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  • Parliamentary committee to deliberate on jury vs bench trials

    Parliamentary committee to deliberate on jury vs bench trials

    The Jamaican Parliament is poised to establish a Joint Select Committee (JSC) to conduct a comprehensive review of the nation’s judicial framework, specifically examining the contentious debate between jury trials and bench trials. This initiative, announced by Justice Minister Delroy Chuck, will follow the ongoing parliamentary debate on amendments to the Jury Act.

    The proposed legislative changes, tabled in the House of Representatives, include a substantial increase in juror compensation from $2,000 to $6,000 per day. Additionally, individuals participating in the jury selection process would receive a daily stipend of $2,000. Another significant amendment would grant judges the authority to dismiss juries when evidence of jury tampering emerges, a power currently absent in Jamaican jurisprudence but established in other Commonwealth jurisdictions like England and Wales.

    Minister Chuck emphasized that this parliamentary review represents a pivotal development in Jamaica’s legal evolution. “Recognizing that jury trials have been a hallmark of our justice system, this is a matter that Parliament should decide on, taking into account the suggestions and recommendations from all stakeholders within the justice system, and the wider public,” Chuck stated.

    The impetus for this judicial examination stems from the staggering backlog of over 3,000 criminal cases awaiting trial in Supreme and Circuit courts. Chief Justice Bryan Sykes has previously advocated for increased utilization of bench trials as a strategic approach to alleviate court congestion, a position that has gained traction within legal circles.

    Minister Chuck clarified that neither infrastructure limitations nor judicial shortages account for these delays, noting that both judge appointments and prosecutor numbers have significantly increased over the past decade. The government’s comprehensive review included comparative analysis of international jurisdictions to determine optimal procedures for addressing jury tampering concerns.

    The issue gained renewed urgency following the UK Privy Council’s 2024 decision to overturn the murder conviction of dancehall artist Vybz Kartel, which cited jury tampering as a contributing factor. This case highlighted the jurisdictional gap in Jamaican law regarding judicial authority to address compromised juries.

    The forthcoming parliamentary committee will solicit input from legal professionals, justice sector stakeholders, and the general public to determine whether Jamaica should maintain, modify, or potentially abolish its jury trial system in favor of exclusive bench trials.

  • Auditor General’s UHWI findings confirm ministerial oversight failure — Dr Dawes

    Auditor General’s UHWI findings confirm ministerial oversight failure — Dr Dawes

    KINGSTON, Jamaica — A damning report from Jamaica’s Auditor General has uncovered severe procurement breaches and misuse of tax-exempt status at the University Hospital of the West Indies, revealing systemic governance failures within the nation’s public health system that have cost taxpayers millions.

    Opposition Health and Wellness spokesperson Dr. Alfred Dawes has declared the findings confirm a persistent pattern of administrative negligence and failed oversight. “For more than a year, I have consistently raised concerns about procurement practices across the Ministry of Health and Wellness and its agencies,” stated Dr. Dawes on Wednesday. “Each time, those warnings were dismissed, with the minister assuring the country that systems were sound. The Auditor General has now confirmed this was untrue.”

    The audit revealed that hundreds of millions of dollars were committed without basic documentation, directly contradicting repeated public assurances from Health Minister Dr. Christopher Tufton that procurement rules were being followed. This follows a familiar pattern of irregularities, including the Integrity Commission’s earlier exposure of an improper $80 million payment to Market Me and the acquisition of a $31 million drill for Bustamante Hospital for Children—a transaction publicly praised by the minister despite its procedural flaws.

    Dr. Dawes dismissed government attempts to attribute these failures to previous administrations as implausible. “This Government has been in office for nearly a decade, with full parliamentary majority and control of the public health system. After three consecutive terms, excuses about inherited weaknesses lack credibility,” he asserted.

    The consequences extend beyond financial waste, directly impacting healthcare delivery. “When procurement systems fail, hospitals go without essential equipment, services deteriorate, healthcare workers are left unsupported, and patients ultimately pay the price,” Dr. Dawes emphasized. “This is how a health system is driven into crisis—not by chance, but by poor governance and failed political oversight.”

    Calling for independent accountability measures, Dr. Dawes stressed that the public cannot trust internal reviews conducted by the same leadership that presided over these failures. “A system cannot credibly investigate itself. A committee appointed by the minister to examine wrongdoing within a system he oversees is like a man on trial choosing his own jury. Jamaicans deserve independent scrutiny, meaningful reform, and accountability that prioritizes patients and public funds.”

