Government updates on Friday highlighted a $25-billion roads programme, new Vineyard Town housing, improved peace rankings, more support for fisherfolk and stronger irrigation preparations for the 2026 hurricane season.
Usain Bolt has gifted $1.7 million to the 17 pupils graduating from Waldensia Primary and Infant School in Trelawny, with each child due to collect $100,000 after the leaving ceremony this week.
Disability advocates are pressing for a long-overdue review of Jamaica's Disabilities Act, broader accessibility audits and stronger enforcement, arguing that delays in assessments, school access and workplace inclusion continue to shut out many citizens.
The Ministry of Local Government and Community Development has received US$1 million in resources and cash to assist ongoing Hurricane Melissa recovery and humanitarian efforts. The donation, from the JN Foundation in partnership with Lutheran World Relief, comprises US$416,000 and 545 disaster relief kits containing quilts, educational materials, baby-care and personal-care items, among other things
The Government has earmarked $25 billion to rehabilitate 37 priority roads under the Main Road component of the Shared Prosperity through Accelerated Improvement to our Road Network (SPARK) Programme. The details were unveiled during the programme’s launch on Thursday (July 2) at Jamaica House, where Prime Minister, Dr
Thirty-nine Jamaicans from across the island were honoured at King’s House on July 2 during the 35th Governor-General’s Achievement Awards ceremony under the theme, “The Power of Us, Where Vision Meets Excellence.”
A trough over the central Caribbean is expected to keep afternoon showers and thunderstorms across Jamaica for the next few days, while offshore waters remain under a small craft warning and daytime temperatures climb as high as 35°C.
The Government has launched the main roads leg of the SPARK programme, saying the $45 billion initiative will rehabilitate priority corridors, support community roads and upgrade water infrastructure across Jamaica.
Prime Minister Andrew Holness has launched the main roads leg of the $45 billion SPARK programme, with 37 priority corridors and two grade-separated projects planned to ease congestion and improve connectivity.
The Government has launched the SPARK Main Roads Programme, a new phase of its $45-billion infrastructure push that will upgrade 37 key corridors and add two grade-separated projects in the Corporate Area.
Tajay Suckoo Riding Up a Storm at Caymanas ParkBy Mckoy's News / July 2, 2026 Apprentice jockey Tajay Suckoo is now the talk of Jamaica’s racing fraternity. The in-form apprentice has been riding up a storm at Caymanas Park, regularly visiting the winner’s enclosure
CVM's July 1 current-affairs programme zeroed in on the Ascot Primary graduation dispute, worsening decorum in Parliament and the fallout from a $500 million transfer from FSC reserves to government.
A blaze that began at a house on Duke Street in Falmouth, Trelawny, on Tuesday morning spread through six businesses and seven buildings, leaving two people homeless. Firefighters from Falmouth and St. James needed more than three hours to bring the flames under control.
Bail Extended for Three Fast-Food Workers Accused in $6 Million Bank Card Fraud CaseBy Mckoy's News / July 1, 2026 KINGSTON, Jamaica: $6 Million Bank Card Fraud Case — Bail was extended on Tuesday for three fast-food restaurant employees accused of participating in a scheme that allegedly stole approximately $6 million from customers’ bank cards. The accused are 29-year-old Shaquiel Salmon of Swaby’s Hope in Manchester, 20-year-old cashier Abigail Preddie of Confidence Avenue, Manchester, and 22-year-old Shane Williams of Knowles Road, Manchester
Major Fire Ravages Businesses in Falmouth, Including Popular Fabric StoreBy Mckoy's News / July 1, 2026 Trelawny: Fire Ravages Businesses in Falmouth – A large fire caused extensive damage to several businesses in Falmouth on Tuesday, June 30. The fire damaged the well-known Richie’s Real Deal fabric store and the Slots of Fun Gaming Lounge, along with a nightclub and a recording studio
Tourism Minister, Hon. Edmund Bartlett, says the Government is advancing a range of infrastructure and destination development projects to support sustained growth and investment in Jamaica’s tourism sector
Education Ministry officials knew in advance that Ascot Primary planned to reserve graduation gowns for high-performing students, but the June 25 ceremony still went ahead and later drew complaints from parents and an apology from the principal.
Falmouth, Trelawny — A clothing and fabric outlet that has served generations of residents in Falmouth and surrounding communities was destroyed by fire Tuesday delivering a major setback to parents preparing for the upcoming back-to-school season. The commercial complex, which housed three businesses — including the popular Miss Richie Store, an apparel and textile shop that has been a staple in Falmouth for decades — was engulfed in flames shortly after 10:00 am, sending thick plumes of smoke into the air and drawing scores of concerned residents to the scene
The Ministry of Education was alerted to Ascot Primary's discriminatory graduation plan days before the June 25 ceremony. Jamaicans also marched in Crossroads for accountability as opposition figures condemned home demolitions in St. Thomas.
Demonstrators in Cross Roads demanded transparency on Jamaica’s US migrant arrangement and Andrew Wheatley’s resignation after an integrity report. Separate developments included bail in a St. Catherine stabbing case, a major Falmouth fire, and arrests in Barbados.
