Talking Tariffs With Dennis Chung

Dennis Chung is an Author, Chartered Accountant, former Chairman of the NSWMA Board, current Chairman of ODPEM,  Chairman of GK Capital Management, Director for the Jamaica Football Federation, and he holds other positions. He is a very active business man who is always willing to discuss matters on air to enlighten citzens.

Listen to Dennis talk about tariffs with Vernon Derby. Click on the icon below.

Click to listen to the video.

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Jamaica Signs CARICOM Protocol to Enhance Cooperation

Press Release From The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade - April 3, 2025

The Honourable Kamina Johnson-Smith

The Government of Jamaica has signed a key CARICOM agreement that will, when it comes into effect, allow groups of Member States to move ahead with deeper regional cooperation and integration, even where others aren’t ready.  

Senator the Honourable Kamina Johnson Smith, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade today signed the Protocol to Amend the Revised Treaty of Chaguaramas establishing the Caribbean Community including the CARICOM Single Market and Economy to allow Enhanced Cooperation among Member States and to address Related Issues (The Protocol). 

“The Protocol will provide CARICOM with a practical tool to move forward, even when consensus is not immediate, by allowing three or more Member States to deepen cooperation in areas like trade and investment, while keeping the door open for others to join initiatives when ready. Jamaica’s signature takes the process one step further,” the Minister explained. 

The Protocol amends the Revised Treaty and replaces Article 50 (Accelerated Implementation) clearing the way for groups of at least three CARICOM Members to implement initiatives together, without needing all Member States to sign on. It is aimed at accelerating implementation of the CARICOM Single Market and Economy (CSME), while safeguarding the rights of non-participating countries. 

Johnson Smith further noted that Jamaica played an active role in negotiating The Protocol and sees it as a step towards stronger regional partnerships, business development and economic growth.    

The Government of Jamaica will not need to pass new legislation or make changes to financial commitments to CARICOM to enable implementation. The Protocol takes provisional effect once all CARICOM Member States sign, with ratification to follow.

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SPARK Project To Spark 13,000 Direct Jobs

Daily News From The JIS Magazine - April 3, 2025

Minister without Portfolio in the Ministry of Economic Growth and
Job Creation with responsibility for Works, Hon. Robert Morgan

The Shared Prosperity through Accelerated Improvement to Our Road Network (SPARK) project is expected to generate 13,000 direct jobs during construction, while delivering an estimated US$1.3 billion in savings from vehicle maintenance, enhanced service accessibility, and strengthened community connectivity.

Minister without Portfolio in the Ministry of Economic, Growth and Job Creation with responsibility for Works, Hon. Robert Morgan, made the disclosure during a statement to the House of Representatives on Tuesday (April 1).

Work commenced in December 2024, following the award of a $45-billion contract, with three work orders issued covering 126 roads across 63 constituencies.

“This week, an additional 42 roads will be included under Work Order four. SPARK will revolutionise our infrastructure, modernise road networks to enhance road safety, reduce travel times, and lower vehicle operating costs,” Mr. Morgan said.

“This initiative will improve economic efficiency, bolster Jamaica’s tourism appeal, and create employment opportunities,” he added.

The scope of work under SPARK includes the rehabilitation of main, local, and community roads, addressing pavements, select intersections, sidewalks, drainage, and retaining walls.

Additionally, the project integrates water infrastructure upgrades and fibre-optic ducting to support future broadband connectivity.

Mr. Morgan said a crucial element is the $5-billion investment in water pipeline upgrades, synchronised with roadworks to minimise disruptions.

To be undertaken under Work Order Four this includes roads, such as Waggonette Crescent-Kingston Garden, McWhinney Street, Upper Church Street, Longfellow Avenue, Duhaney Park, Tavern Crescent, Bushy Park, Facey, Power Avenue and Dover Avenue, William Street, Ebenezer School Road, amongst others.

Meanwhile, Minister Morgan informed that Work Order Five will be announced next week.

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Tribute To Munair Zacca - Jamaican Actor

 Contributed

Munair Zacca

Today, we mourn the passing of Munair Zacca — an exceptional actor, a true professional, and a cherished member of Jamaica’s theatrical family. As members of The Boxing Day Players, a collective of performers and crew who have long served the Jamaican stage, many of us had the privilege of sharing space and time with Munair — both onstage and off.

