

    In Kingston, Jamaica, a man faced legal consequences for operating a jerk restaurant without the necessary food handler’s permit. Rohan Gayle appeared before Judge Paula Blake Powell in the Kingston and St Andrew Parish Court on Tuesday, charged with selling jerked chicken in a jerk-themed establishment without proper authorization. Gayle admitted that he had applied for the permit on November 4th, but only after being caught violating the law on November 1st. Judge Blake Powell, while showing some leniency, emphasized the importance of food safety training, particularly in light of the recent Hurricane Melissa, which struck on October 28th and has raised significant health and safety concerns across the country. Gayle was fined $15,000, a fraction of the maximum penalty of $50,000, with the alternative of serving a 30-day jail sentence.

  • Samuda applauds universities for launching Higher Education Disaster Task Force (HEDE)

    Samuda applauds universities for launching Higher Education Disaster Task Force (HEDE)

    KINGSTON, Jamaica — In a significant move to address the escalating impacts of climate change, Jamaica’s Minister of Water, Environment and Climate Change, Matthew Samuda, has praised the establishment of the Higher Education Disaster Task Force (HEDE) by the nation’s tertiary institutions. This initiative, formed in the wake of Hurricane Melissa, aims to bolster scientific research, policy planning, and long-term resilience in the face of increasingly severe climate shocks.