Wednesday, 1 April 2026

NSWMA Is Strengthening It's Fleet

JIS  Press Release - Wednesday, April 1, 2026

Audley Gordon, Executive Director of the NSWMA


Executive Director of the National Solid Waste Management Authority (NSWMA), Audley Gordon, says the agency is strengthening its fleet management to improve garbage collection across western Jamaica.

He noted that trucks and crews from other areas have been deployed to support operations in the region.

“We don’t sit on our hands… .  We bring in, from time-to-time, extra trucks from other regions to help out,” he pointed out. 

“This was done just two Sundays ago with 20 trucks coming in to help,” Mr Gordon said. 

He was speaking to journalists during a coastal clean-up activity at the South Gully in Montego Bay, St. James, on Tuesday (March 31).

Mr Gordon said that vehicle challenges are a normal part of operations, noting that even newly acquired trucks require routine servicing, which can result in temporary downtime.

He informed that some units damaged during Hurricane Melissa remain out of operation, but the NSWMA has been utilizing alternative strategies to maintain collection schedules.

In addition to fleet management, Mr. Gordon pointed to improvements in communication with the public as a key priority.

“We are also stepping up our communication because if we are down for whatever reason, we have a duty… to make sure that we communicate that we are down, why we are down, and give [the public] something to hold on to,” he said. 

He emphasized that timely and clear communication can help manage public expectations and improve understanding of operational challenges.

“People are basically reasonable once you are talking to them, once they are hearing something,” Mr. Gordon pointed out. 

He encouraged citizens to report issues directly to the NSWMA rather than relying solely on social media.

“If you call us… you will get better results,” he said, noting that direct engagement allows for more effective response and resolution. 

He reiterated that garbage collection is an ongoing process that requires both operational efficiency and public cooperation.

“Garbage collection is not an event… .  We continue to generate garbage,” Mr Gordon pointed out. 

He maintained that the agency will continue to refine its operations to better serve communities while encouraging responsible waste-management practices among citizens.


Editor's note:

Bark Di Trute thanks Mr Audley Gordon for dealing with the challenges when he gets a report from Bark Di Truth..

  ___________________

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!

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.

_____________________

Very Important Information Abour Fake Video

Press Release from the Minister of Health & Wellness - March 31, 2026


The Ministry of Health & Wellness wishes to caution members of the public against sharing or clicking on a viral video seen on Facebook and shared on other social media platforms. This video, which uses the image and voice of the Minister of Health & Wellness commenting on a blood pressure pill, is fake and clearly AI-generated.

The public is therefore advised not to share the video, engage the website link or follow through on any order of this fake medication.

The public is again asked to ensure that they only seek treatment and care and/or health information from official authorized sources, including a private doctor, health centre/hospital or the Ministry of Health & Wellness and its agencies.


Editor's note:

Please share with as many people as possible.

___________________________________

  

Tuesday, 31 March 2026

People Throwing Old Fridges And Other Things On Stillwell Road, Upsetting The Residents.



Yesterday I was talking to some people, and I made the point that Jamaican parents are lazy. I pointed out to them that if parents were performing, the teachers and the schools would not have the problems they are now having. Teachers would not have to tell boys to pull up their pants because they would come from homes where their parents would not allow it. Girls would not behave in certain ways knowing that their parents would deal with the matter. I told some nearby police that if parents did what they were supposed to do, they would have fewer criminals to deal with.

Today I got a report about people throwing garbage on the side of the road. I find Jamaicans to be very nasty. I wonder what your response would be. Vernon is just broad-brushing. See the report below, which was sent by a resident:

Blessed Good afternoon, Sir Darby, I need some help badly with this in my neighbourhood. Last week, these things were dumped on Stilwell Road near the Old Stony Hill Rd to Stilwell Road Entrance. These  illegal dumpings of these things at night and in the wee hours of the morning 

two set of dumping on Stilwell Road old freezer and a Microwave and the other a large Stove was dump on the road, and one more dumping yook place this morming on Old Stony Hill near to Villa Ronnie another large stove, I send it to the KSACM/NSWMA Mr Hill   With MESSAGE AND NO RESPONSE  from none of these Agency’s CAN YOU HELP US ON Stilwell Road that the illegal dumping take place Si Darby.

The best way to deal with this is to have community people on the lookout and to get someone to take pictures of the people when they are committing these acts. If you get pictures, then send them by WhatsApp to me at (876) 816-5261. You then have these nasty people to clean an area for at least three months. If they receive additional tickets for similar acts, then you send them to do about one year of community work cleaning up the place. You cannot hear, so you must feel. Jamaicans must stand up and demand that we have a better country.

This area might not be your area, but give support to other areas that need help. One day, your area might need help also. You can assist by just adding your comments at the bottom of the blog.

The MP for the area is Minister Delano Seivwright. I am uncertain of who the councillor is.

 ___________________

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!

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.

_____________________

JUTC Ticket Fraud

JUTC Press Release - March 30, 2026

Increase in Revenue Collection Following Enforcement Actions

Spanish Town, St. Catherine — The Jamaica Urban Transit Company (JUTC) is providing an update following reports that made national headlines on March 20, 2026, regarding allegations of ticketing irregularities involving members of its driving staff.

As part of ongoing investigations conducted in collaboration with law enforcement authorities, Nine (9) JUTC drivers from multiple depots have now been formally charged in connection with offences relating to the alleged misappropriation of fares and failure to issue tickets to passengers.

The drivers were charged between  March 18, 2026 to March 26, 2026, and subsequently granted bail. They are scheduled to appear before the Kingston and St. Andrew Parish Court on April 21, 2026.