Munair’s performances in One of Our Sons Is Missing and Trevor Rhone’s School’s Out, among many others, remain etched in our memories as masterclasses in commitment, emotional truth, and craft. But the nation will, perhaps, best remember him for his masterful portrayal of Sonny T whom we loved to hate in Royal Palm Estate. He was a man who took the art of acting seriously — a craftsman who shaped every character with care, nuance, and authenticity. His portrayals were never just performances; they were living, breathing people who drew audiences in, made them laugh, cry, reflect, and believe.

Respected by audiences and peers alike, Munair brought dignity to every production he graced. He was thoughtful, generous in spirit, and carried himself with a quiet confidence that inspired younger performers and seasoned professionals equally. His body of work stands as a testament to what is possible when passion meets discipline.

As The Boxing Day Players, we honour Munair for his artistry, his professionalism, and the legacy he leaves behind. Jamaica has lost a towering talent — but his spirit, his voice, and his characters live on in all of us who had the joy of witnessing his work.

We send our deepest condolences to his family, friends, and fellow artists. Munair, thank you for everything. Walk good, and rest well.

A Tribute to Munair Zacca

From The Boxing Day Players

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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.

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Mom is 93 Years Old Today

Mrs. Zeana Smith, my Mom at 93 years old.

I will have to draw strength from my mother, whom I had written off some years ago, and today she is 93. I hope I can be a fighter like her. Many will remember Miss Fisher, the shopkeeper for many years in Lowe River and Lime Tree, who later on in life operated the Glastonbury Postal Agency in Trelawny.

I just got this poem, my Mom's favourite, performed by by my sister Octavia Smith and compiled into a video by my niece, Kim.

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My lump Had Too Much Pus, that it became Possy

Vernon Derby, Dr. Lucien Tomlinson, and Nurse Practitioner Chelsea Coleman.

Today was one of those days when certain health-related pieces of information hit you; it is devastating.  Thanks to surgeon Dr. Lucian Tomlinson and Nurse Practitioner Chelsea Coleman. When I went to the hospital, although many readers encouraged me to be strong, my legs felt weak. I had already come close to bone yard, and I did not like this second visit to do what is regarded as a simple operation. A simple operation can be major for me.

Dr. Tomlinson, who must have done this procedure numerous times, knew I was was tense. It was time to what rural folks call "deaden di area.  I felt like bawling out murder when I felt the first juck. Dr Tomlinson started to tell the nurse a story. I know that was to detract me from the onslaught of that needle. I don't think it was all that bad, but mi fraida pain.

Dr Tomlinson said to his assistant, " how do you spell puss?" 

His assistant was quick to answer, "Pus"

Dr. Tomlinson then continued, "This has plenty of pus, so how would you describe it?",

His assistant either did not know the answer or she did not want to say it.  I let out a peal of laughter, which was short-lived. Here comes the big bad needle again.

Cyst on my shoulder.

Doc started to work on what he described as a cyst. It was the size of a small lime. He had to get all the pus out, and some nasty things came out of it. It smelled awful! I did not smell it initially because my sinuses were clogged up.

I felt the pressure ease a bit—it felt like a small load was removed from my shoulders. Thanks to Dr. Tomlinson, a Trelawny man, Nurse Coleman, and all the staff at the Andrews Memorial Hospital. Let's remember to treat the members of the medical profession with love and respect. Many of their parents have spent the last cent helping these young medical students acquire their qualifications. Sometimes, the funds are not there, and for years, many have been struggling to pay off the loans to serve you and me.

That is one problem out of the way. The sebaceous gland was clogged up, and it became infected and developed into a cyst. That does not go well with diabetes. There are those of you who have similar problems. This includes a principal of a secondary school in the West. Find a doctor immediately, Sir and have it dealt with. It could become a major issue.

Today, I am sure my heart went up into my mouth, but I am still alive.  There is another issue. Call that Part Two. That is far more serious. Pray for me. Thanks to those who called and sent messages. It helped.

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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 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 so you can see what is happening on the weekend. You can even search the site for articles.

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