  • Tourism’s triple five targets blown off track but sector resilient

    Tourism’s triple five targets blown off track but sector resilient

    Jamaica’s ambitious ‘triple five’ tourism strategy—aiming for five million visitors, US$5 billion in earnings, and 5,000 new hotel rooms by 2025—has been significantly derailed by consecutive hurricane strikes, compelling a major recalibration of the sector’s growth trajectory. Tourism Minister Edmund Bartlett confirmed the setback, attributing the shortfall primarily to Hurricanes Beryl (2024) and Melissa (2025), which collectively caused the loss of nearly half a million visitors and widespread infrastructure damage.

    Preliminary 2025 estimates now project approximately 4.5 million arrivals and US$4.6 billion in revenues, falling substantially short of original targets. Hurricane Melissa alone dealt what Bartlett described as a ‘significant blow,’ with approximately 30% of hotel rooms currently offline. Sector capacity is expected to gradually recover, reaching 80-85% by mid-year and 90% by November, though full restoration remains months away.

    The financial impact has been staggering, with reconstruction costs equivalent to an estimated 41% of Jamaica’s GDP. Airport operator data revealed a 524,000-passenger decline in 2025—the largest annual drop since the pandemic—amplified by additional challenges including U.S. travel advisories and shifting immigration policies.

    Despite these setbacks, Bartlett struck an optimistic note regarding long-term prospects. The ministry has established revised targets aiming for eight million visitors and US$10 billion in earnings by 2030, supported by an undiminished investment pipeline. Multiple major developments are advancing, including the 500-room Unico property (mid-2025 opening), Palladium Hanover, Moon Palace Grand, and the luxury Pinnacle multi-tower project.

    Crucially, resilience has become central to Jamaica’s tourism strategy. New constructions will incorporate enhanced building standards, reinforced roofing systems, and improved utility redundancies to withstand future climate and seismic events. Bartlett emphasized that investor confidence remains strong despite recent challenges, signaling enduring faith in Jamaica’s position as a premier Caribbean destination.

  • JPS meets with St Elizabeth councillors

    JPS meets with St Elizabeth councillors

    Local government representatives in St Elizabeth Parish, Jamaica, are engaged in critical discussions with the nation’s primary electricity provider, Jamaica Public Service Company (JPS), seeking concrete timelines for restoring power to communities still without electricity nearly three months after Hurricane Melissa’s devastation.

    The high-stakes meeting, convened in Santa Cruz and attended by JPS Chief Executive Officer Hugh Grant, follows the utility company’s previous refusal to address media inquiries. Councillor Christopher Williams (Jamaica Labour Party, Santa Cruz division) expressed cautious optimism, noting that JPS had requested detailed information about affected communities earlier this week. “We have furnished JPS with that information, so today we are expecting to get some timeline from them,” Williams stated.

    Significant areas remain without power across multiple divisions, including critical infrastructure such as the Santa Cruz Infirmary on Institution Drive. The Santa Cruz division alone reports outages in Rocky Hill, Park Mountain, Good Hope, Abraham, Burnt Ground, New River, and Brighton. Similarly, Councillor Donovan Pagon (People’s National Party, Braes River division) identified Braes River, Elim, Red Ground, George’s Valley, Grosmond, and sections of Wilton, Southampton, and Northampton as still awaiting restoration.

    Residents have been burdened by substantial generator costs, creating mounting pressure on local representatives. Williams acknowledged the growing frustration among constituents, emphasizing that any delay beyond the end of January would be “disheartening.”

    The closed-door negotiations occur against the backdrop of national restoration statistics presented to Parliament by Energy Minister Daryl Vaz. According to official figures, 491,000 of the original 542,000 customers who lost power during the October 28, 2025 hurricane have been reconnected, representing approximately 92-93% national restoration. However, the remaining 51,000 disconnected customers are concentrated in hard-hit regions like St Elizabeth, where infrastructure damage was most severe.

  • Gov’t proposes 300% increase in stipend paid to jurors

    Gov’t proposes 300% increase in stipend paid to jurors

    In a significant move to strengthen civic participation, Jamaica’s House of Representatives has approved a monumental increase in juror compensation. Justice Minister Delroy Chuck presented the amendment to the Jury Act on Tuesday, which mandates a 300% raise in daily stipends for citizens performing jury duty.

    The revised legislation elevates the daily payment from $2,000 to $6,000 per day. Furthermore, it introduces a groundbreaking provision offering $2,000 per day to individuals who participate in the jury selection process but are not ultimately chosen to serve on a trial.

    Minister Chuck emphasized that this adjustment reflects the government’s recognition of jurors’ indispensable role in maintaining a democratic justice system. The substantial increase addresses long-standing criticisms that the previous compensation failed to cover basic expenses like transportation and meals, creating financial hardship for citizens fulfilling their civic obligations.

