Breaking News!

Robbery in Spalding, Clarendon. Chinese business people were held up by at least three gunmen. Over JAD3M taken!

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The JPS and the NWU Arrived at Agreement

Granville Valentine - NWU President

There have been some agreements between the JPSCo and the NWC therefore consumers can sigh a sigh of relief now that we are not looking down the barrel of a strike and no electrical power supply. The following is an extract from the agreement.

The parties have agreed that:

1. On Monday, May 13, 2024, the current Contractor, Michael Marsden, will be converted to a Permanent Staff with an effective date of April 1, 2024, upon completion of the Ethics Questionnaire. The conversion will be done immediately.
2. On the same day, Monday, May 13, 2024 (at 10:00 am) the management of the Jamaica Public Service Company Limited will have consultative discussions with the National Workers' Union in respect to the issue of the implementation of the Ethics Policy - to include the Questionnaire. These discussions will be held at the offices of the Ministry of Labour and Social Security, North Street, Kingston.
3. The consultation exercise between the parties will be conducted in harmony with Section 19(b) of the Labour Relations Code.
4. Industrial peace will be maintained during this period.

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Hon. Tavares-Finson Speaks about National Controversy Regarding Letter Sent by Speaker of the House to Former Clerk of the House

During the imbroglio involving the trade unions, the civil services association, Jamaica for Justice and others regarding the Speaker of the House addressing a letter to the Clerk of the House, the nation got mainly noise out of the press releases, articles in the print media and on the talk shows.

If persons were exposed to an area of study which gave them a good understanding of the role and function of the state and the constitution, the noise would have flown over their heads.

Today I spoke with the President of The Senate and he concurred with my analysis of the situation. The President of the Senate is a very experienced lawyer, The Honourable Tom Tavares-Finson OJ, CD, KC, JM. That does not mean he is right in everything that he says but it is clear that many of our leaders need to understand certain basic things about government and governance.

For example, one leader told me that the Clerk of the House is a civil servant and is not answerable to the Speaker. This is false. It was said that the Speaker should apologize publicly to the former Clerk of the House because she wrote a damning letter to her which she made public. There is nothing to confirm that the Speaker made the letter public. There is that petty philosophy that if you write a letter of reprimand to someone and the person is about to leave the organization you cannot say good things about them. This is the government and not some petty friendly relationships.

Click to hear the discussion.

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MY TEACHER’S DAY AT ARDENNE.. ..MEET GENERATIONS Z AND ALPHA..

They span the line between Generation Z and Generation Alpha, born partially in the era of the former and extending into the latter, representing the offspring of millennials. They are the first generation to be fully immersed in the digital age from birth,(2010 onwards)  where technology is not just a tool but an integral part of their daily lives.

Many of them have never heard of icons like Dennis Brown or  JBC, the now-defunct media house, nor the Tastee Talent contest or whatever it became after my company ended its association.  However, they are well-versed in the names of dancehall figures like Beenie Man, Buju Banton, Bounty Killer, and Nadine Sutherland, showing a keen interest in that music genre.

Today  (May 8)  I contributed to Teachers Day at Ardenne High, my alma mater, thanks to the invitation from Jermaine Heslop, President, the Ardenne Alumni Association.  I spoke about what Ardenne was like in my era in the 70’s.   During the presentation,  I requested that the students take pictures  for me to post on Facebook when I write my story. These  students informed me that Facebook is considered outdated, and reserved for "old people." Instead, they prefer platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and even Wattpad, a platform that both myself and their form teacher, were hearing about for the first time. This left me intrigued and cautious, as they whispered amongst themselves that it has a reputation for potentially 'raunchy' content. However, upon exploration, before writing this story, I discovered a diverse range of content suitable for all ages, reflecting their multi-faceted interests and preferences.

Today’s experience has left me pondering the boundaries for these "children" who seem to navigate the digital landscape with ease and independence. Their perspectives on education and career aspirations are equally eye-opening. Rather than seeking traditional employment, they aspire to entrepreneurship, leveraging their diverse talents to create businesses and tell their own stories through various channels, from writing to film production to cosmetology.

Their passion and drive to carve their own paths are evident, reflecting a mindset our generation may have yet to fully embrace. Technology has undoubtedly played a significant role in shaping their worldview, offering them opportunities beyond the confines of traditional career paths. 