Trelawny, Jamaica — Members of the Jamaica Fire Brigade are battling a major blaze that has engulfed a bar, a nightclub and a clothing and fabric store in Falmouth, Trelawny. The fire has also consumed a dwelling house near the commercial buildings
Protesters in yellow rallied at Cross Roads over national accountability concerns, while JET pressed for tighter environmental impact rules and Justice Minister Delroy Chuck cautioned new Trelawny JPs against coat of arms abuse.
Dominican Republic National Killed in Hanover CrashBy Mckoy's News / June 30, 2026 Man Killed in Hanover Crash: Dominican Republic National Killed in Hanover CrashA 30-year-old power plant operator from the Dominican Republic was killed in a motor vehicle collision in Lucea, Hanover, on Friday. The deceased has been identified as Carlos Baze, who had been working in Jamaica and was residing at Stonebrook Manor in Trelawny
Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Industry, Investment and Commerce, Sancia Bennett-Templer (centre), in discussion with Sports Consultant, Analyst and Media Officer, Simon Preston (left) and Americas Lead at Global Sports Innovation Center powered by Microsoft, José Ardila (right), during the inaugural Made4Goal Jamaica Global Sports Summit 2026 that began on Monday (June 29) at the University of Technology (UTech) Jamaica in Papine, St. Andrew
Although Jamaica has earned global recognition through the achievements of its athletes, the country must now focus on leveraging that reputation to strengthen business development, attract investments and expand exports. This was emphasised by Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Industry, Investment and Commerce, Sancia Bennett-Templer, at the inaugural Made4Goal Jamaica Global Sports Summit 2026, at the University of Technology (UTech) Jamaica, on Monday (June 29)
Mile Gully rallied past Cross United to win Group C, while Cooper's Pen took Group D after Russia forfeited. They join York and King Football Academy among clubs set for next season's second-tier national competition.
Permanent Secretary Sancia Bennett-Templer told the inaugural Made4Goal Jamaica Global Sports Summit that Jamaica must turn its world-class sporting reputation into lasting business opportunities, private investment, and stronger export performance.
Western BUREAU:The date for the completion of the multibillion-dollar restoration works at the Cornwall Regional Hospital (CRH) in Montego Bay has been extended yet again, this time from September 2026 to March 2027.The new timeline was given by Health and Wellness Minister Dr Christopher Tufton during a tour of the newly restored Catherine Hall Health Centre in Montego Bay.He said that while CRH’s Accident and Emergency Department (A&E) should be completed by this summer, the rest of the hospital should be finished by March 2027.“For CRH, a lot of progress is being made, and we do expect the A&E Department to be opened some time during the summer, or maybe just after the summer. For the full hospital, I said in the Parliament that it would be in this financial year, which ends in March 2027, but I am hoping that we will do it this calendar year, and the A&E will be open by September,” said Tufton.The hospital, which is the only Type A hospital in the county of Cornwall, has been attracting significant negative attention in recent months, with issues such as a protest by doctors and nurses over poor working conditions, and complains about patients being left on chairs and benches for as many as four days after being admitted.Tufton highlighted that the damaged roof and flooded wards resulted in reduced bed capacity after the passage of Hurricane Melissa last October.Prior to the hurricane, Tufton said he was pushing for the hospital’s restoration, which was sparked by the emergence of a noxious-fumes issue in 2017, to be completed by this coming September.Since the worked was first slowed by the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, there has been as many as seven missed timelines for completion of the restoration initiative, which is projected to cost $13.5 billion.Tufton also gave an update on the progress being made on the Western Children and Adolescent Hospital (WCAH), which is being constructed on the grounds of the CRH
Ascot Primary School in Portmore is facing public criticism after lower-performing PEP students were barred from wearing graduation gowns. Former DPP Paula Llewellyn condemned the arrangement, while Kingston's mayor disputed government claims on road repair funding.
Thirty-year-old Carlos Baze, a Dominican Republic national employed at a power plant, died Friday after a collision near the Ocean Point Housing Scheme in Lucea, Hanover. The crash pushes the parish's fatal road accident tally to 20 for the year.
Health Minister Dr. Christopher Tufton says hospitals are treating children exposed to illegal sweets, gummies, vapes and pills on school grounds. He urged communities to report suspicious activity and noted $5 million in CARE Fund support for education.
Police are investigating a sophisticated theft at a Scotiabank ABM servicing room in Portmore, while other reports cover a fatal Clarendon stabbing, JET's warning on nuclear power, St. Elizabeth water shortages, and Falmouth Hospital's emergency unit reopening.
Churches IN CLARENDON AND ST ANN TO BENEFIT FROM AN ADDITIONAL $50 MILLION UNDER THE COMMUNITY CHURCH CLEAN UP PROGRAMME Posted on June 29, 2026June 29, 2026 Minister of Local Government and Community Development, Hon. Desmond McKenzie announced that under the National Community Church Clean-up Programme another $50 million will be allocated to assist churches in Clarendon and St Ann with rehabilitative efforts following Hurricane Melissa
Health Minister Dr Christopher Tufton says storm-damaged sections of Falmouth Public General Hospital should be finished by late July, adding 20 beds and easing pressure across western Jamaica's health network.
