MP Zuleika Jess Calls For Judicial Discretion

Press Release From the PNP - October 26, 2026

MP Zuleika Jess

Kingston, Jamaica. October 26, 2026: The Opposition Spokesperson on Justice, MP Zuleika Jess, has expressed strong reservations about the National Security Council’s recommendation to increase the mandatory minimum sentence for illegal possession of firearms from 15 years to 20 years, without adequately addressing the legislation's flaws.

While reaffirming the Opposition’s unwavering commitment to removing illegal firearms from Jamaica’s streets and aggressively dismantling criminal enterprises, MP Jess warned that the government’s approach relies heavily on public relations headlines rather than operational logic.

The Opposition is formally calling for the inclusion of an “exceptional circumstances clause” within the law, which would restore judicial discretion and empower judges to consider mitigating factors and the peculiar circumstances of each individual case. “Simply moving the goalposts from 15 to 20 years does nothing to solve the deeper operational crisis this legislation has created,” MP Jess said. “The existing rigid, ‘one-size-fits-all’ framework has completely paralysed plea bargaining in our legal system. When individuals face an unyielding, severe baseline sentence with absolutely no incentive to plead guilty early, they choose to take their chances with a full trial. This total freeze on plea negotiations has caused a backlog in our Courts and delayed justice for victims of violent crime.”

The Opposition highlights that legal stakeholders, including the Jamaican Bar Association and the Advocates’ Association of Jamaica, have consistently raised alarms over how stripping judges of judicial discretion harms the efficiency of the courts. By raising the mandatory minimum even further without a safety valve like an exceptional circumstances clause, the government risks exacerbating the backlog and forcing an unmanageable caseload onto an already strained judiciary. “Judges must not be reduced to rubber stamps,” MP Jess emphasised. “An exceptional circumstances clause is vital to ensure our justice system can distinguish between a hardened, violent gang leader and someone operating under severe duress, coercion, or highly unusual mitigating factors. True justice requires context, not blind arithmetic.”

While welcoming distinct, targeted legislation aimed at penalising predatory adults who groom children to carry firearms, MP Jess emphasised that comprehensive crime fighting requires systemic balance, operational functionality, and constitutional soundness.

The Opposition continues to call for a balanced, bipartisan approach that heavily penalises violent gun criminals while preserving judicial independence, protecting rights, and ensuring the swift execution of justice within the Jamaican court system.

Editor's Note

Having a gun without a licence or using a gun to injure or kill someone has to be treated as a serious crime. Criminals must not feel that by just pleading guilty their court case will be shorter and their sentence will be less. Other solutions must be found to clear the backlog of cases. They are lucky that the proposal is for a mandatory sentence, because the proposal could be for the death penalty.

One way to clear the backlog is to move things like traffic tickets out of the judicial system and set up community courts to deal with petty crimes. Lawyers must have a backup if they cannot attend a trial, or they should be fined to prevent delaying the trial. Courts must start on time. 

Capital punishment and long mandatory sentences are ways of removing criminals from society. Too much time is spent looking after the interests of criminals while the victims suffer. Some have their lives taken from them while the murderers get a few years in prison. The Silver murder case is a good example of that.

Discretion can lead to corruption.

______________________

______________________

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, 

_________________

_________________

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

_________________

_________________

Subscribe Now!

1. Subscribe to my YouTube Channel.
2. Subscribe to my Emergency News Advice Service.
3. 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 on 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.

_____________________

Noel Holmes Hospital to be Built in Hanover

 JIS Press Release - October 24 

Minister Christopher Tufton

Noel Holmes Hospital in Lucea, Hanover, is to be relocated to a site to be identified in the parish, where the Government plans to build a larger, more resilient 150-bed facility.

Minister of Health and Wellness, Dr. the Hon. Christopher Tufton, said the new facility is intended to meet the needs of Hanover’s growing population and deliver more modern, technology-driven healthcare services.

He was speaking during a press briefing held at the hospital on Friday (October 23) to provide an update on health-facility recovery efforts in Hanover, approximately one year after Hurricane Melissa impacted the parish.

According to Dr. Tufton, the planned hospital will be a Type C facility, providing increased bed capacity and expanded specialist services.

He explained that discussions are under way with the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) and the Ministry of Finance and the Public Service to advance the project’s development.

The Minister said the relocation could take three to four years, depending on the design, consultation, financing and construction phases. 

