SHAKE-UP FOR SCHOOL BOARDS In a push to strengthen governance across Jamaica’s school system, the Ministry of Education is moving to recruit board members based on schools’ specific needs and introduce payment for independent directors through a pilot programme. Speaking at a press conference on Thursday, Dr Adrian Stokes, chairman of the Education Transformation Oversight Committee, said the aim is to improve the composition, effectiveness, and performance of school boards.
Western businesses urged to get aboard NaRRA train WESTERN BUREAU: Western Jamaica’s business community is being urged to position itself for what could become the largest infrastructure spending programme in the country’s history, with NCB Capital Markets Chief Executive Officer Angus Young describing the National Reconstruction and Resilience Authority (NaRRA) as a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for entrepreneurs.
JP insists Ruddock was advised of right to remain silent A justice of the peace (JP) on Thursday denied failing to protect murder accused Andre Ruddock’s rights during a caution statement in which he reportedly confessed to killing church member Taneka Gardner. The witness maintained that Ruddock, a 36-year-old farmer and security guard, was advised of his right to remain silent and given an opportunity to speak privately with two JPs before proceeding with the statement.
‘You can’t just live for yourself’ At 88, Merle Stern has little interest in measuring her life by the accolades she has racked up. For the retired justice of the peace, the greater reward has been the opportunity to help people through their difficulties, restore relationships, and ensure that the needs of the vulnerable are not overlooked.
US college fair opens doors for Jamaican students More than 800 prospective tertiary students from across Jamaica were given an opportunity to explore higher education options in the United States (US) at the US Embassy’s 2026 EducationUSA College Fair, held at The Jamaica Pegasus hotel in New Kingston yesterday. The fair connected students with representatives from more than 20 leading US colleges and universities, including Columbia University, the University of Connecticut, North Carolina State University, the University of South Florida, and Florida International University, among others.
Water hike faces fire - Businesses, tourism sector and Opposition challenge proposed 51% NWC rate increasee Several stakeholders including small and large businesses are pushing back against the National Water Commission’s (NWC) proposed 51 per cent tariff increase, urging the regulator to withhold approval or impose conditions amid drought-related shortages, rising operating costs and concerns about the utility’s management of water resources and infrastructure.
Hotels explore collective insurance arrangement…JHTA surveys members as dissatisfaction grows over delayed and reduced hurricane payouts WESTERN BUREAU: Jamaica’s hotel operators are exploring the possibility of collectively restructuring their property insurance arrangements amid mounting dissatisfaction over delayed and reduced settlements of Hurricane Melissa claims. Industry sources familiar with the discussions say members of the Jamaica Hotel and Tourist Association (JHTA) are considering whether pooling their insurance requirements could secure more favourable terms, strengthen their bargaining power and improve claims settlement procedures.
Holness blasts ‘two-mouth people’, defends JCF Prime Minister Dr Andrew Holness yesterday launched a blistering attack on critics of law enforcement, blasting “two-mouth people” while declaring his unwavering support for the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF). Holness comments come amid public debate over last Friday’s deadly gun battle in Sligoville, St Catherine. Speaking at a handover ceremony for the East Palms housing development in Kingston Central, Holness said state intervention was bringing positive changes to inner-city communities.
Gov’t to reclaim Kgn gullies The Government is moving to reclaim gullies across Kingston, with a pilot programme targeting four high-risk communities for the relocation of residents living along vulnerable waterways, Prime Minister Dr Andrew Holness has announced. Speaking at the official opening and ribbon-cutting ceremony for Kingston 2 (K2) in east Kingston yesterday, Holness said the Government, through the National Works Agency (NWA), would begin enforcing the lawful 20-foot reservation buffer zones bordering gullies.
Ruddock insisted on giving caution statement, court hears Murder accused Andre Ruddock insisted on giving a caution statement and repeatedly declined the services of duty counsel, the Pathways murder trial heard yesterday. One of the two justices of the peace (JPs) who witnessed the statement told the court that when Ruddock was advised about securing the services of a legal aid attorney, he refused, saying he wanted to give the statement because he had done something wrong and needed to “get it off his chest”.