Commuter Has Problems With JUTC Driver

The following was sent to me by a JUTC commuter:

 

Good day Mr. Derby.

I took a 75 JUTC bus from Molynes Road that would pass Ferry sometime after 6 am on Wednesday, April 15. I have noticed that ever since taking the bus, the driver has had an attitude. I went to swipe my card, and he is saying to me, I have no money on my card and when I checked my card at the Transport Centre and there was 850 dollars on my card. I was simply saying to him I am coming off at Nestle, didn't hear a response, so he responded aggressively if I didn't hear when he didn't speak, as he was on his phone and seemed as if I was disturbing him. I am not the only one complaining about him. Now this morning, I came on the bus and the card machine didnt respond and he saying "come upon the bus like he thinks I am his child and saying how other people card work and I dont have money on my card and when I ask him he can stop at Ferry he is behaving like I should ask him in a way to his liking. It's either a yes or no instead of saying if it wasn't for other persons coming out, he wouldn't stop. He needs to behave professionally; he is very unprofessional.

He was driving a bus with license PQ7535.

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Three Media Personalities Having Health Issues!

Three of our broadcasters are having health issues. One has not been on air for some time and will not be back on air. The other, I understand, had an emergency surgery recently, and there could be complications in the future. The third broadcaster should have an operation soon.

Remember to check on your health. All of us need to do a colonoscopy, especially when we reach 45 years old. Women need to check their breasts annually for cancer, and men must have their prostates checked annually when they approach 50 years of age. Consult with your doctor now to get more information. You should also do a comprehensive blood test each year.

You also have things like blood clots, aneurysms, and strokes that you must be aware of. Lack of awareness can result in your early demise.

I am not a doctor, but I would advise you to start eating natural foods, exercise, get enough rest, and avoid stress. When you have health challenges, speak to your doctor and share it with someone close to you. I had a friend who had heart problems, and he shared it with no one until he died suddenly after being admitted to the UWI hospital. Appropriate action could have extended his life.

If the car makes a funny sound, many of us will run to the mechanic, but when our bodies speak to us, we put that on hold. It does not make sense that your car is in good shape for someone to take it over when you have passed on too early.

Please add your comments at the bottom of the blog.

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Jamaicans Alleged To Be Involved In Hi-Tech Crimes Caught

Press Release From MOCA  - April 17, 2026

The Major Organised Crime and Anti-Corruption Agency (MOCA) has arrested and charged two more suspects in connection with its ongoing investigation into a $80 million phishing scam at the National Commercial Bank (NCB).

Twenty-six-year-old Shanielle Smith and 24-year-old Brandon Billings of Nannyville, Kingston and Twickenham Park, St Catherine, respectively, were arrested at their homes on Wednesday April 15 following an early morning operation conducted by MOCA agents and officers from the Jamaica Constabulary Force’s (JCF) St Catherine South and St Andrew Central divisions. 

The two are suspected of being part of an organized criminal syndicate that stole over $80 million from NCB customers between April 2022 and December 2023, using a sophisticated phishing and smishing cyber scam. 

According to Major Basil Jarrett, Director of Communications at MOCA, law enforcement teams from MOCA and the JCF conducted simultaneous operations at the two addresses this morning, to execute search and arrest warrants. Both suspects were held and a number of evidentiary items seized. Smith and Billings were taken to MOCA headquarters where they were both charged with Receiving Stolen Property and Engaging in a Transaction Involving Criminal Property.

“MOCA is unrelenting in pursuing those responsible for this theft” said Major Jarrett, adding that “fraud and other cyber-crimes of this nature are high on MOCA’s agenda due to their increasing occurrence in the criminal underworld”. He also thanked MOCA’s JCF partners for their support in this morning’s operations. 

Major Jarrett is urging the public to remain vigilant in their online activities and to report any suspicious activities involving financial transactions to the MOCA’s tip line at 888-MOCA-TIP.

Editor's Note

I wonder what came out of MOCA's investigation at the St. Catherine Municipal Council. Can MOCA and/or Mayor Scott update us?

NCB customers, please check your bank accounts.

