CVM Sunrise highlights Western Sahara, public policy and Reggae Sumfest

CVM Sunrise on July 17, 2026, featured discussions on Western Sahara, hurricane-related school repairs, proposed health coverage for route taxi operators, court and transport matters, small-business development, swimming and Reggae Sumfest.

Muhammad Zerug, Ambassador of the Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic to Latin America and the Caribbean, described Western Sahara as Africa’s remaining colony. He said the former Spanish territory, located beside Morocco, Algeria, Mauritania and the Atlantic Ocean, was invaded by Morocco after Spain withdrew. Zerug said Sahrawi people should be allowed to determine through a referendum whether the territory becomes independent or joins Morocco. He also alleged that political prisoners are being held and that independent media and international observers face restricted access.

In local policy news, the Ministry of Education, Skills, Youth and Information plans to issue fortnightly reports on hurricane-damaged schools. The updates will identify project costs, contractors and anticipated completion dates. Minister Dana Morris Dixon acknowledged that repairs have moved more slowly than expected and urged principals to review work plans so longstanding maintenance problems can be addressed while contractors are present.

Waterford division councillor Fendley Douglas also proposed mandatory health insurance for Jamaica’s approximately 28,000 route taxi operators and their families. Transport Operators Development Sustainable Services president Egeton Newman supported the proposal and called for government assistance, including a $200-million contribution to a dedicated fund.

Constable Patrick Walters pleaded guilty in the St Mary Circuit Court on July 15 to manslaughter and using a firearm to commit a felony in the June 25, 2025 fatal shooting of Djane Graham in Essex district, Richmond, St Mary. He pleaded not guilty to murder and was remanded for sentencing in the Home Circuit Court on September 25.

The programme also reported that annual toll adjustments are tied to concession agreements and formulas involving the United States consumer price index and the Jamaican-US exchange rate. Opposition Leader Mark Golding separately called for a review of traffic-ticketing provisions affecting transport operators.

Finance Minister Fayval Williams announced that the Public Procurement Commission expects to publish its MSME list by the end of July 2026. Guidance for procuring entities is expected by the end of August.

In sport, Jamaica’s 50-member Goodwill Swimming Championships team continued preparing for competition in Trinidad and Tobago from August 14 to 16. The swimmers hope to improve on Jamaica’s 101 medals in 2025. Entertainment segments featured Sean Storm discussing his return to the Reggae Sumfest stage after last appearing there in 2011, while recording artiste Kayen spoke about her dancehall career and performed with the Curfew Band.