PUZZLING MOVE - Former top public servants question Morrison’s transfer, finance ministry leadership Two former senior public servants have expressed surprise at the transfer of former Financial Secretary Darlene Morrison to a newly created ministry in the position of permanent secretary. Former Cabinet Secretary Dr Carlton Davis and former Financial Secretary Shirley Tyndall said the move was a demotion for the senior public official, even if her pay package remains the same. Davis, a respected former public servant who worked as Cabinet secretary across administrations, said he found Morrison’s transfer at this time to be “curious”.
Chen urges caution amid push for mental health clauses at work Jamaica Employers’ Federation (JEF) President Wayne Chen says there should be serious consideration of incorporating provisions for employee well-being, including access to care, into employment contracts. However, he said, “We must be careful about not treating it as a stand-alone issue outside of the wider context of workplace health and safety. We also must be careful not to introduce unnecessary complexity into employee contracts.”
CMU cash flow report clears hurdle in fraud trial A report related to the movement of money into and out of a Caribbean Maritime University (CMU) account has been admitted into evidence in the ongoing fraud trial involving former Education Minister Ruel Reid and four co-accused. An objection by defence attorneys to the 12-page report was overruled on Monday by Senior Parish Court Judge Sanchia Burrell, who is presiding over the trial at the Kingston and St Andrew Parish Court. Prosecutors are expected to go through the report today with a former CMU executive, who has been giving evidence since last week.
Diaspora leaders say US mid-terms carry high stakes for democracy, Caribbean Jamaican leaders in the United States say today’s midterm elections carry profound implications for American democracy, as well as for Jamaica and the wider Caribbean. Voters across the United States head to the polls today in an election widely viewed as a critical test of the country’s political direction, with Democrats hoping to regain control of Congress and secure governorships in several states. The elections also feature several candidates of Jamaican heritage seeking political office.
Ruddock claims he was pressured to make murder confession Murder accused Andre Ruddock on Monday testified that a police constable assaulted him, threatened him with a gun, and pressured him to take the blame for Taneka Gardner’s killing on behalf of church leader Kevin Smith. Ruddock, who is on trial for Gardner’s murder in the Home Circuit Court in downtown Kingston, said the cop also coerced him into confessing to the killing and providing a caution statement.
Jamaican hotels challenge Booking.com over tax fee WESTERN BUREAU: Jamaican hoteliers are challenging Booking.com’s decision to charge commissions on government taxes, warning that the November 17 implementation will increase operating costs as properties continue rebuilding after Hurricane Melissa. Jamaica Hotel and Tourist Association (JHTA) President O’Brian Heron confirmed that he met with representatives of the online booking giant on October 28, when the company promised a formal follow-up. He has also alerted the Ministry of Tourism to the industry’s concerns.
Paris Ruby eyes larger slice of global cake market WESTERN BUREAU: Zelecia Smith, chief executive officer of St James-based Paris Ruby Company Limited, is aiming to make the company’s cakes and cake mixes an international household name, with plans to expand distribution islandwide and into Canada and Europe by 2027. Smith outlined the expansion plans on Sunday at the launch of Paris Ruby’s five fruitcake mixes, held at the ATL Automotive Showroom in Montego Bay, St James.
Rusea’s readies to celebrate 250-year legacy WESTERN BUREAU: Rusea’s High is gearing up to celebrate its 250th anniversary next year and several past students of the Lucea, Hanover-based school are determined on making it a memorable affair showcasing excellence. The celebrations, which will kick off in January, will be under the patronage of former Governor General Sir Kenneth Hall, one of the school’s illustrious past students. Sir Kenneth, who delivered the main address at a recent media launch at the Grand Palladium Resort in Hanover, took journalists down memory lane.
Crash footage obtained as police probe deadly Ocho Rios crash Police investigators have obtained video footage of the three-vehicle collision that claimed the lives of four teenagers in Ocho Rios, St Ann, on the weekend as they work to establish responsibility for the deadly crash. Senior Superintendent Carlos Russell, head of the St Ann Police Division, said investigators were reviewing the footage while continuing to question the two drivers of the Mercedes-Benz motor cars involved in Saturday’s collision.
PARTY TRAGEDY - Bartender’s death at Halloween festival leaves family, friends seeking answers The family of 22-year-old bartender Shaquille Borris Sproul said it is considering taking legal action against the organisers of the SCREAM Halloween Festival following his death while working at the event on Saturday night. Police sources believe Sproul may have been electrocuted. Reports are that Sproul was seen falling to the ground during the event, which was being held at Mas Camp in St Andrew. He subsequently became unresponsive.