Bark Di Trute!

Tuesday, 24 March 2026

Catastrophic Annual NWC Water Restrictions In Effect Again

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The recently introduced water restrictions by NWC are creating major resentment against NWC and the leadership of the country. Bark Di Trute has received strong reactions to the water situation.

The government needs to have a long-term plan for dealing with the annual water crisis. The strategy of having water restrictions annually is an old and outdated strategy. The only water saved by the restriction is the water from leaking pipes.

This morning, I received the following response to the situation from an irate citizen:

They say water restrictions now on
Are they f......g mad !!
People must roast ..........
Vernon, please pardon the bad word. Just an indication of my level of frustration when i encounter idiocy.
Are they saying that they have so increased the population density of the Constant Spring area by allowing so many apartment and condominium structures that the current unseasonally high rainfall being experienced in the watershed for Constant Spring is totally inadequate?
I would not like to experience their actions if the rainfall patterns this year, thus far, were normal.
A logical explanation is absolutely necessary here. We may never know if they had decided to sell our water, which would be in great demand, in the open market.
Also, they should quickly allocate funds for the structural repair of the damaged road just above “EITS Cafe” on the Newcastle Road, thereby allowing Catherine's Peak water to return to the market and ease some of the pressure on that market. Every little bit helps.

There has been an increase in the number of high-rise buildings in the capital, and this has increased the demand for water. We should build small community tanks in the various areas to store water. If there is a problem with the Mona Dam and the Hermitage Dam, we will all be damned.

Please send a WhatsApp message letting us know how you are coping with the water restrictions. Send your ideas stating how the problem should be dealt with. The WhatsApp number is (876) 816-5261. You can also add comments at the bottom of the blog.

Thanks.

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Jazz In The Gardens

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Monday, 23 March 2026

Are You A Criminal?

Contributed By Michael Spence

A recent case of a soldier sentenced to 15-20 years for items found on his premises, not in his possession, raises questions about our justice system. These sentences can waste potentially productive lives, and it's clear that punishment, reformation, and rehabilitation are crucial.

Jamaica's crime industry is lucrative and attractive, especially to young people. We're drawn to things that seem appealing, even if they're not good for us. As we say, "Wah sweet nanny goat a go run him belly." The allure of crime can be tempting.

But let's be real: most of us are guilty of some form of crime. Speeding, tax evasion, or other infractions can land us in trouble. We're quick to point fingers, but often exempt ourselves from scrutiny.

Crime is a complex issue that affects us all. It's not just about murder, gun possession, or rape—it's also about the everyday choices we make. Your pastor speeding to church, the driver cutting corners, the businessperson bending rules—we're all complicit.

To MOCA, congratulations on your efforts to combat crime, but let's acknowledge the reality: crime is a part of our society, employing thousands and maintaining livelihoods. The challenge is to address it without perpetuating a cycle of violence and corruption.

We need awareness and understanding at every level—from streets to boardrooms, classrooms to parliament. We are all criminals in some sense, but we can change. Let's work towards a better tomorrow.

Bark di truth nuh people.

Michael Spence

micspen2@hotmail.com

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Jazz In The Gardens

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Water Restrictions For Constant Spring

Press Release From The NWC, March 23, 2026

The National Water Commission (NWC) is advising customers that, despite rainfall experienced over the past several days, water levels at the Hermitage Dam continue to decline and are now approaching the critical threshold of 65%. This has necessitated the implementation of regulatory measures to preserve available supplies.

Accordingly, the NWC has taken the difficult decision to introduce water regulations for areas served by the Constant Spring system, effective Monday, March 23, 2026. These measures are aimed at ensuring equitable distribution and sustaining service across affected communities during this period of reduced inflows.