Leaving the session, I departed with a renewed sense of energy, pondering why our generation did not perceive things as these students do. Technology has undoubtedly played a pivotal role, expanding their perspectives and freeing them from narrow constraints. As they journey through this new world, unbounded by the limitations of our era, it's evident that our outlook no longer carries the same weight in this ever-changing environment.

 

Contributed by

Lois Grant

Lois Grant, JP, MA, BA (Hons), Dip Mass Comm, Cert. Broadcast Journalism BBC-London, is a powerhouse in communications. Co-founding Innercity Promotions, she transformed dance hall music branding. Grant later founded Corporate Image Communications and Productions, organizing innovative events for top brands. Her influence extends to shaping political landscapes across three Caribbean islands, including her tenure as Director of Communications in the Office of the Prime Minister (2007-2013) in Jamaica. Now retired, she consults for prestigious entities like NBC Sports and as a travel influencer.

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Need for More Accountability in our Schools!

There are major concerns about the level of fraud in our schools. Our schools need to have proper systems in place to prevent money from the government coffers,  intended for the education of our young people from ending up in the wrong hands.

It is in the news this week that millions have gone missing from Excelsior High. There were also reports of funds missing from Knox Community Community College some years ago. Can anyone tell me what has happened to that case?

This week there was the shocking news that Mona High School board members had resigned. The former school board chairman said in her letter of resignation, that there is little transparency at the school. I understand that there was only one cheque signatory at one time and that the bursar was not even a resident of the island. We need to investigate the operations of these schools.

Based on how school boards were structured under the Michael Manley regime, the structure now seems dysfunctional. How can one explain why some groups are affiliated with schools and are non-functional yet have representatives on the boards. 

Some years ago I suggested that schools should be required to publish their budgets and their audited financial statement for their communities and the country to see. We are nowhere near to achieving this. The Auditor General and the Integrity Commission should tell us how many schools have been checked to see to what extent there is corruption in these schools,.

How many schools are up to date with the presentation of their audited final financial accounts?

We have been busy using microscopes to find corrupt politicians and I believe that we have only found one so far. We need to look closer home, especially in our schools for corruption and fraud.

More Reading

• Have they completed the fraud probe at Knox College?
• Only one bursar caught?
• What came out of the alleged fraud at Immacult High?
• Principal involved in fraud?
• Fraud at Magotty High.

Note there are more fraud cases but I am tired and it is bedtime. I have not mentioned the school's tuck shop which some principals love.

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Tom Tavares-Finson Special Guest on SpotOn With Vernon Derby

The Hon. Tom Tavares-Finson OJ, CD, KC, JP

The Hon. Tom Tavares-Finson will be my guest on Be My Guest during SpotOn With Vernon Derby on Thursday, May 9, 2024, on KLAS FM. The programme is aired from 1000 to 1100 EST. Mr Tavares-Finson is the President of the Senate. He will spend some time with me on air explaining the role of the Presidents of the upper and lower house and the Clerks of the House.

Recently there have been questions about the right of the Speaker to write a letter to the Clerk of the House. People were sure that the Clerks were civil servants. Some people asked, can the Speaker of the House give direction to the Clerks?

It will be a great opportunity to learn about the roles of our leaders. 

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Can You Read This?

Can you read this?, then say thanks to a Teacher 

Today, May 8, is National Teacher Appreciation Day in Jamaica.  It's a day to recognize and thank dedicated patriotic teachers like yourselves for all that you do to educate, support, and inspire their students in building an independent flagship Jamaica nation. It's a day to show appreciation for the work, dedication, and positive impact on our communities.

National Teacher Appreciation Week is usually celebrated during the first full week of May, and National Teacher Appreciation Day is on the Tuesday of that week. However, some schools and districts may choose to celebrate it on a different day, like today!

So, take a moment to thank a teacher who has made a difference in your life or in the lives of those around you. A simple "thank you" or gesture of appreciation can go a long way in showing your real Jamaican gratitude!

Contributor

mics 🖊 pen

08/05/24

Editors Note:

Send me an article about one of your outstanding teachers and I will post it on Bark Di Trute. Send pictures of your teacher also.

