Jamaica has emerged from a rare islandwide power outage that struck the Caribbean Island overnight. On Saturday morning, Daryl Vaz, Jamaica’s minister of energy, telecommunications and transport, announced that he had received an update that “all affected customers have been restored”
Jamaica Public Service began phased restoration after a system failure caused a nationwide power outage on Friday night. Energy Minister Daryl Vaz called the disruption unacceptable and demanded a report within 24 hours.
NEPA used its 25th anniversary distinguished lecture to press for ecosystem-based disaster recovery, stronger land-use planning and youth leadership in Jamaica’s environmental future.
JPS says more than four-fifths of its customers had electricity back by 6 a.m. Saturday after a system failure triggered an all-island outage. Energy Minister Daryl Vaz has demanded answers from the utility.
CVM’s June 5 newscast highlighted political dispute over Mark Golding’s statutory declaration, Senate approval of the NHT drawdown extension, justice-sector concerns and rising student pressure at UTech.
The Senate passed amendments allowing continued annual transfers from the National Housing Trust to central government, despite opposition calls to redirect funds toward hurricane-damaged homes.
Police are investigating the killing of Hubert Ferguson and his son Floyd Ferguson at their New Forest home in southern Manchester. Investigators suspect the attack may be tied to lottery scamming.
The Senate approved legislation allowing the National Housing Trust to transfer up to $11.4 billion a year to central government through 2031, despite opposition objections over housing needs after Hurricane Melissa.
Minister of Local Government and Community Development, Hon. Desmond McKenzie, has announced the allocation of an additional of $60 million to assist Municipal Corporations with improving emergency shelter accommodations across the island
The Ministry of Local Government and Community Development will be rolling out a Priority Parochial Road Programme, valued at $350 million, targeting for repair badly damaged roads that connect communities and lead to critical places like hospitals and schools. Portfolio Minister, Hon
Government announcements on June 5 covered drought relief, hurricane shelters, disaster readiness, health cooperation with Ghana, agriculture plans, student welfare in Cuba and support for businesses hit by Hurricane Melissa.
Government has outlined new spending for drought relief, community roads, drains and emergency shelters, while also updating disaster readiness, overseas health recruitment, agriculture cooperation and student support in Cuba.
Jamaica is pushing a national agriculture overhaul focused on food security, climate resilience, farm recovery, water access, technology and new opportunities for young farmers.
A new report released by Earth Insight in partnership with the Jamaica Environment Trust and ten other civil society organisations around the world reveals that Jamaica’s most ecologically important marine habitats could be directly threatened by offshore oil and gas exploration in the Walton-Morant block, off the island’s south coast. Fossil Fuel Threats to the Ocean: Marine Life and Coastal Communities at Risk draws on geospatial analysis to document how the Walton-Morant block and its associated risk zones overlap with nearly all of Jamaica’s coral reefs, seagrass beds, and the fishing grounds that coastal communities have depended on for generations
Omar Wright, Programme Lead at the JN Foundation As temperatures rise and rainfall declines, the time to act is now If you have turned on your tap recently and felt the pressure drop or noticed your water bill climbing in the heat of what is shaping up to be one of Jamaica’s hottest years in recent memory, you are not alone. Across the country, communities are feeling the strain
Government Allocates $60 Million to Improve Emergency Shelters Ahead of Hurricane SeasonBy Mckoy's News / June 5, 2026 The Government has allocated an additional $60 million to help municipal corporations improve emergency shelter accommodations across Jamaica as the country prepares for the 2026 Atlantic hurricane season. The announcement was made by Minister of Local Government and Community Development Desmond McKenzie during his contribution to the 2026/27 Sectoral Debate in the House of Representatives on Wednesday
CVM Sunrise’s June 5 broadcast covered public safety, education funding, Jamaican sporting performances, Caribbean literature and local entrepreneurship, while also featuring interviews with women’s pool players, authors, creatives and entertainers.
Three more suspects have been charged in relation to the ongoing probe into the multi-million dollar phishing scam at the National Commercial Bank (NCB). 29-year-old Pajie Hibbert of Bay Farm Road, 26-year-old Sherika Pink-Oates of Rainford Road, both in Kingston and 25-year-old Howalyn Petterson of Bushy Park, St
Tamra Douglas-Atkinson laughs when she recalls a moment that unknowingly highlighted one of the biggest misconceptions about school nurses. A few months ago, a student came to her in distress, experiencing shortness of breath
Berger Paints Jamaica has completed paint-supported upgrades at Hunts Bay Police Station as part of a broader community programme reaching schools, public offices and civic spaces across several parishes.
