JTA salary warning, flood watch and regional business lead Jamaica newscast

Jamaica Teachers’ Association President Mark Maliva has warned that educators are increasingly frustrated as salary talks with the Government remain unresolved. Speaking at the JTA’s St. Thomas Chapter Conference, he said transportation costs and wider financial pressure have left teachers restless, and that the latest offer is still far from what the union is prepared to accept. The JTA is pressing for trained graduate teachers to receive priority in the compensation package.

Prime Minister Dr. Andrew Holness, speaking at the opening of the $230-million Troy Bridge, said public infrastructure projects are often delayed by accountability systems meant to protect taxpayers’ money. He said those checks are necessary, but can become too rigid, adding that long delays raise costs for farmers, students and businesses. The bridge links the Troy to Oxford main road near the Manchester-Trelawny border.

The National Environment and Planning Agency has launched a Junior CEO for the Day programme as part of its 25th anniversary activities. NEPA chief executive officer Leonard Francis said the initiative is intended to build youth leadership in sustainable development, with the selected student expected to gain agency exposure and mentorship. Education official Dr. Winnie Bry said the programme supports the national standards curriculum through environmental problem-solving and digital storytelling.

The Meteorological Service placed low-lying and flood-prone sections of Westmoreland, St. Elizabeth, Manchester, Clarendon, St. Catherine, St. Thomas, Kingston and St. Andrew under a flash flood watch until 5 p.m. Wednesday, June 10, 2026, as a tropical wave interacted with an upper-level trough.

In business, Victoria Mutual Investments, JMMB Group and Jamaica Producers reported profits, while market activity remained concentrated in selected transport, distribution and advertising stocks. Regionally, Trinidad and Tobago manufacturers began a trade mission to Guyana and Suriname, and Belize was chosen to chair the Caribbean Development Bank board of governors for 2026-2027.

In sports, the Reggae Girlz drew 0-0 with Panama after winning the first friendly 1-0. West Indies named a 15-member squad for the T20 series against Sri Lanka at Sabina Park, and the 2026 Women’s Caribbean Premier League will be staged in Barbados with a new Jamaica Empress franchise.