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Send your news and other information by WhatsApp to 876 816-5261. Sources will never be revealed. I am Vernon Derby and you can take my word for that.

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CELEBRATING OLD FRIENDS & MORE IN MAY..

 

With each passing year, I've come to appreciate the significance of creating moments worth cherishing and revisiting. Perhaps it's my background in media, but I've always made an effort to capture every occasion through photographs or videos. 

Thanks to the advent of social media, I've been able to create online albums, inviting others to join me in re-living countless beautiful memories. It's heartwarming to see even those who once scoffed at my photo-sharing now delighting in those shared moments.

I fondly recall the days when friends visited, we would flip through photo albums with sheer delight as we recounted the stories behind each picture. Just recently, I had the pleasure of reconnecting with a former colleague, reminiscing about those precious moments that defined our friendships.

Yesterday, on May 4 (my daughter’s birthday), my intuition guided me to visit a dear friend who has fallen ill. Initially, she struggled to recognise me, lost in the grips of her condition. However, after hearing my voice for a while,  a spark of recognition ignited, and her joy at seeing me was noticeable, despite being confined for her safety.

 It is disheartening to witness her siblings' absence, and their failure to grasp the gravity of her situation. Instead, they've turned away those of us who sought to offer support when her memory began to fade.

As I stood outside her grilled gates, engaging in conversation, fleeting moments of clarity allowed us to reminisce about our adventures—crashing Christmas and New Year's parties, attending functions at Jamaica House, eating out, and visiting friends along the north coast. For those brief moments, I found comfort in the company of my longtime friend, Maggie. I silently beseech the universe to spare me from the ravages of Alzheimer's and blindness should I be granted the opportunity to grow older.

Maggie was my companion in adventure, always exuding charm and vitality wherever we went. While she revelled in socialising with the "who's who" of the room, I watched from the sidelines, capturing each moment through the lens of my camera. It was our shared escapades that allowed her to shine, even if the identities of those she mingled with remained a mystery.

As we celebrate May, this special month, I find comfort in those memories. We still do not understand the gravity of mental illness. MAY  marks Mental Health Awareness Month, Children's Month, Teacher Appreciation Month, and countless other observances. And let's not forget, it's Lois Grant's month—for those who may not be aware…lol

Contributed by

Lois Grant

Lois Grant, JP, MA, BA (Hons), Dip Mass Comm, Cert. Broadcast Journalism BBC-London, is a powerhouse in communications. Co-founding Innercity Promotions, she transformed dance hall music branding. Grant later founded Corporate Image Communications and Productions, organizing innovative events for top brands. Her influence extends to shaping political landscapes across three Caribbean islands, including her tenure as Director of Communications in the Office of the Prime Minister (2007-2013) in Jamaica. Now retired, she consults for prestigious entities like NBC Sports and as a travel influencer.

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SEND INFORMATION

Send your news and other information by WhatsApp to 876 816-5261. Sources will never be revealed. I am Vernon Derby and you can take my word for that.

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It's Just a Click

1. Click to register your birthday, and I will mention it on air.
2. Click to report a problem such as flooding, accidents, no electricity, and no water.
3. Click to join my group of supporters.

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Breaking News - Chairman of Mona High School Board and Two Other Members Resigned

Dr. Winsome Halliman

The three Council Members including the chair Dr Winsome Halliman, have resigned from the Mona High School Board. Mona High is located in Kingston. The Chairman in an email sent to the Minister of Education and Youth gave lack of transparency in the school as the reason for the resignations.

I understand that all is not well at the school. It is expected that the Ministry of Education and Youth will act soon to deal with the challenges at this school.

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Lt. Col. Derby Responds to Questions Regarding Charter Flight

Lt. Col. Oscar Derby

It is amazing that we not only get misleading information from social media but also from from the traditional media and others.

A plane landed in Jamaica recently and it was discovered that the names of two persons were not on the manifest. The matter was appropriately dealt with. The plane has departed from Jamaica.

Today I spoke to Retired Lt. Col Oscar Derby during SpotOn on KLAS FM. Click the picture below to listen to Mr. Derby:

In future I would advise the political and other persons to stay away from matters like this and allow the appropriate persons in the agencies to repond. A matter like this should not be a game of political football.

