Kingston, Jamaica — Opposition Spokesperson on Energy Phillip Paulwell is calling for the government, specifically Prime Minister Andrew Holness, to clarify the cause of the system failure responsible for Friday’s islandwide blackout. In a statement on Saturday, Paulwell said Holness also needs to tell the people of Jamaica when they can expect full restoration and stability in power supply, instead of what he described as a vague promise and still no full restoration after 14 hours
Kingston, Jamaica — Opposition Spokesperson on Justice, Zuleika Jess has described as “institutional exploitation”, the lack of monetary or other support for Jamaica’s Justices of the Peace (JPs). Jess addressed the issue on June 3 during her contribution to the Sectoral Debate in the House of Representatives
Kingston, Jamaica — Opposition Spokesman on Productivity, Efficiency and Competitiveness, Peter Bunting, has called for the HEART/NSTA-Trust to be transformed to meet the needs of a constantly evolving workforce. Bunting made the call on June 3 during his contribution to the Sectoral Debate in the House of Representatives
Peter Bunting says the HEART/NSTA Trust should be reshaped into a workforce development funding body, arguing that rapid AI-driven change demands faster, employer-led training aligned with Jamaica’s labour market.
Kingston, Jamaica — As Sts Peter and Paul Preparatory School gears up to defend its title at the 2026 Prep School Championships next week, the school’s preparations have received a significant boost thanks to a J$1 million donation from Express Canteen Services. The contribution, presented this week by Express Canteen Services managing director Ryan Foster, doubles the company’s support from last year and reinforces a growing partnership that school officials say has become instrumental to the development of their sports programme
Guinness Pull Up returns to Stadium East Car Park on June 20 with Kraff Gad, Rajah Wild and a slate of selectors, continuing the brand’s celebration of dancehall and Jamaican nightlife.
Energy Minister Daryl Vaz says JPS has reconnected about 500,000 customers after Friday night's islandwide blackout, with remaining accounts expected to regain supply Saturday morning.
Handed a microphone as anticipation built in the venue, Mirander waited for Laa Lee to complete his set before stepping forward. Then, without accompaniment, she began singing her self-penned composition, Oh Mother Earth, a cappella
The Island Traffic Authority says Jamaica has recorded 49 fewer road deaths up to June 5 than over the same period last year, with vulnerable road users making up most fatalities.
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”
Kingston, Jamaica — Jamaica’s merchandise trade activity declined for the first two months of 2026, with expenditure on imports falling by 8.1 per cent and total export earnings falling by 28.8 per cent when compared with the corresponding period in 2025. The update was provided on Friday by the Statistical Institute of Jamaica (STATIN) in its latest International Merchandise Trade Bulletin
A Jamaican news roundup covers shark-safety concerns in Trelawny, government action on the Firearm Licensing Authority, and three new MOCA charges in an NCB phishing probe.
Express Canteen Services Managing Director Ryan Foster presents a cheque for J$1 million to Claudia Nugent, Principal of Sts Peter and Paul Preparatory School, on Friday, June 5, ahead of the school’s defence of its Prep School Championships title from June 11-13 at the National Stadium in Kingston. Looking on are Head Coach James Kirby (braids), Assistant Coach Nimroy Turgott and members of the school’s track and field team
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.
Kingston and St. Andrew officials say they are struggling to fill shelter manager posts days before the 2026 hurricane season, with training and community outreach planned to strengthen emergency readiness.
The JDF says crews put out a fire in the barracks section of Up Park Camp after several fire stations joined the response. An investigation is pending while the cause is still unknown.
Magnum Tonic Wine has signed on as title sponsor of Reggae Sumfest, with the festival set for Plantation Cove in St Ann after damage to Catherine Hall. Vybz Kartel and Mavado will headline the July 18 staging.
The ATL Automotive Group will be out in full force as the title sponsor for Skvnk Fest, scheduled this Sunday, June 7, at Cinema 2, New Kingston. “The Skvnk lifestyle brand has always had a good relationship with ATL Automotive, and when you think about a company that has variety for consumers we can only be talking about ATL Automotive,” Nick Lue, event organiser, told the Jamaica Observer’s weekly Auto magazine
Giant killers, the Jamaica Defence Force (JDF), will hope to continue their march through the Popeyes’ Challenge Cup competition when they take on Mt Pleasant FA in one semi-final today at the Anthony Spaulding Sports Complex set to start at 8:30 pm. The JDF are the only Jamaica Football Championships (JFC) team left in the competition after they knocked out giants Cavalier SC and Arnett Gardens in the two previous rounds
Several Government ministers, business leaders, and members of the legal profession are expected to turn out today to pay respect to former state minister in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade Leslie Roy Campbell during his official funeral. The service will be held at Fellowship Tabernacle, 2 Fairfield Avenue, Kingston 20, starting at 10:00 am
More than 9,300 Jamaicans came together in a powerful demonstration of generosity, wellness and community spirit as the Guardian Group Foundation and Guardian Life Limited successfully staged the Guardian Group SHINE 5K Night Run/Walk 2026, raising over $30 million to strengthen health care services and support vulnerable communities across Jamaica. Held under the theme “Heart & Sole,” this year’s event united individuals, families, schools, corporate teams, running clubs, sponsors and volunteers across Kingston and Montego Bay in support of three impactful beneficiaries – Kingston Public Hospital (KPH), Falmouth Public General Hospital and Project STAR (Social Transformation and Renewal)
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.
The Jamaica Defence Force says a Friday night blaze in the barracks section of Up Park Camp has been put out. The cause is still unknown and an investigation is to follow.