There are millions of dollars sitting in dormant accounts, which could disappear, and the government captures the rest of what is left. I have been asking for systems to be put in place to reduce the number of dormant accounts, but who cares?

It is interesting to note that there are no TRNs next to the names, and the first names are placed first. The list is sorted by first name. This is strange.

Click here to see if any of your relatives, dead or alive, have funds at the bank classified as dormant. You might be shocked to find a relative with a few million dollars in those accounts!

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Bark Di Trute requests that you click on the advertiser's link on the page and also donate to the work of Bark Di Trute. It takes cash to care!

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Click here to see what's happening.

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• Make a financial donation now.

Remember that Bark Di Trute could fail to bark one day without your support. 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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Sink Holes Damaging Front Ends On The Road And Cost of Repairs Going Up!

Oftentimes, I ask myself what is the purpose of the NWA, which is supposed to be the National Works Agency. I call it the National Wutless Agency. This agency is responsible for giving the government a very bad name over the years. What is stopping them from fixing some massive potholes in Kingston and St. Andrew? I hope this is not another UHWI.

Why is it that after they fix a road, and after it rains, the potholes reappear? Is this a way of eating a food off the same stretch of road so you can drive a Bimma while the rest of us cannot walk or drive on the roads without damaging ourselves and our motor vehicles?

Fairdene Avene is a road that has been fixed many times, and if you go by there, you will realize that not even Jackass would take the chance and walk there. Mr PM, it is time for you to get impatient with the NWA.

I was walking down Fairdine Avenue off Red Hills Road in Kingston recently, and I had to fight for space with a cyclist on the sidewalk. As the cyclist approached me, he said, "Sorry boss fi teck ova yu sidewalk fa mi no have no road."

I had a good laugh, and I told him that I was just about to express similar sentiments to him. He is one of those Jamaicans who has a  good sense of humour. We had to teck bad sintin mek joke.

I just received this video and voicemail from a motorist, which I have put together for you.

The motorist did not say who the MP is for the area.

The war continues in the Middle East, and the cost of gas continues to go up, and so will the cost of fixing your front ends.

Send videos of the potholes in Kingston and St. Andrew, and send a voicemail giving details by WhatsApp to 876 816-5261.

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Death

SERVICE OF THANKSGIVING

FOR THE LIFE OF

ALMA MOCK YEN, CD

Friday, April 17, 2026, at 10:00 AM

Sts. Peter and Paul Roman Catholic Church

120 Old Hope Road, Kingston 6

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mEmHqWEJG1U

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CAR FOR SALE—IT'S A BARGAIN

Selling one 2020, 5-seater, 1987 cc, petrol RAV4 for $3.9M. It's done 34,611 km. If you are interested, send a WhatsApp message at 876 816-5261.

to

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Bark Di Trute requests that you click on the advertiser's link on the page and also donate to the work of Bark Di Trute. It takes cash to care!

____________________

 

Click here to see what's happening.

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• Make a financial donation now.

Remember that Bark Di Trute could fail to bark one day without your support. 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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Jamaica’s Super Star Singer Is Gone

News coming out of Florida is that veteran Jamaican singer, the man with the deep mellow voice, Ernie Smith, has died.

Ernie was born for music on May 1, 1945. Many will remember him for hits like "Bend Down” (March 1971) and “Ride on Sammy” (December 1971). You will also remember him for “One Dream” (1972) and “Pitta Patta” (1972), but it was “Life Is Just For Living" that propelled him and entered his name in the international music annals. This song was originally done for a Red Stripe Beer commercial, and it won at the Yamaha Music Festival in Japan. That Red Stripe advertisement gives you an idea of the high quality of advertising in Ernie's time.

I met Ernie Smith when he used to sing and I used to play the organ at St. Benedict's Catholic Church in Harbour View. I remember the first folk mass there, when the church yard and the road were full of people. Father Charles Dufour was the priest at the church. When Ernie sang, everybody sang with him.