Collectively, the charges include:

Embezzlement (multiple counts)   Failure to Issue Tickets to Passengers (106 counts in total)

The alleged offences occurred across multiple dates in February and March 2026, and are linked to operations at various depots within the JUTC network.

JUTC treats these matters with the utmost seriousness. The Company maintains a zero-tolerance policy toward any form of misconduct that undermines public trust, operational integrity, or the quality of service delivered to commuters.

Corporate Communications Manager, Shantole Thompson, emphasized the Company’s position:

“At JUTC, transparency and accountability are not optional  they are fundamental to how we operate. We are committed to ensuring that every commuter receives fair, safe, and reliable service.

 Any actions that compromise this standard will be addressed decisively, in keeping with both our internal policies and the laws of Jamaica.”

Ms. Thompson further noted that the Company has strengthened its internal monitoring systems and continues to work closely with the relevant authorities to support investigations and uphold due process.

Early Revenue Impact Observed

Preliminary internal analysis indicates a notable increase in fare revenue collection in the days following the arrests, suggesting improved compliance with ticketing procedures across the system.

Portmore Depot

        Before (March 12–18): $16,339,684.19

        After (March 19–25): $17,567,164.00

Increase: +$1,227,479.81

 

Revenue increased by approximately $1.23 million, reflecting a strong upward shift in collections.

Spanish Town Depot

        Before (March 12–18): $14,230,870.72

        After (March 19–25): $14,712,965.41

        Increase: +$482,094.69

 

Revenue increased by $482,094.69, indicating steady improvement in fare collection.

Rockfort Depot

        Before (March 12–18): $6,260,314.00

        After (March 19–25): $6,880,085.00

            Increase: +$619,771.00 

Revenue increased by $619,771, further demonstrating improved compliance and strengthened revenue capture across the network.


These early indicators reinforce the importance of strong internal controls and ongoing monitoring to ensure accountability across all operations.

JUTC also uses this opportunity to remind commuters of the importance of collecting tickets for all cash transactions conducted onboard buses. Tickets serve as proof of payment and are critical in ensuring accountability within the system. Passengers are encouraged to report any irregularities through the Company’s official customer care channels.

The Company remains steadfast in its mission to provide efficient, reliable, and trustworthy public transportation services to the people of Jamaica. JUTC will continue to take all necessary steps to protect the integrity of its operations and to maintain the confidence of the commuting public.

The matter remains before the court, and further updates will be provided as appropriate.

______________________________


 

 

Monday, 30 March 2026

Jamaicans Went WIld Over Jazz In The Gardens

Due to the threat of rain, Jazz In The Gardens was moved to the 17th floor of the Jamaica Pegasus Hotel. Patrons loved the location because the acoustics were far superior, and the artists loved the intimate settings. Jazz In The Gardens always starts on time, and this time was no different. The Fab 5 band has seen some changes, but it is still hot. Their lead singer, Casanova, made sure he got things off to a wonderful start.


Thanks to Rhona, a Bark Di Trute supporter who visited Jamaica and attended the show




Former Custos Marigold Harding and her friends are having a great time.



Dahlia McDaniel, Bark Di Trute, writer and her husband Gary Dickens.



Carol and her husband



Another former Custos, Dr Dunwell, and her husband, Mr Dunwell


Keisha Patteron was next on the show. She has a petite size and an unassuming disposition, and then she busts out with her powerful voice and beautiful dance moves. The audience lapped up every minute of her professionally presented set. 






Kenroy Mullings is not just a guitarist but an artiste who is ready for his own show. The audience was amazed at the dexterity of his fingers on the guitar strings and the sounds produced by his guitar. 




Tanice 'Soulchild' Morrison is one of those artiste we need to hear more from. Her beautiful outfit and her beautiful singing were all the audience needed, and they got more.




Harold Davis is one of Jamaica's talented personalities. He not only finds time to head an organization, but he is also an accomplished singer and pianist. His display of showmanship and his musical rhythms had the people rocking.








Gem Myers can be described as Jamaica's songbird, who has spent many years travelling the world and performing in Jamaica. The lady has a very wide voice range and fantastic breath control. She knows how to work her audiences.


Everton 'Peso' Pessoa brought the big show to a big end with his big band for Jazz In The Gardens on March 29, 2026. Sony Bradshaw has passed, and Peso has kept the big bad concept alive. 



Thanks to these artistes who continue to give the best of themselves and the best of Jamaican music. All they need now is more support from the people, the business sector, and the government. These artistes can help to take us out of the sinking sands of some of the crude music we hear these days.

Thanks to Rosie Murray, who did a great job hosting the show, and congratulations to the organizers. Thanks to those who came out to support what is good for Jamaica.

I hope you enjoyed what I presented here, which I used my phone to record and my laptop to put together. If I had money, I would produce a film of this wonderful show and also present it on TV so others can be exposed to fine Jamaican talent.

This is dedicated to those who have been supportive of the work that I do and who want to see the Jamaican people become loving and caring to one another.

 ___________________

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!

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.

_____________________


Sunday, 29 March 2026

Urgent information - Jazz Is In Gardens Is On This Afternoon

Jazz In The Gardens will be inside the beautiful Pegasus Ballroom. No need to worry about the rain.

Please share this message with those who intend to attend. 

WhatsApp me at 876 816-5261. Thanks.

___________________

Saturday, 28 March 2026

Bark Di Trute Commentary - March 28, 2026

Listen to what Vernon says about the behaviour of our people and dealing with gangs. Make sure to add your comments.

Click here to watch the video.

_____________________

Jazz In The Gardens


___________________

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!

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.

_____________________

Most Popular Post.