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.
Success depends on support While Broughton Primary School’s Jamaica Moves showcase drew praise for its creativity and execution, Principal Marva Davis-Clarke says long-term success will depend on sustained support – especially for rural schools. Reflecting on the day’s activities, she made it clear that physical activity is not just about fitness, but also academic and behavioural outcomes.
Broughton Primary moves students with mix of physical activity and academics A sprint to the right answer, children forming shapes at the sound of music, and teams crawling, jumping and racing across the field – Broughton Primary School turned its Jamaica Moves in Schools Challenge proposal into a full-scale, high-energy reality on Friday. The Westmoreland institution used National School Moves Day to execute its plan: a rotational activity circuit blending physical movement with academics.
PRISON FOR DEVELOPER A Supreme Court judge has ordered the arrest of developer Andre De La Motta after he repeatedly defied court orders in a dispute with a retired American couple who paid more than $64 million to build their dream home in St Thomas but left the project largely unfinished. Justice Althea Jarrett last month ruled that De La Motta be taken into custody and imprisoned for six weeks at the Tower Street Adult Correctional Centre, or another suitable facility, or until he purges his contempt of court.
Gov’t seeks future path for Sangster Int’l beyond 2034 concession The state-led Airports Authority of Jamaica (AAJ) wants a consulting firm to develop a master plan for Sangster International Airport to span the next two decades for the nation’s largest gateway. The project comes as Hurricane Melissa last October led to travel disruption and contributed to the reduction in airport revenue.
SUGAR RECALL WESTERN BUREAU: The Ministry of Health & Wellness has ordered an immediate halt to the production, distribution, and sale of sugar from Pan-Caribbean Sugar Company Limited (PCSC) after preliminary tests detected metal fragments in the packaged sugar. Additionally, batch codes ‘01 2029’ to ‘01 2028’ have been identified in a recall of packaged sugar produced by the company. This specific batch, according to the company, has been the only set in circulation since January 2026.