Jamaica leaders push productivity, mediation, storm cleanup and 5G rollout

Prime Minister Dr Andrew Holness used the Jamaica Chamber of Commerce’s annual awards banquet to press Jamaicans to tie higher pay to stronger output, warning that wage growth without better productivity can add pressure to prices. He said government also has to improve approvals, procurement, digital services, project delivery and infrastructure to reduce business costs.

Justice Minister Delroy Chuck, speaking in the House of Representatives during the sectoral debate, urged wider use of mediation and better estate planning. He said more disputes should be settled outside adversarial court battles, and encouraged Jamaicans to make wills and prepare for retirement.

The debate over Jamaica’s final appellate court also resurfaced. Senior attorney Lloyd McFarland said Jamaica should move toward the Caribbean Court of Justice instead of trying to establish a separate local final court now, arguing that the country has already invested in the CCJ and lacks the resources to properly support another top-tier court while the Supreme Court still needs strengthening.

At the Home Circuit Court, evidence continued in the Clansman gang matter. A prosecution witness said four men robbed him while he was returning from work, causing him and his family to sleep elsewhere that night and later replace the locks. The court was shown photos from inside the recovered vehicle, including house keys, seasonings bought for Sunday dinner, empty shoe boxes and cartridge paper bought for his baby. The defence asked no questions but reserved the right to recall him. A detective constable said the complainant gave statements in September 2022 and identified the recovered van at the Spanish Town police station. Ryan Harrison and Bjour Thomas are charged in relation to count 32.

Government has also launched Operation CALM, an islandwide sanitation drive by the local government ministry and the NSWMA to clear bulky waste from flood-prone communities, advise residents and maintain a visible presence through the hurricane season. Local Government Minister Desmond McKenzie said $200 million is being put into public education.

Flow Jamaica, meanwhile, has launched 5G service for postpaid and business customers, with coverage now including Kingston, Portmore, Spanish Town, May Pen and the north coast. Vice-president and general manager Stephen Price said wider rollout is due by month-end and customers may need 5G-capable devices and updated SIM cards.