Part 1 - Reflection On Festival Song Competition

Independence is just around the corner, and I decided to look back at 2018, when I chaired the Festival Song Competition. I decided to look back because it was memorable, although I had to deal with some nasty situations. At one point, I stopped going on the road shows because I got information that my life was at risk. A contestant told me that he heard a discussion in Spanish Town, where a show was being held, about how I was stopping people from 'eating a food.'

Yes, Jamaica can be a dangerous place. If it looks like you are too successful in what you do, others envy you. People will start to carry news about you and undermine you.

The great thing is that I had a great committee, and the participants were fantastic. I could not ask for a better chair than Hugh Nash. Daffodil Thompson was the interim director, and I know that the board had full confidence in her as an administrator, but her tenure was cut short. 

It was great working with the staff. I did break protocol when I got directly involved in the competition, although I was a board member. I made sure to tell the staff that when they are doing their work, they are superior to me. I was welcomed with open arms. Having worked with the Tastee Talent Competition for several years, I had developed systems to deal with auditions and semifinals and also to make the judging system more efficient. I shared this experience with the staff.

I felt then that the Festival Song Competition is not just a competition but one that should encourage patriotism among the people and build excitement for the independence celebration. I was told the songs were not good, and there was talk of cancelling the Festival Song Competition, which I objected to. I believed then that we could make it work.

To get the competition going at full speed, I wrote a catchy commercial, which I voiced with Tommy Cowan. I paid for the commercial. It was a very simple commercial, but it was effective. The style and format of the commercial were subsequently used by a commercial entity. The commercial gave the competition a fantastic push start.

The media started to give significant attention to the competition, and that is where my troubles started. At that time, committee members and I participated in media interviews to promote the competition. More to come on Bark Di Trute!

Let's take a look at some of the top participants who captured the spirit of the nation in 2018. You will notice that they got significant views on YouTube. It is interesting to note who was the winner!

 K

The Festival Song and the Independence celebrations must be taken back to the people and not centred mainly in Kingston. It needs to be a community-based celebration.

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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 at the bottom of the blog.

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This Road Register - Will It Fix Our Potholes?

Press Release From The Ministry of Economic Growth and Job Creation - July 31, 2026

Jamaicans now have unprecedented access to information about the nation's road network with the official launch of the Jamaica Road Register, a new digital platform designed to improve transparency, accountability and public participation in road management.

Prime Minister Dr. the Most Hon. Andrew Holness announced that the platform became operational at 1:00 p.m. yesterday (July 30, 2026) during the ceremony to designate the Paul Bogle Highway.

The platform is available at jamaicaroadregister.gov.jm .

The first phase of the Register features roads in Kingston and St. Catherine, allowing residents to search for roads in their communities, view their status, identify the programme under which they are scheduled for rehabilitation, and see when works are expected to take place. The platform will be expanded to include roads across the island.

Prime Minister Holness said the Register represents a major step towards a more transparent and data-driven approach to managing Jamaica's road network.

"You will be able to go on the website and see the status of your road, when it is scheduled to be repaired and which programme it is on. It will be interactive. You will also be able to upload information from your community about the roads, giving us valuable feedback so we can better understand the conditions on the ground", he explained.

The Prime Minister said the platform forms part of the Government's broader programme of road sector reform and the establishment of the One Road Authority, which will introduce a single national standard for road management, improve coordination among agencies and strengthen public accountability.

He noted that the Jamaica Road Register is more than a database.  It is a tool that empowers citizens to participate in maintaining the country's infrastructure while helping Government make better-informed investment decisions.

"This is part of a larger mission to take control of our roads so they can be a source of pride and dignity and, indeed, roads to development," the Prime Minister asserted.

The Jamaica Road Register supports the Government's ongoing investment in modernising the country's transport infrastructure through programmes such as the Shared Prosperity through Accelerated Improvement to Our Road Network (SPARK), while providing the public with greater visibility into how road rehabilitation projects are planned and delivered.

Editor's Note

My prediction is this feature will not be popular with the citizens. People are not going to stop to take pictures of potholes, and it costs JAD10,000 to drive and use the phone to take pictures. The system must have pictures. 