Play Di Music

Play Di Music

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Death

SERVICE OF THANKSGIVING

FOR THE LIFE OF

ALMA MOCK YEN, CD

Friday, April 17, 2026, at 10:00 AM

Sts. Peter and Paul Roman Catholic Church

120 Old Hope Road, Kingston 6

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mEmHqWEJG1U

___________________

CAR FOR SALE—IT'S A BARGAIN

Selling one 2020, 5-seater, 1987 cc, petrol RAV4 for $3.9M. It's done 34,611 km. If you are interested, send a WhatsApp message at 876 816-5261.

to

 ___________________

Bark Di Trute requests that you click on the advertiser's link on the page and also donate to the work of Bark Di Trute. It takes cash to care!

____________________

 

Click here to see what's happening.

_________________

Subscribe Now!

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

Remember that Bark Di Trute could fail to bark one day without your support. 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.

_____________________

UHWI Clarifies Outstanding Taxes!!!

UHWI Press Release April 15, 2026

Kingston, Jamaica. Wednesday, April 15, 2026: The University Hospital of the West Indies (UHWI) wishes to provide important context to figures recently discussed before Parliament's Public Accounts Committee regarding the Hospital's statutory obligations.

The total figure of approximately J$40 million reflects obligations accumulated over the period 2011 to 2026, comprised of J$18 billion in statutory obligations, J$20 billion in accumulated interest and penalties, and J$2 billion in GCT. Nearly half of this figure represents interest, and penalties accrued over 15 years and does not reflect a single-period operational failure.

The UHWI operates under a unique and demanding mandate as a fee-paying hospital, a regional teaching institution, and a national referral centre legally required to provide care to all patients regardless of ability to pay. Government subventions have consistently averaged approximately 75% of the Hospital's annual budget request, resulting in a structural monthly shortfall of approximately J$300 million in statutory obligations. In managing these constrained resources, the institution has directed available funds toward sustaining patient care, staff salaries, and critical supplier relationships necessary to maintain uninterrupted healthcare services.

"UHWI has operated under sustained financial pressure for many years, driven largely by structural underfunding. Our overriding priority has been to keep services running and our staff supported. We are committed to resolving our outstanding obligations and are actively engaged with the Ministry of Health and Wellness and the Ministry of Finance & the Public Service to find a sustainable path forward," said Eric Hosin, Acting Chief Executive Officer, UHWI.

The UHWI confirms that NHT and NIS contributions were paid in full for 2025 and for the period January to March 2026. The hospital is not aware of any staff member being adversely affected because of statutory obligations outstanding prior to 2025 and remains committed to addressing any concerns raised.

The UHWI is engaged in ongoing discussions with the Ministry of Finance & the Public Service and the Ministry of Health and Wellness to address the outstanding balance and to strengthen the financial framework necessary for the Hospital's long-term sustainability.

The Hospital remains firmly committed to transparency, accountability, and the delivery of essential healthcare services to the people of Jamaica and the wider region.

Editor's Note

I am still confused as to what the clarification is about. The second paragraph said JAD 40 million, and then this figure is broken down into billions of dollars. That does not sound right.

JAD18 billion in statutory deductions outstanding must have an impact on the workers.

This does not change the point that the UHWI owes the government plenty of money because I am sure that JAD 40 million should be JAD 40 billion.

There seems to be confusion at the UHWI. 

I wonder if my Bark Di Trute readers can help me. I am confused! Yes, some accountants and auditors read these blogs.

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Death

SERVICE OF THANKSGIVING

FOR THE LIFE OF

ALMA MOCK YEN, CD

Friday, April 17, 2026, at 10:00 AM

Sts. Peter and Paul Roman Catholic Church

120 Old Hope Road, Kingston 6

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mEmHqWEJG1U

___________________

CAR FOR SALE—IT'S A BARGAIN

Selling one 2020, 5-seater, 1987 cc, petrol RAV4 for $3.9M. It's done 34,611 km. If you are interested, send a WhatsApp message at 876 816-5261.

to

 ___________________

Bark Di Trute requests that you click on the advertiser's link on the page and also donate to the work of Bark Di Trute. It takes cash to care!

____________________

 

Click here to see what's happening.

_________________

Subscribe Now!

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

Remember that Bark Di Trute could fail to bark one day without your support. 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.

_____________________