Government sets June 1 deadline for KMTR taxi fare decision as PBCJ bulletin covers labour, business and regional issues

Taxi operators in the Kingston Metropolitan Transport Region are to learn by June 1 whether the Government will approve the remaining 16 per cent fare adjustment they have sought since April 2024. The commitment followed a Monday meeting at the Half-Way-Tree Transport Centre with Finance Minister Fayval Williams, Transport Minister Daryl Vaz and taxi association representatives.

Vaz said the state has been limiting weekly fuel price increases through Petrojam's pricing system, keeping movements to $4.50 per litre even when hikes could have gone as high as $12.50. He said the intervention has cost close to $4 billion, while officials are trying to avoid adding to inflation. Williams acknowledged the delay after a 19 per cent increase was granted in October 2023 under a 35 per cent agreement, and said the balance could be phased in.

For Workers' Week 2026, Labour Minister Pearnel Charles Jr said Jamaica must keep workers at the centre of labour policy. He linked this year's theme to the 1938 labour struggles and pointed to reforms including the national minimum wage, the 40-hour work week, flexible work arrangements and efforts to advance occupational safety and health legislation.

Former finance minister and IMF Deputy Managing Director Dr Nigel Clarke received the Global Impact Award from the Integrity Children's Fund in Atlanta. The bulletin said the award recognised his role in Jamaica's economic resilience, including the fall in debt-to-GDP from 110 per cent in 2020 to 72 per cent in 2023.

In business, Incorporated Master Builders Association of Jamaica president Richard Mullings called for urgent action on the cement shortage, warning of pressure on construction, jobs and growth. Wouldacats International reported first-quarter revenue of $241.9 million, down 5.3 per cent, citing weaker demand after Hurricane Melissa and seasonal factors.

Regional items included Cuba's ambassador to Dominica, Miguel Manuel Frega Gonzalez, rejecting a US$100 million American aid offer and urging Washington to end its embargo. Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association president Senator Nick Destang pressed hotels and governments to move faster on renewable energy and climate resilience. The bulletin also covered Guyana's biodiversity partnership with the United Nations and Prime Minister Mia Mottley's call for Barbados to rebuild manufacturing.

In sports, Portmore United assistant coach Ricardo Smith called for VAR after a disputed decision in the 1-0 semi-final loss to Mount Pleasant Academy. On the track, Jamaican quarter-miler Stacey-Ann Oakley ran a world-leading 48.92 seconds to win the women's 400 metres at the Southeastern Conference Championships.