Reckoning over rights National Security Minister Dr Horace Chang’s assertion that legal challenges in the United States (US) against its third-country deportation policy are of no concern to Jamaica has drawn criticism from civil society advocate Kay Osborne. Osborne described Chang’s statement as a “convenient deflection”, arguing that it sidesteps the Government’s responsibility to protect human rights under international law, including the obligation not to transfer people to places where they face torture or persecution.
IC can’t query fund sources for MPs’ prior purchases – complaints director The Integrity Commission (IC) has moved to set the record straight about information it has requested from parliamentarians on assets they acquired, in some instances before becoming legislators. Delroy Chuck, a member of the Integrity Commission Oversight Committee (ICOC), said yesterday that parliamentarians had shared with him requests from the IC for information about assets they acquired years ago, in some cases dating back decades.
Pathways cop denies gun threat A detective constable yesterday denied suggestions that he had pointed his service pistol at murder accused Andre Ruddock and threatened to kill him over a false name allegedly given by the accused. The witness, who previously testified that Ruddock confessed at the scene to slashing Gardner’s throat on the instructions of the now-deceased church pastor Kevin Smith, also denied suggestions that he had “draped up” Ruddock by his shorts and “puffed” him in his chest.
OEC to clear outstanding PEP payments by Friday The Overseas Examinations Commission (OEC) has pledged to pay all outstanding claims from invigilators and presiding examiners who worked during the 2026 Grade 4 and Grade 5 Primary Exit Profile (PEP) examinations by tomorrow. In a statement yesterday, the commission said it had received 845 claims from 537 examination personnel, all of which were submitted in June. Nine of the 15 payment batches, covering 44 per cent of the claims, have been paid, while the remaining six batches are being processed for settlement by direct bank transfer.
From Somerton to surgical excellence Growing up in rural St James, Camelia Lawrence dreamed of becoming a doctor after witnessing her grandfather suffer from epilepsy and struggle to access appropriate treatment in Jamaica. She vowed to become a doctor so she could help others in need. “I always wanted to be a doctor since I was a young child having witnessed my grandfather’s medical challenges,” Lawrence told The Gleaner in an interview. “I wanted to make care more accessible for everyone in need.”
Portmore pushes for control of proposed parish lands The Portmore Municipal Council is calling for the Government to hand it immediate administrative responsibility for the area earmarked to become Jamaica’s newest parish under the Counties and Parishes (Amendment) Act, 2025. The call came at the council’s general meeting yesterday, where Deputy Mayor Alric Campbell tabled a resolution, backed by Mayor Leon Thomas and fellow councillors, calling on Local Government Minister Desmond McKenzie to transfer administrative control of the proposed parish boundaries to the council ahead of the legislation’s full implementation.
TCN CAUTION - Gov’t urged to weigh legal liabilities as 22 deported foreigners arrive under US deal The arrival of 22 Latin American and European migrants at Norman Manley International Airport under the controversial third county nationals agreement (TCN) has triggered a warning from one political analyst that Jamaica could face legal liabilities. University of the West Indies lecturer in the Department of Government Damion Gordon said the Holness administration must ensure openness, and evaluate its responsibilities regarding the agreement.
Panton urges new KCs to help end Jamaica’s reliance on Privy Council Former president of the Court of Appeal Justice (Ret’d) Seymour Panton has challenged Jamaica’s newly appointed King’s Counsel to use their influence to advance the country’s long-running effort to replace the United Kingdom-based Privy Council with the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) as its final appellate court.
Three called to Inner Bar as Chief Justice urges leadership, service Three members of Jamaica’s legal profession – Deputy Solicitor General Lisa White, Director of Public Prosecutions Claudette Thompson and veteran attorney Oswest Senior-Smith – have been called to the Inner Bar, with Chief Justice Bryan Sykes urging them to use their elevation to strengthen the justice system and uphold the rule of law. Addressing the ceremony on Tuesday morning, Sykes reminded the newly appointed King’s Counsel (KC) that the honour was not simply a reward for past achievements but an obligation to serve the courts, the legal profession, and the country.
JHTA fears winter season gridlock as MoBay roadworks lag WESTERN BUREAU: The Jamaica Hotel and Tourist Association (JHTA) is warning that worsening traffic congestion in Montego Bay threatens to disrupt the winter tourist season as major roadworks remain unfinished. JHTA Area Chapter Chairman Kerry-Ann Quallo-Casserly has expressed growing frustration over delays in completing Phase One of the Montego Bay Perimeter Road project, which was originally scheduled for completion in June, subsequently pushed back to September, and remains unfinished in October.