Bank fee appeal, hospital concerns and Clansman evidence headline CVM News bulletin

CVM News’ June 15 bulletin led with pressure on Jamaica’s public health system, after a family raised concerns over a relative’s death at Cornwall Regional Hospital, allegedly following a long wait for a bed. At Kingston Public Hospital, elective surgeries were also affected by problems with the central air-conditioning system, which the hospital linked to ageing infrastructure and hard-to-source replacement parts.

Opposition health spokesman Dr Alfred Dawes called for Jamaicans to demand accountability from the Government and the Ministry of Health, including independent infrastructure reviews, clear repair timelines and adequate funding for lasting fixes. He argued that separate problems at KPH and Cornwall Regional point to deeper weaknesses in the health sector.

Local Government Minister Desmond McKenzie defended the Social Development Commission after criticism from Opposition spokesperson Natalie Neita Garvey, saying the agency had improved its work over the past decade. He also announced an additional $50 million for church clean-up support following Hurricane Melissa, adding to a $75 million programme for affected congregations.

The bulletin also reported that seven Jamaicans overseas were honoured under the Governor General’s Achievement Awards for contributions in areas including diaspora engagement, education, humanitarian work, migration advocacy, heritage preservation, mentorship and Jamaica-China cooperation.

In Kingston, members of the Kingdom of Debrazit human rights defenders said police detained four men, including group leader Ambassador Luel Ras Mesin Hilisi, after they attempted to deliver a document to King’s House. The group said it was protesting what it regards as continuing British colonialism. Police had not provided an update by news time.

The Jamaica Constabulary Force reported major declines in St. Catherine South, including reductions of 68 per cent in murders, 63 per cent in shootings, 27 per cent in robberies and 31 per cent in break-ins.

In court, a statement from deceased witness Chenise Roberts was read in the Clansman gang trial, describing the February 7, 2020 killing of businessman Noah Smith at Eureka Place in Kingston 20. The newscast also covered MP Fitz Jackson being granted leave to appeal in his challenge against Bank of Nova Scotia Jamaica over cheque encashment fees.