Minister Pepper-Sprayed By The Police?

Minister McKenzie being assisted by citizens.

Information coming into Bark Di Trute is that Minister Desmond McKenzie was pepper-sprayed by police at the Darlington Street police station.  A video was seen with people assisting the minister by pouring water on his face. There is no further information at this point.

People are becoming suspicious because so far there has been no statement from the police or the government. It is reported that the incident took place at 6:00 am today.

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Prostate Cancer

Remember to have your prostate checked out by the doctor, or you might see your maker earlier than he had planned.

Please add your comments to the blog.

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Keep abreast of the news and information in the world. Bark Di Trute, a Jamaican blog, is packed with accurate information. Click the following link and get information at your fingertips. WhatsApp link is: https://chat.whatsapp.com/C9bkP96JIN2JgHiuktY3Jj 

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Fist Microcredit Act Defendants

Press Release From FIDS - July 13, 2026

July 13, 2026, Kingston, Jamaica: Otis Williams and Nevin Forbes, the two men charged in Jamaica's first prosecution under the Microcredit Act, appeared before the Kingston and St. Andrew Parish Court on July 9, 2026, in the matter involving Forbes Affordable Loans Ja Limited et al. Both defendants were present and represented by legal counsel, Mr Davian Vassell, who indicated that the matter is not expected to be protracted, as the defendants intend to accept the charges.

The court extended bail for both men with the following conditions: 

• They are required to report to the Greater Portmore Police Station three days per week, and 
• Both have been directed to surrender their travel documents with immediate effect.

The presiding judge also made a stop order preventing both defendants from departing Jamaica pending the conclusion of criminal proceedings. The order, which alerts border control authorities – including the Passport, Immigration and Citizenship Agency (PICA) – to flag the defendants at all legal ports of entry and exit, reflects the court's interest in ensuring the defendants remain in the country. A fingerprint order was additionally made, requiring both men to submit their fingerprints to the police.

The matter has been set for Case Management on November 5, 2026.

Background

Williams and Forbes were originally charged on June 24, 2026, following an operation by the FID's Constabulary Financial Unit with support from the JCF's St. Catherine South Division. They are alleged to have provided microcredit services without a licence, contrary to Section 9(1) of the Microcredit Act. Under the Act, individuals found guilty of this offence face fines of up to J$1,000,000 or imprisonment of up to six months, while corporations may be fined up to J$2,000,000.

The FID reminds the public that the charges against Williams and Forbes remain allegations and that both men are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law. 

The public is encouraged to verify that any lender or financial service provider is properly authorised before transacting. A list of licensed microcredit institutions is available at the BOJ’s website:

https://boj.org.jm/core-functions/financial-system/microcredit-regulation/

The FID is intent on protecting the integrity of the Financial sector, and therefore urges all participants to ensure that they have the relevant license(s) and comply with all requirements under the law.

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PNP Cracking Up Because Of Leadership Struggles?

 Contributed

The recent resignations of Dwayne Vaz and Richard Azan from their Opposition spokesperson positions have raised legitimate questions about what is happening inside the People’s National Party.

The official explanations may sound reasonable, but the timing of these departures cannot be ignored—especially with internal party elections and the contest for leadership positions approaching.

Even more intriguing is Dwayne Vaz’s explanation. In announcing his resignation as opposition spokesperson, he said he wanted to devote more time and attention to his constituency. Yet, only days later, he publicly declared his intention to contest the post of Region 6 Chairman.

That naturally raises the question: if the objective was to free up time for constituency work, how does taking on the responsibility of campaigning for and potentially serving as a regional chairman fit into that explanation?

Jamaicans are entitled to ask whether these developments are simply routine political adjustments or whether the upcoming internal elections are beginning to expose divisions and competing interests within the party.

Leadership contests are a normal part of democracy. However, when senior figures begin stepping away from key roles in quick succession, the public will inevitably wonder whether unity is beginning to give way to internal jockeying for influence.

The PNP aspires to form the next Government of Jamaica. With that aspiration comes a responsibility to project stability, cohesion, and transparency. If these resignations are merely coincidental, the party should say so clearly. If they are part of a broader reorganization, Jamaicans deserve an honest explanation.

Silence creates speculation. Openness builds confidence.

The question is simple: Are these isolated decisions, or are the upcoming internal elections beginning to reveal cracks within the PNP?

Contributed by Anthony Fisher

Anthony Fisher

Anthony Fisher attended Frome Technical High and Illinois State University. He has a BSc in Mass Media. A former videographer at the Jamaica Information Service, he is now a multimedia communication specialist at the University of Illinois.

Anthony is a member of the diaspora who continues to show keen interest in Jamaica. We appreciate members of the diaspora supporting Bark Di Trute.