Firefighters were responding after a fire was reported Friday evening at Up Park Camp in Kingston. Commissioner Stewart Beckford confirmed the incident, but details on the cause and damage were not yet available.
The rebuilt Troy Bridge has officially opened, restoring a key crossing between southern Trelawny and north-western Manchester after Tropical Storm Grace destroyed the old structure in 2021.
True Pet Food used its first Inner Circle gathering at Sandals Dunn’s River to brief retailers and distributors on brand plans, recognise partners, and deepen support for Jamaica’s pet food trade.
Electricity service has been disrupted in several parishes, but JPS has not yet provided details on the cause or when supply may be restored.
Prime Minister Andrew Holness officially reopened the Troy Bridge, restoring a key connection between southern Trelawny and north-western Manchester after years of disruption.
Government officials opened the rebuilt Troy Bridge on June 5, restoring a crucial connection for residents, students, farmers and businesses between southern Trelawny and north-west Manchester.
Club MECA is staging back-to-back weekend events in Kingston, with Nigy Boy booked for Friday and Serani performing Saturday as part of his birthday celebrations.
Kingston, Jamaica — The urology service at Spanish Town Hospital has completed nearly 1,500 surgical procedures since its establishment five years ago, as the public health facility continues to expand access to specialised urological care in St Catherine and neighbouring parishes. The service, which was launched on May 3, 2021, has also provided outpatient treatment to thousands of patients and has grown into one of Jamaica’s leading public-sector urology units, according to a release issued on Friday
Water, Environment and Climate Change Minister Matthew Samuda has detailed major investments aimed at improving potable water access, reducing system losses, protecting ecosystems and strengthening Jamaica’s response to climate risks.
Lucien Harrison’s recent Ready-to-Wear presentation in New Kingston brought together nine designers and a stylish crowd, with memorable fashion seen across the runway and among guests.
Afreximbank is seeking deeper ties with Jamaica through a US$5 billion facility aimed at trade, investment and industrial growth. Finance Minister Fayval Williams says the bank could help fund rebuilding and resilience work.
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.
The ATL Automotive Group will be out in full force as the title sponsor for Skvnk Fest, scheduled for this Sunday, June 7, at Cinema 2, New Kingston. “The Skvnk lifestyle brand has always had a good relationship with ATL Automotive, and when you think about a company that has variety for consumers, we can only be talking about ATL Automotive,” Nick Lue, event organiser, told the Jamaica Observer’s weekly Auto magazine
Mount Pleasant Academy will begin their CFU Club Shield campaign against Antigua and Barbuda's All Saints United after receiving a bye to the Round of 16 in Trinidad and Tobago.
Kingston, Jamaica — Opposition spokesman on environment and climate resilience and Member of Parliament for St Mary Central, Omar Newell, has welcomed the Government’s proposed ticketing system for travel waste offences, while calling for a wider overhaul of the country’s waste management framework. According to a release on Friday, Newell said the proposed measure should serve as a starting point for a more comprehensive national strategy to address Jamaica’s solid waste challenges
West Indies head coach Darren Sammy says there is no panic as his team prepares for Saturday’s second ODI against Sri Lanka at Sabina Park after losing the series opener by 41 runs.
Curtis Wind says police beat him after a bystander mistook an outing with his girlfriend at the Kingston waterfront for an abduction. INDECOM has confirmed a report and says its probe is continuing.
Parliament’s Economy and Production Committee will review flexible work hours and work-from-home options as Jamaica weighs fuel costs, productivity, and workplace changes in a tougher global economy.
Kingston, Jamaica — The Government will invest $200 million this year to expand capacity at care facilities, thereby easing overcrowding and freeing up bed space. Minister of Local Government and Community Development, Desmond McKenzie, explained that the issue of social cases occupying hospital beds has been long-standing
Investigators are examining separate violent incidents in St. Catherine, Manchester and Kingston, while police also reported arrests during a Mandeville vending enforcement operation.
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.
After his 2025 birthday party in St Croix, Spragga Benz’ management planned an even bigger event to celebrate his 57th year in 2026. They got that and more at “Step Into A Journey to Kingston”, which took place on May 31 at Miramar Cultural Center in South Florida
Television Jamaica staged its official FIFA World Cup 2026 launch at Mandela Park in Half-Way Tree, outlining its broadcast plans and drawing football fans into games, quizzes and live entertainment.
Kingston, Jamaica — Minister of Justice and Constitutional Affairs, Delroy Chuck, has expressed profound sadness at the passing of Justice Ian Forte, OJ, CD, KC (Ret’d), hailing him as one of Jamaica’s most distinguished legal minds and a towering figure in the administration of justice. In a tribute issued following Justice Forte’s passing on Friday, Chuck extended condolences to his widow, Marlene Forte, family members, friends, former colleagues, and the wider legal fraternity, noting that Jamaica has lost a jurist whose contributions helped shape the nation’s legal landscape for generations
Alando Terrelonge says Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce’s role in the 11th Biennial Jamaica Diaspora Conference will add a major Jamaican global voice to discussions on culture, sport and investment.
Kingston, Jamaica — The Judiciary of Jamaica is mourning the loss of former president of the Court of Appeal, Justice Ian Forte, OJ, CD, who died at his home early Friday. Chief Justice Bryan Sykes, OJ, CD, and President of the Court of Appeal, Justice Marva McDonald-Bishop, OJ, CD, have both paid tribute to the distinguished jurist, describing him as one of Jamaica’s most respected judicial leaders
