NSWMA hiring row sparks two-year tension between senior officials An “irregular” recruitment exercise at the National Solid Waste Management Authority (NSWMA) has triggered a two-year impasse between the entity’s executive director and its internal audit manager, creating a “hostile” working environment. The conclusion was reached by the Ministry of Local Government and Community Development’s chief internal auditor, following a complaint that the outcome of a selection process to fill an assistant auditor position was altered in favour of a candidate who was outscored by another.
CARICOM faces test over top post standoff Influential leaders in the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) are confident that the current division within the 15 full-member bloc will not fracture the regional body, even as an active search continues for a consensus candidate to replace Dr Carla Barnett, whose position as secretary-general has become untenable. The Sunday Gleaner was told that no consensus candidate has yet emerged, and no timeline has been set for resolving the impasse.
Penile cancer warning Penile cancer, a rare but serious disease often linked to the human papillomavirus (HPV), is leaving some Jamaican men facing devastating consequences, including the loss of their penis and the end of their ability to father children. Consultant urologist Dr Elon Thompson told The Sunday Gleaner that while penile cancer is not as common as prostate cancer in men or cervical cancer in women, local cases have been recorded, with some requiring complete surgical removal of the organ.
Fuel price shocks threaten school attendance, nutrition amid transport strain Rising fuel prices amid the US-Israel war against Iran are now threatening school attendance, with transportation emerging as the primary concern for administrators across the island. Several school leaders say they are bracing for increased absenteeism, as some parents – particularly in rural communities – consider sending children to school only a few days per week instead of daily as transport costs increase. Others warn that a return to online learning, similar to the COVID-19 pandemic, could become necessary if petrol prices continue to rise.
18-y-o murder suspect arrested after flight from Jamaica lands in New York An American teen who left Jamaica on Friday night was arrested for murder on arrival in New York City. Eighteen-year-old Zahir Davis was charged in connection with the fatal shooting of 15-year-old Jaden Pierre during a violent altercation at a park in Queens earlier this month. Pierre was attacked and shot during a confrontation at Roy Wilkins Park in South Jamaica on April 16.
GAGGED King’s Counsel Peter Champagnie is calling for restraint in public discussion surrounding the firearm case involving popular podcaster Jhaedee Richards and music producer Jahvel Morrison, after both men were yesterday granted $1.5 million bail in the Gun Court. Speaking with The Gleaner following the hearing, Champagnie, who represents Morrison, popularly known as ‘Jahvy Ambassador’, alongside attorneys Richard Lynch and Sayeed Bernard, said public commentary on the matter should not undermine the court proceedings.
PM urges local contractors to ‘invest in yourselves’, become more globally competitive Local contractors are being urged to make the necessary investment in their companies to effectively compete for large-scale government projects. Prime Minister Dr Andrew Holness made the suggestion while speaking at the National Housing Trust (NHT) groundbreaking ceremony for the Galina housing development in St Mary yesterday.
Jamaican ganja growers cautiously optimistic amid reclassification by Trump The ganja fraternity in Jamaica, while welcoming the recent decision by the United States (US) Department of Justice to reclassify certain cannabis products, is urging local producers to see it as both an opportunity and a warning. Maurice Ellis, head of the Ganja Growers’ Association of Jamaica, said in a statement to The Gleaner that the reclassification under the United States Controlled Substances Act changes the operating environment for the global cannabis industry, and Jamaican farmers need to interpret it carefully.
JMEA urges vigilance as contaminated sugar probe unfolds Kathryn Silvera, president of the Jamaica Manufacturers and Exporters Association (JMEA), says the organisation is relying on guidance from regulators as concerns grow over contaminated sugar linked to Pan Caribbean Sugar Company. “Pan Caribbean would be the manufacturer of the sugar in this instance, and so they would supply a number of different entities, people who might be using sugar as a raw material to bake or for other items, distributors, or those who buy in bulk and then repackage,” Silvera said.
Tourism players cite global uncertainty and soft bookings amid recovery push Western Bureau: As Tourism Minister Edmund Bartlett tours hospitality properties along Jamaica’s south coast to assess recovery efforts and reinforce the sector’s readiness to welcome international visitors, industry stakeholders are warning that global uncertainty is dampening bookings and occupancy levels.