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Prostate Cancer

Remember to have your prostate checked out by the doctor, or you might see your maker earlier than he had planned.

Please add your comments to the blog.

______________________

Keep abreast of the news and information in the world. Bark Di Trute, a Jamaican blog, is packed with accurate information. Click the following link and get information at your fingertips. WhatsApp link is: https://chat.whatsapp.com/C9bkP96JIN2JgHiuktY3Jj 

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Without your support, Bark Di Trute could fail to bark one day. Send your ideas, stories, and news by WhatsApp at (876) 816-5261.

You can view the blog with your computer at https://vderby.blogspot.com, and you will be able to see the various links. For example, there is a link that takes you to the calendar to see what is happening on the weekend. You can even search the site for articles. There is also a weather link, which you can use to track hurricanes.

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Promote The Good People And Send The Evil People Packing

I am blessed by the love shown to me by various people. Over the weekend, several things went wrong. The stove died, and so did the washing machine. This is just after a good samaritan expressed concern about how I was getting things done. The gentleman who called about the washing machine to fix it said he would come by soon.

I said to him, "You have not greeted me, and you have not told me your name." He apologized profusely. 

Oh yes, he came on time and explained to me what was wrong with the washing machine. His name is Darien Priestman. You can see that he was well brought up, went to JC, and is busy trying to carve out his piece of cake.

Thanks to those others for the kind gestures. There is a schoolmate of mine who sent a package of sugar-free items for me. Can you imagine that if you have diabetes, there are enough things to help kill you in Jamaica? I enjoyed my sugar-free biscuits and jam. We need to make and import these sugar-free items into Jamaica. It seems like everything that we purchase in Jamaica is packed with sugar. Probably that is why it seems that diabetes is on the increase.

Dr. John Scott

This morning I had to do another ECG before I undergo the operation since the last one was done a long time ago. I got a referral to see Dr. Paul Scott at 1c Braemar Avenue in New Kingston. Dr. Paul Scott is an accomplished expert in pulmonary medicine, critical care, internal medicine, haematology, and oncology with over 30 years of experience.

On arrival, I was told that I did not have an appointment. The receptionist called his other office. I explained to the receptionist that I had sent a fax copy of the referral, which I got from the office. While I was talking to the receptionist, another staff member came up and butted into the conversation. I explained to the staff member that she should have said "Excuse me" and "Good morning" before interrupting like that. She was ready to take me on, and she gave me a look that could destroy the largest US warship. Dr. Scott, you deserve to have distinguished staff working with you.

Professionals like Dr. Scott should ensure that their staff are properly trained because they are an extension of the medical team. "Good morning." "Thank you," "Excuse me," "I am sorry" and "It was good to have you visit us" are some of the terms that should become a part of your medical support staff vocabulary.

Dr. Scott, you need to take action so that this incident never occurs again at your office. Mr. Dante and another receptionist were very helpful.

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Prostate Cancer

Remember to have your prostate checked out by the doctor, or you might see your maker earlier than he had planned.

Please add your comments to the blog.

______________________

Keep abreast of the news and information in the world. Bark Di Trute, a Jamaican blog, is packed with accurate information. Click the following link and get information at your fingertips. WhatsApp link is: https://chat.whatsapp.com/C9bkP96JIN2JgHiuktY3Jj 

______________________________

 

Click here and win.

________________________

______________________

It's best to view this blog on your computer at https://vderby.blogspot.com.

_________________

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Subscribe Now!

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• Subscribe to my Emergency News Advice Service.
• Make a financial donation now.

Without your support, Bark Di Trute could fail to bark one day. Send your ideas, stories, and news by WhatsApp at (876) 816-5261.

You can view the blog with your computer at https://vderby.blogspot.com, and you will be able to see the various links. For example, there is a link that takes you to the calendar to see what is happening on the weekend. You can even search the site for articles. There is also a weather link, which you can use to track hurricanes.

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70,000 Murdered Since 1962 - Who are we Killing?

Contributed

Michael Spence

The untimely death of Buju in St James and the untimely troubles facing the policeman are reminders that stress from life itself can cause untimely deaths/occurences. 

I offer my sympathies to both families and to the entire Jamaica family.

Since the so-called independence in 1962, we have killed at least 70,000 of our own. Over 50,000 have been ordinary citizens. Another 20,000 have been killed by police and the army.

Jamaica is 98% Black, yet we are engaged in Black-on-Black killings. 

Approximately 1 million Jamaicans live in squatters' poverty and squatting conditions. 

Afro-Jamaicans comprise 98% of the population but own only 5% of the economy. The remaining 2%, mainly non-Black, control the other 95%.

