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 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.

_____________________

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.

_____________________

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

_____________________

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.

_____________________

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.

_____________________

Reducing The Dependency On Your Spouse

Contributed

I am of the view that there would likely be a reduction in domestic violence if the men were taking care of themselves for their women, while their women were taking care of themselves for them. In such situations, when one leaves the other, there is likely to be little or no financial loss on either side. 

The problem arises when men are taking care of women, and then those women decide to leave them.

My brethren, let us take care of our daughters to empower them to take care of themselves for their partners.

Contributed by

Raymond McLean

Chartered Accountant

Editor's Note

We invite you to share your feedback in the comments section at the bottom of the blog.

Government Request For Hurricane Melissa Donations A Major Success - 1.4 Billion Jamaican Dollars Received

JIS Press Release, April 15, 2026

Commander Alvin Gayle

The Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management (ODPEM) is reporting that the Government has received more than $1.4 billion in donations up to March 31, 2026.

More than 17,000 persons have donated to the recovery efforts following Hurricane Melissa, which impacted the country on October 28 last year.

Director General of ODPEM, Commander Alvin Gayle, made the disclosure during a post-Cabinet press briefing held at Jamaica House on April 15.

The ODPEM utilises an online merchant platform integrated within the Support Jamaica portal to facilitate online donation collections. Donations are also received directly to the ODPEM’s Jamaican dollar and United States (US) dollar local bank accounts.

Commander Gayle noted that of the funds donated, approximately 80 per cent was received via direct bank transfer.

He said the donor base reflects a diverse mix of stakeholders, including local, regional, and international groups, individuals, and companies, governments and non-governmental organisations (NGOs).

“Total amounts received and the US equivalent converted, we are speaking of $1,478,269,567 as net into the donation accounts held and managed by the ODPEM. To date, a portion of those funds collected has been approved for spend in supporting the government-led repair programme under the Shelter Recovery Programme and also to procure construction equipment to support emergency resilience activities as agreed to and requested by one donor,” Commander Gayle said.

He informed that some $146 million has been spent on the government-led roof repair programme, which has been augmented by $400 million of donated roofing materials from partners. 

Additionally, some $7.2 million has also been spent from other funds to support logistics matters surrounding the programme. 

“To date, under the government-led repair programme, some 410 roofs have been repaired with additional roofs scheduled for repair. Consequently, it is expected that the programme spend will increase over the coming weeks. Beneficiaries for this programme… have been verified through the Ministry of Labour and Social Security, based on vulnerabilities,” Commander Gayle stated.

Additionally, $320 million from the donated funds has been committed for the procurement of construction equipment to support emergency resilience activities.

“This investment is not only a response to the current recovery efforts of Hurricane Melissa but also a strategic enhancement of Jamaica's national disaster preparedness and resilience framework going forward,” he said.

The Director General informed that the balance of the funds will be utilised across various projects, including the rapid deployable modular housing project, as required.

_____________________

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.

_____________________

What's Happening - April 15, 2026

 There Is A Hole In Di Budget

Anything can go so. It is reported that the UHWI owes 40 billion in taxes, and yet they set up a parking lot and charge poor, sick people to park there. What is wrong with this place?

The UHWI internal audit committee sent the audit reports to the board, but no action followed. The question is, if the situation is so, then what action did the internal audit department take?

There are other places that I am suspicious about, and Bark Di Trute has expressed concern in the past about them. Some workers who have retired know a lot, but they are not talking. The state should prosecute individuals who are aware of these issues but choose to lock dem mout.

The citizens of Jamaica are oblivious to the situation. For instance, the public has provided minimal feedback regarding the newly introduced parking fees at the UHWI. This case is a precedent that Bark Di Trute brought to public attention last year. Other hospitals, churches, and business places might start charging for parking. I will assume that those who set up the parking lot are no fools. Why would they set up a parking lot a security guard to collect and possibly hold thousands of dollars for the day? The days of having someone sitting in a box collecting funds for parking are outdated.

Click here to read more, and you will see that Bark Di Trute has been on the UHWI for a long time.

NWC Help

A NWC customer sent the following message:

Good afternoon Mr Derby, the issue we are having relates to the waste pipe leading from the property to NWC main line. It has broken away and as such the waste drain system is backed up. A report was made and was told that a evaluation would be done to figure out a costing. This report was made last week but no one has reached out with an update.

NWC, please address this issue near MegaMart and ensure its prompt resolution.

Thanks

That Dark Child

Members of the public are still uncomfortable about the death of the child belonging to Mr. and Mrs. Jolyan Silvera. Are the police and the DPP satisfied that the matter was properly investigated?

A child drowning in a swimming pool reminds me of someone dying in their sleep, which seemed strange. Time proved us right. Did the police charge anyone for negligence? Please note that this matter warrants further investigation. Something is not right.

Could you please explain why Parish Councils are not more proactive in addressing illegal buildings?

If you find the reason, please let me know. Probably, I would be better off being a council member rather than doing this blog.

What do you think?

That Politician Incest Case

Could that incest case be a dead matter? One reader said, "What if the alleged perpetrator demands a public trial, and the public trial is not allowed in order to protect the abused child?" I wonder what the lawyers have to say.

Readers have been telling me that incest and the sexual abuse of youngsters are very common in Jamaica. If you become aware of a child experiencing abuse, kindly send a WhatsApp message to 876 816-5261 without delay.

Editors Note

Bark Di Trute Editor is now able to move around without crutches. Pray that he obtains his visa to go to his son's wedding, whom he will see for the first time in 18 years. What an occasion that will be.

I notice that broadcasters have stopped saying. "June 1st," for example, when they should say "June 1." The Bark Di Trute campaign has paid off.

We now need to remind police officers, educators, politicians, et al. that it is wrong to say, for example, "I would have held the youngster." 

You can say, "If I were strong enough, I would have held the youngster."

My RADA friend, 'damage' was done to the banana industry, not 'damages.' You can sue your neighbour for damages because his tractor damaged your house. If someone says something libellous about you, you can sue them for damages.

_____________________

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.

_____________________