Rock, Trelawny – In a move aimed at curbing the growing practice of traffic offenders who bypass paying a fine and instead burden the court system in hopes of receiving reduced penalties, Justice Minister Delroy Chuck is urging judges to impose stiffer fines – including the maximum allowed under the law. Chuck made the call, Friday, while addressing the commissioning ceremony for 19 new justices of the peace for Trelawny
Rock, Trelawny — Expressing disappointment at the paltry turnout of justices of the peace (JP) at civic functions across the parish, custos rotulorum of Trelawny Hugh Gentles has challenged 19 newly commissioned JPs to help reverse that trend. He is counting on them to set the tone for civic duty and community service
Five clubs remain in contention for the last two Jamaica Football Championships slots as the qualifying tournament closes today in Trelawny. Mile Gully, Cross United, Lucea FC, Coopers Pen and Faulkland United all have paths to join York SC and Kings Football Academy.
Minister of Justice and Constitutional Affairs, Hon. Delroy Chuck, has voiced strong support for the Government’s Demerit Point System, declaring that the time has come to remove reckless motorists from the roads and restore law and order on Jamaica’s streets
A National plan built on fixing leaks, upgrading systems, and putting public trust back in the tap Member of Parliament for Western Westmoreland, Ian Hayles Making his Sectoral Presentation to Parliament, Shadow Minister of Water and Special Projects and MP for Westmoreland Western, Ian Hayles made the point that 24 per cent of Jamaicans are not connectable to potable water and drew attention to the National Water Commission’s liquidity challenges and its inability to make investments in Jamaica’s water supply Below is his full address: Madam Speaker, I stand here today in what I still consider an honourable House, yes, Madam Speaker, an honourable House. As I sit here, week in and week out, I cannot help but think that we sometimes do our Jamaican brothers and sisters a great disservice by fueling a narrative that all we do is fight in Parliament
IN an era when global investors are seeking luxury, legacy, and long-term growth, Jamaica has emerged as more than a tropical paradise — it is now one of the Caribbean’s most elite real estate markets. From secluded coastal villas to exclusive gated enclaves in Kingston, Jamaica’s high-end residential sector continues to attract discerning local and international buyers
Gospel-reggae artiste Minister Taf says his latest single, Rock and Come Een, was inspired by the need to dispel the misconception that Christianity is boring. The song was released on Friday, June 26 and is produced by the Costa Rica-based K.L.E.B
Christopher Jarrett told the Jamaica Hotel and Tourist Association's 65th annual general meeting that roads, drainage, water and related infrastructure in resort areas are falling behind sector growth, putting competitiveness and visitor satisfaction at risk.
Apostle Lamoy Brown, known in musical circles as Reggaepastor, is proud of the impact his Mount Vernon, New York-based Liberty Vision of Hope Restoration Centre has had on the community. Founded some 10 years ago, the non-denominational ministry also caters to the unchurched.Beyond ministering and community outreach, Brown recalls one of his most defining moments, helping to save a young man from suicide.“The standout moment for me was ministering on big stages like Dump Up Beach and Jamaica Praise Fest in Montego Bay
Kingston, Jamaica — The Public Procurement Commission (PPC) has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting Jamaica’s micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) as the country joins the international community in observing World MSME Day. According to a release, the observance, being held under the theme “Human-Centred Entrepreneurship in an AI-Driven Future,” highlights the vital role MSMEs play in driving economic growth, employment and the achievement of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals
National Security Minister Horace Chang has dismissed claims that migrants awaiting US immigration decisions will be housed in St. Mary. The broadcast also covered local-government funding disputes, a Mandeville march for missing teen Jaden Smith, and calls for menstrual leave.
Kingston, Jamaica — Kings Football Academy’s qualification for next season’s Jamaica Football Championships has been described as “a massive step” by coach Veron Peterkin, after the St Ann club became one of two teams to secure promotion from the JFC Qualifying competition on Wednesday. Kings Football Academy beat Axum SC 3-1 to top Group B, while York United of St Thomas edged Brown’s Town 1-0 to top Group A
At just 16 years old, emerging dancehall artiste Trevdon is determined to turn his dreams into reality while representing the experiences of Jamaica’s youth through authentic and meaningful music. Hailing from Falmouth, Trelawny, the young entertainer is beginning to attract attention with his latest single, Chosen, a powerful track produced by Dinesty King
Prime Minister Andrew Holness told Jamaicans in Guyana on June 26 that Jamaica's path forward rests on disciplined public administration, falling violent crime, and major investments in hospitals and STEM schools—not on waiting for offshore oil discoveries.
Prime Minister Andrew Holness addressed Jamaicans living in Guyana, linking economic stability, falling murder rates, and major health and education investments to a broader push for efficiency, productivity, and a renewed national work ethic.
Speaking at a Trelawny commissioning ceremony for 19 new justices of the peace, Justice Minister Delroy Chuck said dashboard JP stickers are improper, aid criminals, and reflect arrogance toward police officers.