He added that the final cost has not yet been determined, pending a technical assessment, but estimated that it could approach $1 billion.

In the meantime, repairs at the existing facility will continue to ensure that patients can receive care while the new hospital is being planned and constructed.

Dr. Tufton indicated that the hospital could not leave patients without access to essential healthcare services during the transition period.

“When it comes to life and the preservation of life, we can’t compromise,” he underscored.

The Noel Holmes rehabilitation programme, which is being managed through the National Health Fund, was estimated at approximately $310 million and was 82 per cent complete at the time of the update.

The staff quarters, outpatient clinic and general store have been completed, while the maternity ward and operating theatre are 90 per cent complete. Work on the dietary building is 40 per cent complete and is expected to be finished by January.

The new pharmacy has been substantially completed and is expected to open before Christmas, though additional storage space is still required. Improvements are also planned for the outpatient waiting area to enhance patient comfort.

Across Hanover, 14 of the parish’s 17 health centres are functional, with patients from the remaining three being served at alternative locations while repairs continued.

The Government also plans to spend approximately $60 million on further improvements to health facilities at seven locations, with work scheduled to begin in mid-November. 

The facilities are located in Ramble, Cottage, Mount Peto, Sandy Bay, Green Island, and Logwood.

______________________

______________________

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, 

_________________

_________________

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

_________________

_________________

Subscribe Now!

1. Subscribe to my YouTube Channel.
2. Subscribe to my Emergency News Advice Service.
3. 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 on 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.

_____________________

Container Homes Under Construction in Trelawny and Hanover

 JIS Press Release - October 25

Minister Robert Montague

The construction of container homes for families affected by Hurricane Melissa is now under way in Trelawny and Hanover as part of the Government’s efforts to deliver housing solutions under its recovery programme.

Minister without Portfolio in the Ministry of Economic Growth and Infrastructure Development with responsibility for Land Titling and Settlements, Hon. Robert Montague, says challenges affecting the project have been addressed, enabling contractors to advance work on the housing solutions.

He was speaking to journalists during visits to sites in Bunkers Hill, Trelawny, and Castle Hyde, Hanover, on October 20.

While in Bunkers Hill, Mr. Montague noted that approximately eight foundations were being constructed to support double-unit homes for families requiring additional living space.

“The contractors and the Ministry [were] having some issues. But we, I believe, have worked out those issues and work has started in earnest,” he informed. 

Mr. Montague further noted that the project, which includes the provision of approximately 2,700 container homes across the island, is being implemented with beneficiaries’ future needs in mind.

“We are building them so persons can expand in the future. We are putting in a sewage system for some of the units, depending on their location. They will also get a solar generator, while others will be connected to the grid,” he indicated. 

The Minister also stated that water tanks will be provided where necessary, while some units supplied by the Chinese Government will come with basic furnishings.

Mr. Montague noted that the project’s implementation has been slower than intended, as the Government must adhere to procurement and accountability procedures to ensure the proper use of public and donated funds.

He pointed out that the initiative has also been affected by challenges associated with the implementation of a new housing programme, as well as adverse weather conditions.

Mr. Montague stated, however, that contractors have assured the Government that the necessary arrangements are now in place to advance construction activities.

At the Castle Hyde site, Mr. Montague reiterated the Government’s commitment to ensuring that families displaced by Hurricane Melissa receive their units as quickly as possible.

The site will be the future home of Leonard Saddler, his brother and their ailing mother, who lost their home during Hurricane Melissa.

“We have been here in the field ensuring that the work starts and that the work is sped up, because we need people like Leonard to be in a good place,” the Minister said. 

He further underscored the Government’s commitment to delivering homes while ensuring value for money.

State Minister in the Ministry of Tourism and Member of Parliament for Trelawny Northern, Hon. Tova Hamilton, welcomed the construction of the housing unit in Bunkers Hill.

The site will be the future home of Ryan Morgan and his three children, who are set to receive a double-unit housing solution after their home was destroyed by the hurricane.

“Trelawny is one of the parishes that was hardest hit by Melissa… and so we have people still here waiting for housing solutions and interventions. So, this being the start of [construction of] the containerised units, I am very happy that people will be benefiting from it,” Ms. Hamilton said. 

She remains optimistic that future phases of the project will provide much-needed assistance to other affected families in the constituency.