    “This modification, though modest, demonstrates our acknowledgment of the financial burden jury duty imposes on ordinary Jamaicans,” Chuck stated during his ministerial address. He highlighted the government’s “deep appreciation” for those who set aside their personal responsibilities to serve the national interest.

    The reform arrives amid ongoing discussions about potentially phasing out jury trials in favor of bench trials presided over solely by judges—a position supported by Chief Justice Bryan Sykes. Nevertheless, the stipend enhancement aims to incentivize greater participation in the judicial process by mitigating financial barriers for prospective jurors.

    Minister Chuck acknowledged that the amendment’s presentation followed extensive deliberation to ensure the proposed increases were appropriate and sustainable. The government anticipates that these measures will offset expenses incurred by jurors and strengthen the foundation of Jamaica’s justice system.

  • Thompson, Clayton to open season at JAAA Fuller-Anderson meet on Saturday

    Thompson, Clayton to open season at JAAA Fuller-Anderson meet on Saturday

    KINGSTON, Jamaica — A constellation of Jamaican track and field talent is set to ignite the season at the Puma JAAA Fuller-Anderson Development Meet this Saturday at GC Foster College. The event features an electrifying lineup of Olympic and World Championship medalists making their seasonal debut in the 60m sprints.

    Headlining the men’s competition is Olympic silver medalist Kishane Thompson, who enters the arena with a formidable personal best of 6.48 seconds. He faces formidable opposition from World Championship 200m bronze medalist Bryan Levell (PB: 6.59s) and the exceptionally quick Gary Card of Dynamic Track club, who boasts the field’s fastest time at 6.42 seconds. The competition deepens with the inclusion of Ackeem Blake, Rohan Watson, Guyana’s Emmanuel Archibald, and promising former high school standouts Dejour Russell, Adrian Kerr, and Jeevan Newby. Adding an intriguing dimension is the participation of 400m hurdler Roshawn Clarke, testing his speed in the shorter event.

    The women’s 60m promises equally thrilling contests with MVP’s Tia Clayton (PB: 7.14s) squaring off against her relay silver medalist teammate Jonielle Smith (7.18s). The field intensifies with the presence of national contender Natasha Morrison (7.09s), Serena Cole (7.20s), and a strong Barbadian contingent featuring Sadia Williams (7.24s) and Kishawn Niles (7.12s). With nine heats scheduled for the men’s event, typically run as timed finals, the meet offers a critical early-season assessment of athlete preparedness and sets the stage for the upcoming international calendar.

  • ‘DISAPPOINTED!’

    ‘DISAPPOINTED!’

    The sporting world is confronting a profound ethical dilemma following Jamaican sprinter Shockoria Wallace’s decision to compete in the controversial Enhanced Games, an event explicitly permitting performance-enhancing substances. This development has drawn sharp criticism from Dr. Warren Blake, former president of the Jamaica Athletics Administrative Association (JAAA) and respected team physician.

    Wallace confirmed her participation Monday, becoming the first Jamaican athlete to join the Las Vegas-based competition scheduled for late May. The games explicitly welcome athletes currently serving doping bans and will feature track and field, swimming, and weightlifting competitions without drug testing protocols. Organizers promote the event as celebrating “human potential through safe, transparent enhancement” while offering substantial financial incentives, including a $1 million prize for world record performances.

    The 100-meter specialist, who recorded her personal best of 11.09 seconds in 2023, expressed enthusiasm in a social media video: “They provide a lot for athletes, and I am grateful for the opportunity. I will be racing down that track to break the world record and win the grand prize.”

    Dr. Blake voiced profound disappointment, suggesting Wallace’s motivation appears primarily financial given her inability to break into track and field’s elite ranks. “I’m a bit disappointed that a Jamaican has chosen to enter the Enhanced Games,” Blake stated. “She saw an opportunity to make some money.”

    The orthopaedic specialist expressed particular concern that Wallace’s Jamaican affiliation lends credibility to what he considers a dangerous experiment. Blake questioned the organizers’ safety claims, suggesting the event might actually serve as a testing ground for experimental performance-enhancing substances under the guise of scientific study.

    “I think this is just a guise to study doping in individuals,” Blake argued. “They will be giving athletes designer drugs and testing effects in real time. I don’t think this should be encouraged or supported.”

    Blake emphasized that substances are banned not merely for competitive fairness but because they cause demonstrable physical harm. He expressed concern that athletes seeking “quick glory and quick money” often overlook the long-term health consequences of doping.

    The Enhanced Games has drawn opposition from major sporting bodies, with World Athletics and World Aquatics publicly condemning the concept. World Aquatics has enacted a 2025 bylaw banning participants in such events from its competitions. The JAAA president declined to comment on Wallace’s participation despite requests from media outlets.