British-Jamaican Jhané Gibson was announced the winner of the culinary television show ‘MasterChef United Kingdom’ moments ago. The 29-year-old Gibson — born to a Jamaican father from May Pen, Clarendon, who immigrated to the United Kingdom (UK), and an English mother whose parents were raised in the island's capital — cinched victory in the amateur cook reality competition over finalists Kirsten Dodd and Matt Willett.Moments after being named the champion, Gibson was overwhelmed with gratitude and disbelief
If you have turned on your tap recently and felt the pressure drop or noticed your water bill climbing in the heat of what is shaping up to be one of Jamaica’s hottest years in recent memory, you are not alone. Across the country, communities are feeling the strain
The names of the Top-10 finalists in the 2026 Jamaica Festival Song Competition, have been disclosed. Minister of Culture, Gender Entertainment and Sport, Olivia Grange made the announcement following an exhilarating semi-final showcase held on May 16 at the Ranny Williams Entertainment Centre in St
For 2025 BOOST Scholarship recipient Jody-Ann Stephens, education has long been more than a profession; it is a route to opportunity, growth and change.Raised in Portland Cottage, Clarendon, she knows the constraints many young Jamaicans face. As a child, she could not afford much of what her peers took for granted
Kingston, Jamaica — Minister of Local Government and Community Development, Desmond McKenzie, has announced the allocation of an additional $60 million to assist municipal corporations with improving emergency shelter accommodations across the island. He made the disclosure during his contribution to the 2026/27 Sectoral Debate in the House of Representatives on Wednesday
Kingston, Jamaica — A labourer of a York Town address, Clarendon, was on Thursday offered bail in the sum of $400,000 when he appeared in the May Pen Parish Court on gun-related charges. He is 34- year- old Hartley Blake
Minister of Local Government and Community Development, Hon. Desmond McKenzie, is urging students to play an active role in keeping their communities clean
Marvin Dean and Dudley Powell were granted bail after being charged in a Manchester forgery investigation. Other court matters include a police murder trial and a lawsuit against the Firearm Licensing Authority.
The House of Representatives continued the 2026 Sectoral Debate on June 3, with presentations from Desmond McKenzie, Peter Bunting and Zelica Jess covering reconstruction, growth and justice access.
If there’s one thing dessert lovers understand, it’s that when a pop-up sells out, the offering speaks for itself. For 16-year-old Gabrielle Murray, that moment came at Di Lot in Kingston, where she hosted her first pop-up shop, introducing her brand Butter and Batter to the market.“I remember my very first pop-up shop selling out completely,” the Clarendon-based baker told Food
Minister of Local Government and Community Development, Desmond McKenzie, has announced the allocation of an additional of $60 million to assist Municipal Corporations with improving emergency shelter accommodations across the island.He made the disclosure during his contribution to the 2026/27 Sectoral Debate in the House of Representatives on Wednesday.McKenzie said the allocation will assist local authorities with obtaining blankets, cots and other bedding materials to make life more comfortable in the shelters.“This is the first allocation that will be made as we get ready for the hurricane season that is here with us,” the Minister stated.He noted that in addition to the allocation, the Ministry will be taking a different approach to shelter management going forward.“Instead of using multiple venues, we are looking… to build shelters in at least three parishes that can accommodate a large number of Jamaicans,” he informed.The first shelters will be built in Clarendon, St Elizabeth, and Westmoreland, at an estimated cost of $1 billion.Each shelter will be approximately 10,000 square feet in size, with the capacity to house 700 people.They will be energy efficient, made to resist earthquakes and hurricanes, and will feature amenities that can be used all year round.The Minister also provided an update on accommodations being built for the shelterees at Shrewsbury in Westmoreland.He said 10 of the 16 concrete bases required for mounting the houses to be provided have been constructed.McKenzie noted that the housing units that will be mounted on the bases are in the custody of the Jamaica Defence Force and will be made available shortly.“Those houses will be moved to the location and all the persons who have been registered… will occupy the new housing facilities that are provided by the Government,” the Minister stated.Meanwhile, McKenzie noted that 200 young Jamaicans will be deployed to the Social Development Commission (SDC) and the municipal corporations on July 1, to assist with shelter arrangements and public outreach activities.“They will work for the entire hurricane season. They will be deployed to work with disaster coordinators across the municipality in strengthening the disaster response capabilities,” he noted.- JIS NewsFollow The Gleaner on X, formerly Twitter, and Instagram @JamaicaGleaner and on Facebook @GleanerJamaica
Growing up, Christopher Chuck always cherished the timeless tradition of Sunday dinners at his home. The simple act of preparing and partaking of a wholesome meal with his family, paired with his island upbringing, provided the gastronomical genesis for his international catering business, Clarendon Catering and Event Services
Kingston, Jamaica — The Government is looking to roll out the Nurturing Early Scientific Thinking (NEST) programme in all early childhood institutions (ECIs) across the country by year’s end. The NEST pilot, conducted between February and June 2025, engaged 25 early childhood institutions in Kingston and St Andrew and, according to the Minister of Science, Technology and Special Projects, Dr Andrew Wheatley, they were deliberately selected to include schools in zones of special operations, low-performing institutions, and compliant schools
Deo McKenzie's third-minute strike carried Montego Bay United past Jamaica Premier League champions Portmore United and into the Popeyes Challenge Cup semi-finals.
