Jamaica blackout probe widens as Golding declaration, Chang surgery and missing seniors top news

A probe into Jamaica’s islandwide electricity disruption is set to move forward this week after a lightning-related fault left sections of the country without power for several hours from Friday night into Saturday. Energy Minister Daryl Vaz described the episode as unacceptable and said the review would be comprehensive, with Jamaica Public Service to be part of the process.

The Integrity Commission has confirmed Opposition Leader Mark Golding’s 2024 statutory declaration covering income and assets. The certification was carried in the Jamaica Gazette through a notice dated May 26.

The PNP Youth Organization has, in the meantime, demanded an apology from Young Jamaica, the Jamaica Labour Party’s youth arm. The group accused Young Jamaica of spreading misinformation in a June 4 statement that challenged the status of Golding’s certification.

Deputy Prime Minister and National Security Minister Dr Horace Chang has disclosed that he had open-heart surgery after a routine medical check in late 2025 found three blocked arteries. Chang, a long-serving politician, said he had experienced warning signs before the diagnosis.

The Jamaica Constabulary Force is also reporting that at least 40 elderly people are now on its missing persons list. Since the start of the year, at least one senior citizen has been found dead, while most of the others remain missing. The cases include people living with dementia who left home and did not return.

In cricket, West Indies fast bowler Shamar Joseph will sit out today’s third and final One-Day International against Sri Lanka at Sabina Park. Cricket West Indies said the 26-year-old is unavailable because of personal reasons. West Indies are trying to level the series after rain forced the abandonment of the second match.

At midday in foreign exchange trading, the US dollar was selling for J$158.40, the British pound sterling for J$216.58, and the Canadian dollar for J$115.08. The forecast for Tuesday calls for showers and thunderstorms across most parishes.