Under this regulation schedule, the Constant Spring network has been divided into two zones:

Upper Constant Spring – Areas located above the Ministry of Justice

Lower Constant Spring – Areas situated below Ministry of Justice

Water will be provided on a 12-hour alternating schedule, as follows:

Upper Areas (6:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m.):

Sections of Duhaney Park, Patrick City, Pembroke Hall, Queensbury, Queensborough, Hughenden, Molynes Gardens, Molynes Road (Red Hills Rd to Washington Blvd), Perkins Boulevard, Meadowbrook Estate, Red Hills Road, Mannings Hill Road, Camperdown, Dunrobin Avenue, Constant Spring Road, Oakland, Havendale (sections), Meadowbrook (sections), Arlene Gardens, Grants Pen, and Shortwood Road

Lower Areas (6:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.)

Eastwood Park Road, Constant Spring Road, Cassia Park, Waltham Park Road, Chisholm Avenue, Molynes Road (Eastwood Park to Washington Blvd), Half Way Tree, Hagley Park Road, Maxfield Avenue, Moreton Park, Half Way Tree Road, Richmond Park, Cockburn Gardens, Kencot, Whitfield Town, Cross Roads (sections), and Maxfield Park

The Commission notes that in this initial phase Water Management initiatives have been outlined for approximately 133 water supply systems across the island that traditionally show susceptibility to dry and drought conditions. While seasonal declines are typical, current inflows in several of these systems are trending below levels recorded at the same time last year, warranting close monitoring and early intervention.

At the same time, the Mona Reservoir system continues to be monitored, but remains relatively stable at approximately 85% capacity, and normal operations will be maintained for areas served by this system.

Customers in areas supplied by the Constant Spring system are encouraged to note the enclosed regulation schedule and to take steps to conserve and manage water use responsibly.

The NWC will continue to monitor all systems closely and will provide updates as conditions evolve.

The NWC is also encouraging customers to:

Store water for use outside of scheduled supply hours
Fix leaks promptly
Install water-saving devices
Reuse grey water where possible
And most importantly, conserve water at all times

These measures are necessary to preserve the limited supply and ensure equitable distribution until rainfall conditions improve, which is projected for the September/October period.

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Jazz In The Gardens

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The Economic Environment Is Having Major Impact On Media Houses

Sources informed me this morning that those who are based at the Gleaner offices on North Street have begun to move to RJR on Lyndhurst Road, Cross Roads. I received a note stating that there will be no more RJR 7:00 am and 12:00 noon newscasts for the radio. There will also be no radio news on the weekend. This is a tough one to swallow.

Omega Radio is scaling down, and they have lost some of their senior staff. The former general manager of Omega Radio has resigned. Not much has been heard from IRIE FM, which seems to be weathering the storm. The owner of Sun City in Portmore passed on, but the current managers seem be holding their own.

You could find that the smaller radio stations will do better because their overhead costs will be lower. There are some stations that fall under other entities, such as the Sandals Group and the Seventh Day Adventist Church, and they seem to be treading water quite well.

Some will say that Jamaica has too many radio stations, but these stations are broadcasting to the world on the Internet.They should be earning from the world. Earning funds by broadcasting on the Internet may be easier said than done.

As we continue to make changes in the industry, the leaders can consider the following:

Do not get rid of your talented staff because you don't like them.
Employ talented and versatile people.
Move your operations to smaller buildings if you can.
Use modern technology to facilitate things like outside broadcasts.
Let your staff, especially your broadcasters, work from home where that is possible. This will reduce their cost, and this should result in lower demand for compensation from the company.
Employ teachers and other professionals as reporters, and that should result in less need for space for your newsroom staff.
Your sales staff do not have to be in the office every day.
Use your reporters and presenters to populate your websites.
Be creative in your programming and not just do what other stations are doing.
Maintain a work environment where there is love and care for each other.
Allow each host and presenter to use their creativity in producing and hosting shows. The sum total of the staff's creativity will be far superior to the creative ideas of just a few persons in top management.

The business sector should understand that it should not be just about promoting its product in the media. You should support those programs that are helping to build people and a society in which your company will do well.

There are other suggestions that listeners and broadcasters have, so please add them as comments at the end of the blog. The industry will benefit from these suggestions and ideas.

