CVM Sunrise spotlights HEART roof trainees, police crime push and estate planning for Jamaican families

CVM Sunrise’s June 15 broadcast moved across several national and diaspora issues, including skills training after Hurricane Melissa, a new Area 4 police operation, Jamaica’s slow shift toward digital payments, estate planning for fathers, elder abuse awareness and the growth of a Jamaican-founded cosmetics brand.

The programme reported that 148 HEART/NSTA Trust trainees have been certified as roof repair specialists through the Building Resilience and Inspiring Development through Guided Experience programme. The apprenticeship initiative was developed after Hurricane Melissa and allowed young people to gain hands-on construction experience while helping repair damaged homes in western parishes. Trainees came from campuses including Seaford Town and Petersfield in Westmoreland and Newport in Manchester.

The headlines also noted that Area 4 police are increasing operations for 60 days under the Iron Shield initiative. Assistant Commissioner of Police Michael Phipps said divisional commanders will focus on crime-reduction plans in the six leading hotspots in each division, targeting wanted persons, suspects and other high-risk individuals. The effort follows Operation Blade, which focuses on illegal firearms and offensive weapons in the Corporate Area.

In financial discussion, Carlton G. Stewart said Jamaica is not becoming fully cashless, but is moving toward wider use of cards, mobile wallets, online banking and point-of-sale systems. He pointed to unbanked Jamaicans, distrust of financial institutions, internet outages, fraud fears and cybersecurity gaps as barriers, while noting increased smartphone use and online banking.

Diaspora entrepreneur June Smith, founder of Taj Cosmetics, said she was born in Kingston, grew up around Rockfort and Windward Road, attended Campion High School, and migrated to Canada in 1988. She said the brand began with a corn concealer for feet before expanding into foundation and lip products.

The programme also carried legal guidance from attorney Chené Warburton, who urged fathers and families to prepare valid wills with proper witnesses, executors and clear asset details. Patricia Reid of the Caribbean Community of Retired Persons called for stronger legal protection for older Jamaicans and renewed advocacy around an Elderly Care and Protection Act.