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UDC To Commence Construction of New Houses of Parliament Building

The Following Press Release is From the JIS - 2024/05/06 

The Urban Development Corporation (UDC) will commence activities to facilitate construction of the New Houses of Parliament Building at National Heroes Park, during the current financial year.

Details are contained in the Jamaica Public Bodies Estimates of Revenue and Expenditure for the Fiscal Year concluding March 2025.

As stated in the document, the project is in the procurement phase at approximately 86 per cent pre-execution.

The undertaking forms part of the redevelopment of the Park and surrounding infrastructure, with improved landscaping, spaces for outdoor sports activities, upgraded kiddies play areas, picnic areas, seating, a water feature, and jogging trail. 

It is in keeping with the Government’s initiative to have safe, green spaces across the island to promote national wellness.

The construction of the new Houses of Parliament building is to be declared a national strategic project.

Other imperatives of the UDC for the financial year include completion of the Hellshire Sewage Treatment Plant Expansion, aimed at increasing capacity to accommodate the National Housing Trust (NHT) projects and other housing developments in the St. Catherine community.

The UDC will also continue work to develop the Portmore Resilience Park, which will create a centralised green, wellness and entertainment space for the Portmore community and visitors.

The Park will include two elements – an open public space on approximately 20 acres of land with a transport hub/mixed-use facility on the remaining six acres.

The UDC plays a key role in fostering national growth by developing assets that are economically viable and environmentally sustainable.

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SEND INFORMATION

Send your news and other information by WhatsApp to 876 816-5261. Sources will never be revealed. I am Vernon Derby and you can take my word for that.

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Breaking News! Bomb Scare School Closed!

 

There was a bomb scare at the Holmwood Technical High School. Holmwood is located in Christiana, Jamaica. Classes have been suspended. No other information is available at this time.

If you have any information about this matter, please send a WhatsApp message to 876 816-5261.

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SEND INFORMATION

Send your news and other information by WhatsApp to 876 816-5261. Sources will never be revealed. I am Vernon Derby and you can take my word for that.

___________________________

It's Just a Click

1. Click to register your birthday, and I will mention it on air.
2. Click to report a problem such as flooding, accidents, no electricity, and no water.
3. Click to join my group of supporters.

_________________________________

Be a part of a group to get emergency information first.

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Expo Letdown!!!

 

As I celebrate my birth month, I vowed to indulge in a special treat each day, seizing every moment as if it were my last. Yesterday, I ventured to the Health and Garden Expo at the National Arena, hoping for a refreshing experience.

However, the event fell short of expectations. The booths needed more innovation, offering the same tired exhibits. Surprisingly, the art and craft booths proved to be the highlight, injecting a spark of creativity into the otherwise lacklustre affair.

Disappointed, I decided to skip the entertainment, which failed to capture my interest. It reminded me of the importance of dynamic entertainment at expos, an idea we pioneered at Innercity Promotions. Our groundbreaking inclusion of entertainment revolutionised expos, starting with the Small Business Association's event. Impressed by our success, the Jamaica Manufacturers Association sought our expertise for their expo. While initially they embraced our concept, they later opted to handle production in-house after witnessing our methods.

So, to all future expo planners, reach out to me for fresh ideas to attract larger crowds. Let's inject some excitement into these events and leave attendees buzzing with enthusiasm.

Contributed by

Lois Grant

Lois Grant, JP, MA, BA (Hons), Dip Mass Comm, Cert. Broadcast Journalism BBC-London, is a powerhouse in communications. Co-founding Innercity Promotions, she transformed dance hall music branding. Grant later founded Corporate Image Communications and Productions, organizing innovative events for top brands. Her influence extends to shaping political landscapes across three Caribbean islands, including her tenure as Director of Communications in the Office of the Prime Minister (2007-2013) in Jamaica. Now retired, she consults for prestigious entities like NBC Sports and as a travel influencer.

______________________________

SEND INFORMATION

Send your news and other information by WhatsApp to 876 816-5261. Sources will never be revealed. I am Vernon Derby and you can take my word for that.

___________________________

It's Just a Click

1. Click to register your birthday, and I will mention it on air.
2. Click to report a problem such as flooding, accidents, no electricity, and no water.
3. Click to join my group of supporters.

_________________________________

Be a part of a group to get emergency information first.

CLICK HERE.

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