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Jazz In The Gardens

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Do Not Allow Unscrupulous People To Use Your Bank Account To Pass Money Through

Press Release From FIDS, March 23, 2026

March 23, 2026, Kingston, Jamaica: The Financial Investigations Division (FID) is again warning Jamaicans not to allow their bank accounts to be used to receive, move, or withdraw funds on behalf of others, following the arrest and charge of three individuals in connection with a sophisticated multimillion-dollar bank fraud and suspected money mule operation.

The accused, Ashanti Johnson, Kevin Bentley and David Brevett aged 24, 37 and 54 years respectively, were arrested and charged under the Proceeds of Crime Act, the Larceny Act, and the Cyber Crimes Act after coordinated operations carried out between March 17 and 19, 2026 across Kingston, St. Andrew and Clarendon.

The operations were conducted by the FID in collaboration with the Jamaica Constabulary Force’s Specialized Investigations Branch, as well as officers from the St. Andrew South and St. Andrew North Police Divisions. The three were offered station bail and are scheduled to appear in the Kingston and St. Andrew Parish Court on April 10, 2026.

Investigators allege that the accused participated in a criminal scheme involving unauthorized access to bank accounts and the transfer of funds into accounts maintained by the suspects. This type of activity reflects a common pattern in financial crimes in which proceeds obtained through fraud are quickly funnelled through seemingly legitimate personal or business accounts in an effort to disguise their origin, frustrate investigators, and distance the main perpetrators from the stolen funds.

The case also highlights a vulnerability within the banking and wider financial sector where criminals actively exploit established customer accounts, digital banking channels, and the appearance of ordinary transactions to move illicit proceeds into the formal financial system. Once criminal funds are deposited into legitimate accounts, they may then be withdrawn, transferred onward, split across multiple accounts, or used in other transactions designed to conceal the money trail.

In many cases, the account holder is either a willing participant or someone who has been manipulated, recruited, or deceived into acting as a money mule.

Commenting on the matter, Chief Technical Director of the FID, Dennis Chung, said, “Fraudsters and money launderers rely on established accounts to move illicit funds at scale. The use of money mule accounts helps to conceal key players in criminal networks. The public is urged to exercise proper due diligence when accepting deposits on behalf of others, particularly when it involves sharing debit cards or PINs.

The Proceeds of Crime Act defines criminal property as property obtained through criminal conduct and criminalizes all handling of such property. If you possess, transfer, or facilitate the retention of criminal property, you will be charged.”

The FID is especially urging young professionals, job seekers, and unemployed persons to be cautious. Criminal networks often target people with promises of easy money, part-time “payment processing” work, or requests to “help move funds” using personal bank accounts. What may appear to be a harmless favour or quick financial opportunity can make someone a key link in a fraud or money laundering chain.

Common warning signs of money mule activity include:

being asked to receive or transfer money through your bank account on behalf of someone else
opening a bank account in your name for another person to use
receiving large or unexplained deposits and being instructed to withdraw or forward the funds
being asked to hand over your debit card, online banking credentials, or PIN
being promised payment for allowing your account to be used for transactions you do not fully understand.

The FID is reminding the public that ignorance is not a defence where criminal property is concerned. Persons who allow their accounts to be used in these arrangements may expose themselves to arrest, prosecution, and the long-term consequences of criminal charges.

Jamaicans are being strongly urged to strengthen their financial awareness, question suspicious requests involving money transfers, and refuse any arrangement that requires them to move funds for another person without a clear, lawful, and verifiable reason. Public education and vigilance remain critical in disrupting the use of money mules and protecting the integrity of Jamaica’s financial system.

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Jazz In The Gardens

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Tuesday, 24 March 2026

Catastrophic Annual NWC Water Restrictions In Effect Again

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Monday, 23 March 2026

Are You A Criminal?

Subscribe Now!

Water Restrictions For Constant Spring

Press Release From The NWC, March 23, 2026

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The Economic Environment Is Having Major Impact On Media Houses

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Do Not Allow Unscrupulous People To Use Your Bank Account To Pass Money Through

Press Release From FIDS, March 23, 2026

Subscribe Now!

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