Jamaica tackles traffic ticket backlog as inflation rises and flexible work expands

Transport Minister Daryl Vaz says Jamaica faces significant obstacles in resolving 1.1 million outstanding traffic tickets before the administrative demerit points system begins on October 1. At Wednesday’s post-Cabinet briefing, Vaz cited limited court space, judicial and administrative constraints, and the requirement for cases to be heard in the parish where offences occurred. A stakeholder group is seeking solutions, while the Government considers extra court resources, longer sittings and transitional legislative changes. Vaz said implementation would not be postponed. Lieutenant Colonel Sheldon Bryan has meanwhile been appointed director general of the Island Traffic Authority.

The Ministry of Health and Wellness has extended its family caregiver programme to Spanish Town Hospital after launching it at Bustamante Hospital for Children earlier this year. Registered relatives can assist patients during admission. Since the pilot started, 1,053 caregivers have supported 737 patients. Health Minister Dr Christopher Tufton said the initiative had strengthened communication and helped families understand clinical priorities. Further public-health facilities are expected to join.

Jamaica is also introducing staggered and flexible working arrangements to reduce congestion, commuting expenses and employee strain. A Ministry of Finance circular brought the policy into effect on February 1, 2026. Survey findings indicated that 70 per cent of employees benefited from flexible arrangements, 80 per cent of participating entities reported stronger engagement, and 77 per cent of surveyed organisations recorded some improvement in output. Critics warned that weak planning could damage communication, teamwork and performance monitoring. Small businesses also cited limited access to laptops, reliable internet and backup electricity.

STATIN reported that Jamaica’s consumer price index increased by 0.8 per cent in June, with point-to-point inflation reaching 6.7 per cent. An eight per cent rise in route-taxi and hackney-carriage fares from June 2 helped drive transportation costs upward. Food and non-alcoholic beverages rose 0.7 per cent, while housing and utility expenses increased 0.5 per cent.

The Jamaica Stock Exchange lifted its suspension of Derrimon Trading Company shares after the company submitted its 2025 audited accounts and March 2026 quarterly report on July 10. On July 15, TransJamaican Highway and Wigton Energy each traded 9,192,482 units, while Sagicor Select Financial Funds recorded 2,607,016 units. Bank of Jamaica figures placed the US dollar at J$158.96 selling and J$157.48 buying.

Guyana launched a Region Three foundation programme offering 400-, 600- and 950-square-foot designs for housing allottees, with expansion planned nationally. Trinidad and Tobago also deployed specialised equipment against sargassum while studying tourism-related business opportunities.

The ICC approved revised formats for the men’s Cricket World Cup and T20 World Cup. Separately, West Indies Women defeated Ireland by 64 runs at Brady Cricket Ground to complete a 3-0 ODI sweep. Stafanie Taylor scored a second consecutive century, while Hayley Matthews was named player of the series.