Jamaica Defence Force FC advanced in the Popeyes Challenge Cup after a 5-3 penalty shootout win over Arnett Gardens following a goalless match at the Jungle.
A police constable has been charged over the fatal shooting of Latoya “Buju” Bulgin in Granville, while separate police and Integrity Commission matters span St. Andrew, St. Catherine, Trelawny and Manchester.
Arnett Gardens and Jamaica Defence Force FC were scoreless deep into their Popeyes Challenge Cup quarter-final at the Anthony Spaulding Sports Complex. Arnett’s young side created the clearer first-half chances, while JDF leaned on experience and organisation.
Manchester, Jamaica – Marvin Dean and Dudley Powell, the two men charged with a string of charges including uttering forged documents were granted bail in the Manchester Parish Court on Wednesday. Dean, a decommissioned justice of the peace (JP) was offered bail in the sum of $600,000 while Powell, a current JP, was granted bail in the sum of $400,000 when they both appeared before Judge Monique Harrison
The House of Representatives resumed on June 3, 2026, with sectoral debate contributions from Desmond McKenzie, Peter Bunting and Zelica Jess, alongside routine parliamentary business.
Jamaica is moving to strengthen cybersecurity after millions of attempted attacks, while commuters face higher taxi fares and regional officials prepare for energy, hurricane and health risks.
Jamaica is moving on new cybersecurity legislation, higher public transport fares and stronger hurricane-season preparations, while NARA begins shaping its post-Melissa reconstruction programme.
Jamaica's public passenger vehicle fares rose by 8 per cent on June 2, with another 8 per cent due in July. Transport Minister Daryl Vaz warned operators not to overcharge passengers.
Jamaica is moving on several public-sector priorities, including a proposed cybersecurity council, phased PPV fare increases, hurricane readiness measures and wider use of electronic health records.
Cabinet has approved a 16 per cent fare increase for public passenger vehicle (PPV) operators, effective June 2, 2026. The adjustment, which has been pending since April 2024, will be implemented in two phases: an initial eight per cent increase in June, followed by an additional eight per cent on July 1, 2026
Public passenger vehicle fares have begun rising under a 16% increase approved by the Government, but transport and consumer advocates say commuters needed clearer notice and fare tables.
The Government’s announcement on Tuesday of a staggered fare increase for taxi operators was greeted with a mixture of acceptance, displeasure, and derision, particularly by public passenger vehicle (PPV) drivers who said that surging operating expenses had already forced them to charge commuters above the approved rates. “We take fare increase two times already without anybody giving us increase,” said a hackney carriage operator on the Half-Way-Tree to Spanish Town route who identified himself only as Shortman
Dudley Powell, a 64-year-old Justice of the Peace and businessman from Clarendon, was granted bail in the Manchester Parish Court on fraud-related charges linked to documents allegedly naming him as a doctor.
Organisers of the Jamaica Cancer Society's St Ann-St Mary Branch say more men came out for prostate checks and other free tests at Sunday's Men's Health Fair in Ocho Rios.
A St. James road crash killed 22-year-old Bianca Wallace, while police laid a Hanover murder charge and the Government began a phased public transport fare increase.
Jamaica’s June 2 news agenda covered a phased taxi fare increase, renewed scrutiny of public agencies, road safety concerns, anti-corruption talks and manufacturing resilience.