One must ask if we were better off before 1838. The system is now blurred. 

The government and those in Parliament have black skins but appear to operate with white minds. This crisis is global. In America: ICE and deportation. In Argentina: efforts to white-out (Racial Erasure). 

In South Africa: expulsion. Black people are being pushed into a corner, off the planet.

Michael Spence

Michael Spence is a graduate of Cornwall College and the University of the West Indies. He is a trained teacher, a sociologist, and a writer for Bark Di Trute.

Fire On Mandela Highway?

Bark Di Trute just got a message that there is a fire on Mandela Highway and a vehicle is now on fire. Let's hope we get a report from the Fire Brigade Service or the police soon. If you are in the area, send me an update by WhatsApp at 876 816-5216.

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A Leading Politician Has Passed

 

Mr. Dean Peart

Mr Dean Peart, MP and minister in the PNP government, has passed on. The following was posted on the PNP Facebook page as a tribute to Mr Peart.

The People’s National Party mourns the passing of Dean Alexander Peart, former Member of Parliament for North West Manchester, Councillor and Mayor of Mandeville, as well as former Cabinet Minister.

A proud son of Manchester and of the PNP, he carried forward the legacy of his father, the Hon. Ernest Peart, and served alongside his brother, former Speaker Michael Peart, in one of Jamaica’s great political families.

Dean Peart won the North West Manchester seat five consecutive times, serving his constituents for 22 years with unmatched dedication. He built 13 community centres and numerous basic schools across the constituency, championed education for young people.

In Government, he served as Minister of State or Minister with responsibility for several portfolios, including Labour, Environment and Lands, and Local Government.

Known for integrity, hard work and straight talk, Deanie was loved by the people he served and respected across the political divide.

The Party extends deepest condolences to his wife Vynette, his children, the entire Peart family, and the people of North West Manchester. May his soul rest in eternal peace. 

You can add your comment as a tribute to an outstanding Jamaican politician. 

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Prostate Cancer

Remember to have your prostate checked out by the doctor, or you might see your maker earlier than he had planned.

Please add your comments to the blog.

______________________

Keep abreast of the news and information in the world. Bark Di Trute, a Jamaican blog, is packed with accurate information. Click the following link and get information at your fingertips. WhatsApp link is: https://chat.whatsapp.com/C9bkP96JIN2JgHiuktY3Jj 

______________________________

 

Click here and win.

________________________

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It's best to view this blog on your computer at https://vderby.blogspot.com.

_________________

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Subscribe Now!

• Subscribe to my YouTube Channel.
• Subscribe to my Emergency News Advice Service.
• Make a financial donation now.

Without your support, Bark Di Trute could fail to bark one day. Send your ideas, stories, and news by WhatsApp at (876) 816-5261.

You can view the blog with your computer at https://vderby.blogspot.com, and you will be able to see the various links. For example, there is a link that takes you to the calendar to see what is happening on the weekend. You can even search the site for articles. There is also a weather link, which you can use to track hurricanes.

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Bark Di Trute Supporters Helping To Change Things

 

Bark Di Trute reporter Roy Rayon reports sewer water running on the road in St. Thomas.

Roy Rayon made it public a few days ago on Bark Di Trute that there was this uncovered manhole. More than likely, someone removed the original cover. This could have caused a major motor vehicle accident, or someone could have fallen in there and suffered serious injuries.

Thanks to those who were responsible for getting it fixed. Anyone who removes a manhole cover, if caught, should spend a year cleaning the gully.

This is a fun video, but there is a lot to learn from it. We should incorporate lessons like this in schools.

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Prostate Cancer

Remember to have your prostate checked out by the doctor, or you might see your maker earlier than he had planned.

Please add your comments to the blog.

______________________

Keep abreast of the news and information in the world. Bark Di Trute, a Jamaican blog, is packed with accurate information. Click the following link and get information at your fingertips. WhatsApp link is: https://chat.whatsapp.com/C9bkP96JIN2JgHiuktY3Jj 

______________________________

 

Click here and win.

________________________

______________________

It's best to view this blog on your computer at https://vderby.blogspot.com.

_________________

_________________

Subscribe Now!

• Subscribe to my YouTube Channel.
• Subscribe to my Emergency News Advice Service.
• Make a financial donation now.

Without your support, Bark Di Trute could fail to bark one day. Send your ideas, stories, and news by WhatsApp at (876) 816-5261.

You can view the blog with your computer at https://vderby.blogspot.com, and you will be able to see the various links. For example, there is a link that takes you to the calendar to see what is happening on the weekend. You can even search the site for articles. There is also a weather link, which you can use to track hurricanes.

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