Hundreds march at Cross Roads as JET urges EIA reforms and Chuck warns JPs on coat of arms misuse

Hundreds of demonstrators dressed in yellow marched through Cross Roads on Tuesday morning to press for action on what they described as unresolved national concerns, including accountability for Hurricane Melissa relief funds and findings from illicit-enrichment investigations.

The Jamaica Environment Trust is urging a sweeping overhaul of the country’s environmental impact assessment framework, arguing that the present process lacks the transparency, consistency, and public accountability needed to safeguard communities and the natural environment. In a detailed submission on proposed EIA regulations, the group says too much discretion rests with the National Environmental Planning Agency to decide when an assessment is required, a practice it contends falls short of international standards.

JET is calling for clear legal rules on which developments must undergo review. Under its proposals, assessments would become mandatory for high-impact projects such as mining and quarrying, oil and gas exploration, major industrial plants, large tourism and housing schemes, highways, ports, airports, energy facilities, landfills, and major coastal works. Developments in or near sensitive sites, including mangroves, wetlands, coral reefs, and protected areas, would also require an EIA.

The organisation further wants stronger public participation, earlier notices, set comment periods, open access to supporting documents, and a searchable online register where citizens can track applications and review decisions. It is also recommending certified consultants, strict conflict-of-interest rules, tighter monitoring of approved projects, and stronger penalties for breaches.

Justice Minister Delroy Chuck has warned newly commissioned justices of the peace in Trelawny against unauthorised use of Jamaica’s coat of arms, saying criminals are buying the symbols and displaying them on vehicle dashboards in hopes that police will not search them. Speaking at a commissioning service, Chuck urged the parish’s roughly 300 JPs to work through their association to help address local problems. Superintendent Valarie Campbell, commanding officer for the Trelawny division, reported four murders so far this year compared with six at the same point last year, while urging JPs to intervene in community conflicts and refer matters to police, victims’ support, or restorative justice where needed.

Separately, Ascot Primary School in St. Catherine is facing criticism after parents said pupils who were not rated proficient or highly proficient on PEP were denied graduation gowns on the final ceremony day, despite paying $26,000 to take part. Some families said they felt misled. Jamaicans for Justice raised concerns about equity, student dignity, and possible division among classmates. Principal Mark Jackson apologised for the outcome, saying the school sought to motivate grade-six students facing behavioural challenges and did not intend to create separate groups at the ceremony.