标签： Jamaica

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.