It's a nice, fancy site, but it is not user-friendly. 

If you are going to use this fancy map, then one should be able to click on the map and get the approximate GPS of the pothole. You would then submit the GPS. We should be able to make reports without pictures or even giving nearby locations. Let the engineers use their maps to find the locations.

Please put a tracker on the site to tell us the number of reports received and the number that have been resolved.

Some people will not understand some of the terms used on the interface.

Let us get NWA engineers working, and they should monitor the state of our roads. That is their job, and they should populate the database.

Sponsors Giving Support To Jazz In The Gardens

The artists are now carrying out their final preparations for the Jazz and Cabaret In The Gardens Independence show. The show will be on Sunday, August 2, 2026, starting at 6:00 pm. Potential patrons, especially from overseas, are showing strong interest in the show.

The organizers are expressing thanks to the sponsors of the show. They have played an important role in ensuring that Jamaicans can sit and enjoy beautiful uplifting music, which is in line with the cultural celebrations at this time. The sponsors are Kendel Cari-Med, Kingston Hireage, Soho Jamaica, and Jamaica Pegasus Hotel. 

The organizers also appreciate the gift packages from Kendel Cari-Med and the phones courtesy of FLOW.

Dr. Dantie Smith-Brown, a Jamaican who went to the United States of America, is another supporter. After migrating to the USA, she became a respiratory care practitioner. She is passionate about educating, diagnosing, and treating individuals who suffer from heart and lung diseases. Thanks for your support, Dr Smith-Brown, for supporting Jazz & Cabaret in the Gardens.

The charities that will benefit from this show are the Jamaica America Friendship Association and the Bursary Funds for final-year tertiary students. VOUCH has also benefited from the show.

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JLP Calls On Councillor Mario Mitchell To Resign

Press Release From the JLP- July 31, 2026

Councillor Omar Miller

Councillor Mario Mitchell

The Jamaica Labour Party Manchester Municipal Corporation caucus is calling for the immediate resignation of Mario Mitchell as Councillor for the Bellefield Division in the parish and, by extension, calls for him to demit all committees on which he sits at the Corporation.

Chairman of the Jamaica Labour Party’s Manchester Municipal Corporation caucus, Omar Miller, says Mitchell has no business being a member of the Corporation after a voice note was leaked in which he stated that the PNP would “continue to play the ball game of politics” and probably implement tactics to delay the implementation of initiatives under the National Reconstruction and Resilience Authority (NaRRA).

NaRRA is geared towards assisting Jamaica in recovering quickly from the devastating impact of Hurricane Melissa and rebuilding communities.

Mr. Miller says:

“I raised the issue with Mario Mitchell during a recent committee meeting of the Corporation and insisted that he apologize for his obscene remarks. He refused and was supported by his PNP colleagues. Additionally, at no time did he deny making the utterances which we are certain he made in a 41-second voice note sent to the PNP Executive WhatsApp group. Mitchell’s position as Councillor for the Bellefield Division is untenable. It is a disgrace that he so casually admitted that the PNP would probably seek to use the Corporation to delay initiatives under NaRRA which are intended to help Jamaica recover more quickly from Hurricane Melissa.”

Mr. Miller says Mitchell, who is a member of the PNP Executive, should resign immediately.

“Mitchell has no business in public service. Municipal Corporations and Central Government are supposed to work hand in hand in seeking to secure the best interests of the people of Jamaica. The delay tactics to which Mitchell committed are an absolute disgrace.”

Mr. Miller says it is scandalous, but not surprising, that to date PNP President Mark Golding has not condemned Mitchell’s treacherous utterances in which he committed the PNP to the probability of delay tactics.

In the leaked audio, Mr. Mitchell may be heard stating:

“Bear in mind that the NaRRA is what the JLP sees as its glory and its savior for a fourth term. So they see NaRRA as a saving grace and they are going to do everything in their power to try to get things done, which means bypassing, like all parish council, which, you know, we probably would do delay tactics and they don’t get it, which is why they did it that way. But safety standards and these things is a concern. So let’s continue to play our ball game of politics.”

