Transport talks loom as strike threat rises; CAPRI flags weak child outcomes

Public transport operators and the Government are headed for emergency talks as rising fuel costs sharpen calls for higher bus and taxi fares.

In a statement on Sunday, the transport ministry said demands for a fare increase have grown louder amid global fuel price pressures linked to tensions in the Middle East. Representatives from the Transport Authority and operator groups are expected at a meeting to be addressed by Finance and Public Service Minister Nigel Williams. Transport Minister Daryl Vaz said authorities recognise financial pressure on both commuters and operators, many of whom have waited years for a fare review while now facing steeper fuel bills. He said the aim is a balanced approach that eases operators’ concerns without widening cost-of-living pressures across the economy.

Separately, the Jamaica Constabulary Force said it has intelligence that public passenger vehicle operators may strike on Monday. An internal memo from the Deputy Commissioner for strategic operations warned of possible road blockades, stranded commuters, and risk of attacks on operators who continue working. Commanders have been told to deploy security accordingly. Sources say operators are holding action pending the talks.

A Caribbean Policy Research Institute report on nearly a decade of child-related public spending says Jamaica invests heavily in education but still falls short on outcomes. CAPRI research director Dr. Diana Thorburn said Jamaica allocates education spending comparable to wealthier states, yet many children gain far less learning than years enrolled suggest. Jamaica’s World Bank Human Capital Index score is 0.53. The study faults weak accountability, late investment in the first three years of life, and rising wage bills that crowd out services. Dr. Thorburn called for stronger tracking of spending against results.

The Statistical Institute of Jamaica said the consumer price index fell 0.3% in April 2026, helped mainly by lower electricity charges, while food and transport costs rose. Point-to-point inflation stood at 4.3% as at 26 April.

In regional news, Antigua and Barbuda has launched a five-year, Green Climate Fund-backed early warning project with the United Nations Development Programme to strengthen disaster alerts and meteorological systems. In the Bahamas, 42 MPs and 16 senators are set for swearing-in ahead of Wednesday’s parliamentary opening and throne speech.

Montego Bay United lead defending champions Cavalier 1–0 after the first leg of their Jamaica Premier League semi-final at the National Stadium on Sunday, with Adrian Reed’s stoppage-time own goal deciding the match.