Portmore Boundary Review, Inflation Risks Lead CVM Sunrise Discussions

CVM Sunrise’s June 4, 2026 broadcast highlighted several national issues, led by the Electoral Commission of Jamaica’s consultations on constituency boundary changes tied to Portmore’s move toward parish status.

The ECJ process follows legislation passed in February 2025 designating Portmore as Jamaica’s 15th parish. Officials said the review is needed because Section 67 of the Constitution bars constituency boundaries from crossing parish lines. Proposals discussed could affect St. Catherine Southeastern, St. Catherine East Central, St. Catherine Southern and St. Catherine South Central. Director of Elections Glasspole Brown said stakeholder feedback would help shape recommendations for Parliament’s boundaries committee.

The programme also reported Opposition spokesperson on justice Zuleika Jess’s call for justices of the peace to receive stipends. Jess said more than 7,000 JPs provide voluntary support across Jamaica while often covering stationery, printing, transport and other costs linked to duties such as bail applications, mediation and lay-magistrate service.

In a finance segment, educator and author Carlton Stewart explained the Bank of Jamaica’s warning that inflation could move toward the upper end of its 4 to 6 per cent target range. He pointed to oil prices, import costs, supply-chain pressure and consumer demand as factors that could raise household expenses, and urged Jamaicans to avoid leaving too much cash in low-interest accounts.

Food safety communicator Allison Richards discussed World Food Safety Day, marked on June 7 under the theme “from burdens to solutions: food safe everywhere”. She urged proper handwashing, safe refrigeration, attention to recalls and better understanding of date labels.

Technology consultant Dwayne Stevens warned businesses not to upload confidential material such as payroll records, legal documents, passwords or trade secrets into AI tools. He said companies should set policies, train staff and keep humans involved when using artificial intelligence.

The broadcast also included coverage of Constable Andrew Wilson being charged with murder in the fatal shooting of 45-year-old Latoya Baldin in Granville, St. James, and Sri Lanka’s 41-run ODI win over the West Indies at Sabina Park.