Jamaica transport fares, earthquake and public-sector audits lead CVM News agenda

Several route taxi commuters are paying more than the Government’s announced 8 per cent fare increase after the Transport Authority rounded new rates to the nearest $10. CVM News said its review found some routes rose by nearly 10 per cent to more than 11 per cent, including Cypress Hall to Chancery Street, Papine to Half-Way Tree, and Chancery Street to downtown Kingston. Economist Kenan Falconer said the rounding method can push the real increase above 8 per cent and add to inflationary pressure.

The UWI Earthquake Unit reported a 3.5 magnitude tremor at 4:11 p.m. on Wednesday, June 10, with an epicentre about 15 kilometres south of Annotto Bay, St. Mary. The quake had an 18-kilometre focal depth and was reportedly felt in sections of Kingston, St. Andrew and St. Catherine.

In court, the multimillion-dollar Sagicor fraud trial was adjourned early so parties could settle how documentary evidence would be entered. The accused, Malikica Mloud, Tricia Molton, Alysia Molton White and Tishan Samuels, face a 22-count indictment including conspiracy to defraud, larceny as a servant, unauthorised withdrawals and breaches of proceeds of crime and cybercrime laws.

Jamaicans for Justice renewed concern over fatal police shootings after 11 people were killed in police-related incidents within 24 hours, including four men in Kent Village, St. Catherine. The group again called for stronger accountability and wider use of body-worn cameras.

Energy Minister Daryl Vaz told Parliament that the cause of last Friday’s islandwide power outage has not been conclusively established, though preliminary findings linked the shutdown to multiple transmission line losses during heavy rain and lightning. A separate Auditor General report criticised the National Water Commission for underspending on capital works, weak reporting and delayed contracts.

Health Minister Dr Christopher Tufton said more than 300,000 Jamaicans have benefited from $3.82 billion in repairs and restoration at medical facilities following Hurricane Melissa. Parliament also heard new measures to curb squatting and land scams, while the Clansman gang trial continued with evidence concerning the killing of Zamari McKay.

In business, outgoing Bank of Jamaica Governor Richard Byles delivered his final finance committee address, citing inflation management, reserves of about US$6.5 billion and projected upward price pressure over the June and September 2026 quarters.