Audio Councillor Miller

Audio Councillor Miller:

Audio for Mario Mitchell

Editor's Note

It is clear that someone within the PNP does not like the party's strategy, and this expose was made to address it. It is also possible that this person wants to bring down the current leadership.

The concern of Bark Di Trute is that all must settle down and ensure the proper running of this country. Fighting for power and holding on to power should not be the main agenda at this time.

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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 at the bottom of the blog.

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Click Here.

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

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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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More Water Lockoffs, More Water Runoffs - No Water Coming(NWC)

While we have water lockoffs, we have water runoffs. I would like to know if customer usage of the NWC water has dropped since the water lookoffs have started.

There is now a river on Queensborough Drive in Kingston. Thanks to the NWC. There seems to be a broken main at Williams Place in Queensborough.

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Click here and register for the Jazz In The Gardens Show.

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Jazz In The Gardens, Bark Di Trute Winners!

Share this Google invite to attend Jazz and Cabaret in the Gardens with your friends. Help Bark Di Trute promote an uplifting and positive show for the family. Forward the invite to at least ten people. For too long, we have had artistes who promote the gun culture and bleaching, for example, and this has harmed the country.

Play your part and help to bring back great artistes and bring back excellent Jamaican music for our independence and emancipation celebrations. Gem Myers and Fab 5 will be our special guests.

Click the Google invite icon below and add your email address as a guest. Ensure that you send the Google invite to your friends and relatives who will visit Jamaica for the independence and emancipation celebrations. We will keep you abreast of all developments relating to the show when you register.

Bark Di Trute Google Invite.

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Rural School Bus Caught Fire in Manchester

 

Press Release From The JUTC - July 29, 2026 

The Jamaica Urban Transit Company (JUTC) is confirming that one of its Rural School Bus Programme vehicles was involved in a fire incident in Manchester on Wednesday, July 29, 2026. 

At approximately 1:20 p.m., the bus, which had completed its scheduled student transportation route in Cross Keys, Manchester, was returning to its base in Plowden when the driver observed that the engine had caught fire. 

The operator immediately stopped the vehicle and attempted to extinguish the fire using the onboard fire extinguisher. When those efforts proved unsuccessful, the Jamaica Fire Brigade was contacted for assistance. Importantly, no students or passengers were on board the bus at the time of the incident, as the vehicle had already completed its afternoon trip and was returning to base. The driver was not injured. 

The affected vehicle sustained damage as a result of the fire. The cause of the incident is currently unknown and will be the subject of a full investigation by the relevant authorities in collaboration with the JUTC's technical team. 

The JUTC remains committed to the safety of its passengers, employees, and the wider public. The Company conducts routine inspections and maintenance of its fleet and will continue to review all findings arising from this incident to determine any necessary corrective actions. 

The JUTC thanks the emergency responders for their assistance and wishes to assure parents, students, and the public that safety remains its highest priority. 

Editor's Note

The first thing the operator should do is call the Fire Brigade Service. 

This matter must be properly investigated.

________________________

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 at the bottom of the blog.

______________________

Click Here.

______________________

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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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!

• 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 Invites You To Jazz & Cabaret In The Gardens

Share this Google invite to attend Jazz and Cabaret in the Gardens with your friends. Help Bark Di Trute promote an uplifting and positive show for the family. Forward the invite to at least ten people. For too long, we have had artistes who promote the gun culture and bleaching, for example, and this has harmed the country.

Play your part and help to bring back great artistes and bring back excellent Jamaican music for our independence and emancipation celebrations. Gem Myers and Fab 5 will be our special guests.

Click the Google invite icon below and add your email address as a guest. Ensure that you send the Google invite to your friends and relatives who will visit Jamaica for the independence and emancipation celebrations. We will keep you abreast of all developments relating to the show when you register.

Bark Di Trute Google Invite.

You Need JAD1 Million???

If you recognize this man in the above picture, then call 311 or send a WhatsApp message to Bark Di Trute at (876) 816-5261. He is a suspect in the burning of JUTC buses. You could get a reward of JAD1 million.

________________________

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 at the bottom of the blog.

______________________

Click Here.

______________________

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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