From recovery to reconstruction The recovery phase triggered by the devastation wrought when Hurricane Melissa ripped through western Jamaica last October is officially coming to an end, with focus now set to be shifted to reconstruction. Prime Minister Dr Andrew Holness made the announcement yesterday while warning that penalties will be imposed on persons who misuse government-issued hurricane housing grants. Holness’ disclosure came as he was delivering the keynote address during the official launch of the Chester Creek housing development in Chester Castle, Portmore, St Catherine.
Backlog burden worsens The majority of municipal corporations across the country are still struggling to rid themselves of a backlog of outstanding financial statements, which, in some instances, extends to more than a decade ago. However, the Manchester Municipal Corporation was acknowledged for submitting its financial statements with only the current year due. Deputy Auditor General Marlon McAdam told members of the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) yesterday that the local authorities had accumulated 95 outstanding financial statements up to March 2025.
Streets of peril A homeless man on the run, and another — elderly and recovering from injuries sustained in an attack on East Queen Street in downtown Kingston — have re-ignited outcry against the wanton violence meted out to the country’s most vulnerable. Members of the Kingston and St Andrew Municipal Corporation’s (KSAMC) Poor Relief Department on Monday relocated Alvaro Brevett, 60, from a premises in central Kingston to an infirmary after he was rescued by police during an attack that left him bloodied and bandaged two weeks ago.
Delivery dispute Nearly a decade after entering into a now-collapsed agreement with used-car importer O’Brien’s International Car Rentals and Sales, the Government of Jamaica is yet to receive 41 vehicles, valued at more than $74 million, for the police force. “The issue remains partially resolved,” the Ministry of National Security and Peace disclosed last Thursday in a response to Gleaner queries. It stated that the “overall status” is that $213,465,200 was paid to O’Brien’s as a 50 per cent downpayment on 200 vehicles.
Beaufort Primary, Maud McLeod High join hands in Darliston for Peace Day march Western Bureau: Students, teachers, and community members aligned to the Beaufort Primary School and Maud McLeod High School gathered at the Darliston bus park in Westmoreland yesterday in a spirit of togetherness to observe Peace Day 2026. The event, staged under the theme ‘Rebuild Jamaica, Piece by Peace’, saw the Beaufort Primary students starting the day’s activities with their devotion, during which the Maud McLeod students arrived in a peace march from their school grounds.
Commerce to anchor Black River’s post-hurricane redevelopment, says Seiveright WESTERN BUREAU: Delano Seiveright, state minister in the Ministry of Industry, Investment and Commerce, says commerce, enterprise, and infrastructure expansion will be at the centre of Black River’s redevelopment and part of a broader strategy to transform Jamaica’s south-western corridor.
Hanover MPs want verification of ROOFS disbursement funds WESTERN BUREAU: Hanover’s two members of parliament (MPs) Heatha Miller-Bennett and Andrea Purkiss, want to see the relevant documentation to verify a claim by Local Government Minister Pearnel Charles Jr that more than J$330 million has been distributed in the parish under the Government’s Restoration of Owner or Occupant Family Shelter (ROOFS) programme.
Middle East fuel shock With the price of oil and gas now surging on the global market amid the United States’ (US) and Israel’s military offensive against Iran – and Tehran in turn bombarding the oil- and gas-producing Gulf states – one local economist is of the view that small island developing countries like Jamaica, with a heavy dependence on imports, are set to be disproportionately affected.
Thunder over Dubai A Jamaican man who awoke to the sound of “thunder-like” explosions in Dubai on Sunday, following a United States (US)-Israeli attack on Iran and its retaliation, says much of what is happening in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) is not being televised. Twenty-five-year-old Van Creed, who is pursuing a music career in the city, said loud explosions from missile strikes and interceptions rocked Dubai, causing panic among nationals and foreigners.
Opposition members chastise Clarke cover ‘intemperate’ outburst at PAAC Edmond Campbell/Senior Parliamentary Reporter Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives Heroy Clarke received a sharp rebuke from his colleagues last Wednesday for disrupting the proceedings of an oversight committee with “intemperate” remarks. Clarke, a third-term member of parliament (MP), was seemingly agitated by questions posed to the National Water Commission on infrastructure-related matters. He indicated that such queries were misplaced and should be directed to the Infrastructure and Physical Development Committee.