    Wallace joins American sprinters Fred Kerley and Marvin Bracey-Williams, along with Britain’s Reece Prescod, in committing to the controversial competition that challenges fundamental principles of athletic integrity and safety.

  • JLP pays tribute to Chris Bovell

    JLP pays tribute to Chris Bovell

    KINGSTON, Jamaica — The Jamaican political landscape is in mourning following the passing of Christopher David Rhys Bovell, CD, a revered legal luminary and former Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) treasurer, who died Wednesday after falling ill during international travels.

    Robert Montague, Chairman of the Jamaica Labour Party, issued an official statement celebrating Bovell’s extraordinary legacy of public service. Montague highlighted Bovell’s multifaceted contributions to Jamaican society, noting his dynamic tenure as a senator from 1983 to 1989 and his steadfast leadership as party treasurer during the same period.

    “Christopher Bovell made profound contributions to our national development through both political and legal channels,” stated Montague. “He was a resolute defender of Jamaica’s best interests, particularly during the politically turbulent 1970s, serving our party with unwavering commitment on the Standing Committee.”

    The JLP chairman extended heartfelt condolences to Bovell’s family, acknowledging their sacrifice in sharing him with the nation. Montague referenced the appropriateness of Bovell receiving Jamaica’s Order of Distinction at the rank of Commander during his lifetime, recognizing his exceptional service to the nation.

    Beyond politics, Bovell established an illustrious legal career beginning in 1964 when he was admitted to practice before Jamaica’s Supreme Court. The Munro College and Cambridge University alumnus became partner at the prestigious law firm Dunn Cox, Orett and Ashenheim in 1965, later serving as consultant and notary public.

    His professional excellence extended to the corporate sector with three decades of directorship at GraceKennedy Limited beginning in 1979. Born October 7, 1938, Bovell married Michelle Nanco in 1965, fathering six children who survive him alongside his enduring legacy in Jamaican public life.

  • Darkness vs data

    Darkness vs data

    Jamaica’s Energy Minister Daryl Vaz presented a robust justification for the Government’s contentious US$150-million loan to the Jamaica Public Service Company (JPS) during a parliamentary session on Tuesday. Vaz asserted that post-Hurricane Melissa restoration statistics demonstrate the wisdom of this financial decision, revealing that 491,000 of the original 542,000 affected customers have regained electricity—representing approximately 92-93% national restoration.

    Minister Vaz elaborated that the remaining 51,000 disconnected customers include approximately 21,000 households unable to safely receive power due to severe infrastructure damage. He outlined a comprehensive multi-agency strategy involving the Jamaica Social Investment Fund and the Ministry of Labour and Social Security to address these cases through electrical rewiring, housing support, and social assistance programs.

    The Minister projected that 96% restoration would be achieved by January’s end, with February dedicated to addressing the most severely impacted communities. Vaz emphasized that Jamaica’s recovery pace outperforms regional counterparts and approaches ‘best in class’ status.

    Opposition representatives delivered scathing critiques of both the restoration progress and loan transparency. MP Dayton Campbell of Westmoreland Eastern contradicted official statistics, stating unequivocally that ‘not one single, solitary’ JPS customer in his constituency currently has electricity. He described devastating impacts on families and businesses, with over 10,000 of his constituents among the disconnected.

    Opposition energy spokesman Phillip Paulwell challenged the loan’s adequacy, noting previous grid restoration estimates of US$350 million and demanding full parliamentary access to the loan agreement terms. Despite heated exchanges, Minister Vaz maintained his commitment to factual accuracy, pledging to correct any verified misinformation while emphasizing results over political point-scoring.

  • Chronix Law detained by ICE

    Chronix Law detained by ICE

    KINGSTON, Jamaica — United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has taken into custody prominent Jamaican dancehall performer Chronix Law, legally known as Ackeem Campbell. The detention occurred under circumstances that remain officially unexplained, creating uncertainty around the artist’s legal status in the United States.

    The development has sparked concern within the international music community and among his fan base. Attempts to establish communication with Campbell’s management representative, Alexandre Jones (professionally recognized as Bashy Law), have consistently proven unsuccessful. The absence of official commentary from either ICE officials or the artist’s representation has left the entertainment industry speculating about potential immigration complications or legal challenges.

    Chronix Law has established himself as a significant figure within the Caribbean music scene, with his work gaining traction across international platforms. This incident highlights the complex intersection of celebrity status and immigration enforcement, particularly for foreign artists frequently traveling for performances. The music community awaits further clarification regarding the grounds for this enforcement action and its potential implications for the artist’s career trajectory.