Parents urged to denounce bullying in schools WESTERN BUREAU: Education expert Dr Kasan Troupe is urging Jamaican parents to take a stronger stand against bullying in schools, stressing that schools must be safe spaces where children can learn, develop meaningful relationships, build confidence, and grow into well-rounded individuals.
CISOCA GAPS - Officers overstretched, undertrained and short of vehicles, oversight body A key police oversight body has flagged serious infrastructure deficiencies, inadequate staffing numbers and training, and insufficient service vehicles at the Centre for Investigation of Sexual Offences and Child Abuse (CISOCA). CISOCA, a specialised division of the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF), was established in 1989 to investigate sexual crimes and child abuse across the country. The division was found wanting in several critical areas when the Police Civilian Oversight Authority (PCOA) carried out inspections of its locations in Police Areas One to Five.
No red flags at CMU during my tenure, ex-treasurer testifies A former treasurer at Caribbean Maritime University (CMU) has testified that he saw no irregularities during his near four-year tenure at the institution. The former executive also testified that he did not engage in any irregularities while handling the financial affairs of the east Kingston-headquartered institution between 2016 and 2020 and that the Ministry of Finance had no reason to question CMU’s financial integrity during the period.
MoBay Bypass to be ready next month, says Morgan WESTERN BUREAU: Having missed the September deadline for the opening of the Montego Bay Bypass in St James, Works Minister Robert Morgan is anticipating that the project will be completed in time for the start of the 2026-2027 winter tourist season. Morgan, who toured the bypass on September 9 and expressed confidence that the projected deadline would hold, told The Gleaner in an interview on Thursday that unexpected challenges had impacted the project.
Fee furore - Craft vendors, mayor oppose proposed 150% market rate increase; no decision yet, says PMC PORT ANTONIO, Portland: The Portland Municipal Corporation (PMC) has dismissed claims that craft vendors in the parish are facing a 150 per cent increase in vending fees, amid growing concern among vendors operating at the Portland Craft Village over the proposed hike. Speaking with The Gleaner on Monday, PMC CEO Jumani Robinson pointed out that no decision had been made on any potential increase in fees at the craft village, which is located along Allan Avenue in Port Antonio.
Lawyers pay it forward - Norman Manley Law School Class of 2001 establishes anniversary fund to support students The Norman Manley Law School Class of 2001 has committed to establishing a fund to support students at the institution as members marked 25 years since graduating and reflected on the changes that have reshaped the legal profession across the Caribbean. The commitment was announced by Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) Judge Chantal Ononaiwu, who delivered the keynote remarks at the cohort’s 25th anniversary gala dinner in Kingston on October 31.
Building better citizens - Mitchell urges stronger partnerships to guide and empower young Jamaicans WESTERN BUREAU: Mandeville Mayor Donovan Mitchell is calling for stronger partnerships among local government, schools, families and the Scout Association of Jamaica, which he believes are key to creating a more disciplined, responsible and progressive society. Mitchell, who is also chairman of the Manchester Municipal Corporation (MMC), said young Jamaicans must be recognised not merely as future leaders, but as individuals capable of making meaningful contributions to national development.
Fit for the job - Gov’t says no link between Morrison transfer, Holness’ sabotage claims as Green declares former financial secretary ideal for mines, geology role The Government has rejected suggestions that there is a link between Prime Minister Dr Andrew Holness’ claim last week that some public-sector personnel may be seeking to sabotage government programmes and the reassignment days later of former Financial Secretary Darlene Morrison. During yesterday’s post-Cabinet press briefing at Jamaica House in St Andrew, Information Minister Dr Dana Morris Dixon sought to allay public concerns surrounding Morrison’s transfer after The Gleaner asked whether there was any connection between the two developments.
Push for power - Government targets year-end launch for 300MW renewable tender, with 150MW of battery storage included Minister of Energy, Transport and Telecommunications Daryl Vaz has indicated that the next phase of the Government’s competitive renewable energy procurement programme could be launched by the end of the year. The next procurement is expected to provide for approximately 300 megawatts of additional renewable energy generation capacity, supported by 150 megawatts of battery energy storage capacity.
Pathways trial nears verdict The prosecution and defence in the Pathways International murder trial are expected to make their closing arguments today, bringing the case against murder accused Andre Ruddock closer to a verdict. The defence closed its case yesterday, calling only Ruddock, despite previously indicating that it intended to call another witness. The 36-year-old farmer and security guard is being tried for the murder of Taneka Gardner, who was killed on October 17, 2021, at the Pathways International Kingdom Restoration Ministries in St James.