Vote transfer troubles - ECJ to probe claims that scrutineer absences blocking some electors’ from going to polls where they now reside The Electoral Commission of Jamaica (ECJ) is investigating reports that some electors, particularly in St Mary, have been unable to transfer their votes despite repeated attempts over several years. Central to the issue is the verification process for voter transfers, which requires Electoral Office of Jamaica (EOJ) staff to be accompanied by scrutineers representing the Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) and the People’s National Party when they visit an elector’s new address. According to the ECJ, the transfer cannot be completed unless the new residence is verified.
Our grief must become action - Dalrymple-Philibert WESTERN BUREAU: Jamaicans are being challenged to break the culture of silence surrounding the abuse of children, with Marisa Dalrymple-Philibert, minister of state in the Ministry of Justice and Constitutional Affairs, declaring that communities often see the warning signs long before the police do. Dalrymple-Philibert’s impassioned appeal came as 10-year-old Shani Coke, who was raped and murdered in her community of Troy, Trelawny, was being laid to rest.
Pearnel Charles celebrates 90 Family, friends and political colleagues gathered at the home of former Speaker of the House Pearnel Charles Sr yesterday to celebrate his 90th birthday, which he officially marks today. Among those joining the celebration were his children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, sons- and daughters-in-law and granddaughter-in-law.
Workplace inclusion must become part of everyday culture, says labour ministry official Rather than simply being written into workplace policies, Conrad Saunders, programme coordinator in the Ministry of Labour and Social Security’s (MLSS) HIV Unit, says respect, dignity and fairness must be reflected in how workers are treated. Saunders made the call on Friday at a Jamaica AIDS Support for Life (JASL) certificate presentation ceremony for beneficiaries of a human rights and discrimination in the workplace course. The course was held under the theme ‘End Workplace Discrimination: From Awareness to Action’.
Holness puts squatters on notice there’ll be no ‘chopping the line’ WESTERN BUREAU: Prime Minister Dr Andrew Holness has indicated that he might have to use emergency powers to prevent people from moving onto lands at Coopers Pen, Trelawny, in an attempt to secure a place in the Government’s planned relocation programme. Holness, who toured the community on Friday and met with residents affected by the demolition of several homes on August 11, said reports of new people moving onto the lands to benefit from the Government’s intervention could not be allowed to continue.
Schools urged to brace for dry spell WESTERN BUREAU School leaders are being urged to intensify water conservation and rainwater harvesting efforts as Jamaica enters the 2026-27 academic year amid continuing dry conditions and forecasts suggesting that the situation could worsen. Senator Marlon Morgan, parliamentary secretary in the Ministry of Education, Skills, Youth and Information, made the call while addressing the ministry’s Region Four Principals’ Conference at the Montego Bay Convention Centre in St James.
From hardship to hope For Marcelle’ Jackson, giving is not an act born out of abundance. It is born out of memory. She remembers watching her mother struggle to provide for her and her siblings, as overdue bills and rent eventually led to eviction. The family returned to the rural Clarendon community where her mother grew up, depending on relatives for support. Those difficult years could have hardened Jackson. But instead, she said, they taught her the profound value of kindness and inspired her to become someone who gives.
Possessed by her purpose - After years of opening doors for other J’can actors, Nadean Rawlins steps through one, landing biggest role of her career WESTERN BUREAU: For years, Nadean Rawlins has been opening doors for other people. As producer, director, talent manager, and head of RAW Management, she has pushed Jamaican actors towards auditions, encouraged young creatives, fought for opportunities, and worked behind the scenes to help build an industry she believes Jamaica deserves. So, when Possession – the new Sky original supernatural thriller – came calling, Rawlins was doing what she normally does, trying to get Jamaican actors into the room.
Back to school against the odds - Rural St Mary students face tough return amid flooding threat, outstanding repairs and parents struggling with costs Daily schooling in the deep rural communities of Baxter’s Mountain and Pleasant Hill in St Mary involves more than books, pencils, uniforms and school supplies. It also requires the will to battle the elements. When the rains come heavily, two rivers can turn the journey to school into a dangerous expedition, with children forced to cross fords that can swell within minutes. For some, getting home means waiting for the water to subside. For others, it means being rescued. And, sometimes, there is no crossing at all.
‘Mi nuh have it’ For a year, her voice has been the steady authority at the gates of Petersfield High School in Westmoreland, shouldering the job of keeping hundreds of students safe behind the institution’s walls. But, as the parish continues to grapple with the devastation left by Hurricane Melissa – the Category 5 storm that battered western and parts of central Jamaica last October – Joan Forbes Scarlett, the school’s security guard, finds herself in a personal crisis. She is unable to shield her own family from an unfolding disaster.