______________________

______________________

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, 

_________________

_________________

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

_________________

_________________

Subscribe Now!

1. Subscribe to my YouTube Channel.
2. Subscribe to my Emergency News Advice Service.
3. 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 on 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.

_____________________

Seventy Container Homes For Residents of Westmoreland.

 JIS Press Release - October 25 (JIS)

Minister Robert Montague

Approximately 50 container homes will be constructed in Shrewsbury, Westmoreland, with 20 already erected, as the Government accelerates housing assistance for persons displaced by Hurricane Melissa.

Minister without Portfolio in the Ministry of Economic Growth and Infrastructure Development with responsibility for Land Titling and Settlements, Hon. Robert Montague, noted that the development comprises housing units provided by the National Housing Trust (NHT) and the Chinese Government.

Mr Montague was speaking to journalists during a visit to the development on October 22. 

He noted that the housing units donated by the Chinese Government can be configured to accommodate families of varying sizes.

“We can use one container, we can put two, we can put three, we can put up to four units together, depending on the size of the families,” the Minister informed. 

Mr Montague added that efforts are being made to accelerate construction, as many hurricane victims remain in shelters or are staying with relatives.

“We have sorted out all the concerns of the contractors… [and] we have issued them with mobilisation funds,” he said. 

Mr Montague further noted that the islandwide initiative, which includes approximately 2,700 container homes, is being rolled out in three phases, with Members of Parliament and councillors helping contractors identify sites and source skilled workers.

Editor's Note

Great to know that hurrican victims are being helped. Victims must not see this as a right to have their houses rebuilt, but give thanks for small mercies.

______________________

______________________

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, 

_________________

_________________

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

_________________

_________________

Subscribe Now!

1. Subscribe to my YouTube Channel.
2. Subscribe to my Emergency News Advice Service.
3. 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 on 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.

_____________________

Prime Minister Ask Jamaicans to Rethink Where They Build Houses

Press Release From OPM - October 26, 2026

PM Andrew Holness

Prime Minister Dr the Most Honourable Andrew Holness is encouraging Jamaicans to rethink where and how communities are established, as increasingly severe weather exposes the risks associated with building in vulnerable areas.

Prime Minister Holness was speaking on Friday (October 23, 2026) at a New Social Housing Programme (NSHP) home handover amid heavy rainfall that triggered flash flooding, road damage and landslides in rural St Andrew and both constituencies in St Thomas.

“I'm saying to Jamaicans that we're living in a different time, and we have to think differently about how we choose to settle land and the communities we choose to build in Jamaica,” he said.

Dr Holness said the changing climate is creating more frequent and overlapping weather extremes, requiring a shift in how Jamaicans approach housing and land use.

“The climate is changing. It is producing severe weather more often. And the severe weather is overlapping. So, you are moving from a state of severe drought to a state of intense rainfall. And it is happening almost every year,” he said.

The Prime Minister warned that communities established decades or centuries ago were not necessarily developed with today's weather risks in mind.

“We can't expect that we can build on the gully banks, build in the river course, and build on the hillsides, and there is no weather event that will create havoc with those structures,” he said.

He noted that the consequences of extreme weather were increasingly evident in damaged roads, flooded homes and landslides affecting communities.

The Prime Minister said the Government would mobilise resources to assist communities affected by the recent rainfall.

Meanwhile, Dr Holness pointed to the NSHP as an example of the importance of building homes to appropriate standards, disclosing that more than 360 houses had been completed under the programme, with more than 50 others under construction.

The Prime Minister said none of the houses constructed under the programme had been significantly affected by hurricanes, tropical storms or seismic activity.

“And that is because we built the code, we built the standard, and they are properly designed for resilience and sustainability,” he said.

Prime Minister Holness said the recent weather experience reinforced the need for Jamaicans to consider not only the structural integrity of individual homes but also the suitability of the land and the wider conditions in which communities are developed.

 Editor's Note

Mr Prime Minister, it is clear that the parish authorities are not monitoring and checking on new buildings. Our political leaders must ensure that there is law and order. Councillors are paid and so are the officers of the various councils.

______________________

______________________

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, 

_________________

_________________

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

_________________

_________________

Subscribe Now!

1. Subscribe to my YouTube Channel.
2. Subscribe to my Emergency News Advice Service.
3. 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 on 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.

_____________________