What's Happening - February 2, 2025

No Jamaicans Died in the Plane Crash

Ambassador Audrey Marks, OJ

Messages have been circulating that at least two Jamaicans have died in the helicopter and plane crash in the Potomac River recently. A post from Ambassador Audrey Marks refutes that information. Click Here to see Ambassador Marks' statement. Ambassador Audrey Marks is Jamaica's Ambassador to the United States of America. 

International Singer Keith Lyn, Very Ill

Keith Lyn

The former international Jamaican-born lead singer for the Bryon Lee Band, who has been living in the US for some time now, Keith Lyn, is seriously ill. A singer and a recording artiste, he attended St. George's College in Kingston, Jamaica.

Click the icon below to hear more of his songs:

Keith Lyn left Jamaica in 1978, at the height of what some would call a civil war, to the United States of America. He never stopped calling Jamaica his home, though.

He set up his own one-man band, and he did work for the Jamaica Tourist Board and the American Society of Travel Agents. 

Trump Hit Song

Click the icon below to listen to this song done for President Donald Trump. It is what the boys on the corner would say, "It wicked!". It is hilarious.

Management and Some Workers Do Not Care While A Few are Working 

Over the past forty years, I have had to deal with people in both the private and public sectors who are just collecting taxpayers' money. This is a form of corruption and illicit enrichment. Getting funds under false pretense. Many in management are for ever in a meeting.

They are great pretenders to those who can help them to move ahead, but they are not enabling the organization to move ahead. There are some outstanding people, such as some management and staff members at the JPS. Yes, I know we cuss them a lot but I believe they really try. Ann Bolt at the NWC, goes beyond the call of duty to get things done. The RGD, PICA, CAC and the National Health Fund continue to do well. 

On the other hand, in the private sector and the public sector, more emphasis must be placed on giving excellent customer service. Sometimes we place more emphasis on promoting how good we are as an organization rather than giving good customer service. We need to name these non-performers. Just give me some more time. I invite the members of the public to note those who give poor customer service and are just rude to customers.

Let me start with the first one. I am still waiting to hear from Ms Lorie Edwards regarding the redrawal of a US consumer product. She is a senior person at the Compliance and Regulatory Authority. There is Mr. Stephen Shaw at the NSWMA who is so powerful that he decides who can interview him or not. 

Ineffective public servants should pack your bags and go. Mr. Prime Minister, it is not just how hard you and your team work, but how effective the public sector is. Sometimes when the government seems as if it is not performing, it is a few of these public servants who are asleep on the job more than they are awake. I remember a public servant saying to me that politicians come and go, but they are there to stay!

_____________________________

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.

Click to see the calendar of events.

__________________________

________________________

Bark Di Trute Continues To Bark and Bite! Enter and Win Prizes Today!

Bark Di Trute continues to attract not just people who want to get information but professionals who want to hear what the people are saying. Business leaders, political leaders, and leaders in the public sector monitor this site just to see if there are matters they need to deal with. That is why it is important for you to add your comments to our articles.

Bark Di Trute is now the People's Powerful blog site, which has given awesome power to the people. We have been able to deal with utility companies and help to resolve matters for consumers. We have been able to put people in touch with business and political leaders in order to expedite important matters. Local and international media have used information from our site. We note also that our overseas market is growing, and the site gets more views from overseas than local views. We are also proud that we are able to get the news to the people first sometimes.

2024 was another great year for the blog site. We had over half a million views in that year. The site has had aproximately 1.63 million views within the past three years. Monthly we have 40,000 to 50,000 views. You can help to grow the People's Blog Site by sharing our blogs with your friends and relatives. For example, you can share this link for people to join our community news group: WhatApp Community group to get important news first.  You can use our services to commend people, make complaints about consumer matters, and submit information about what is happening in your community (Click Here). We do more, such as putting you in touch with professional people involved in areas such as law, real estate, medicine, and information technology, for example.

Bark Di Trute intends to speak out and ensure that the people get the truth. Our aim is to work with you to make our country and the world a better place. View our site on a computer or change the phone view to a web page view and explore more options.

One of the main achievements for Bark Di Trute last year was to work with the media to set up an 'Emergency Alert System'. This system is used by the Meterological Office, the Fire Brigade Service, and ODPEM to get audio, video, and text to media persons at the touch of a button. We are still encouraging the police to make use of this service to alert citizens when there are challenges in areas that we should avoid, for example.

I appreciate those supporters who send me information, keep in touch, and point out errors on the site. It's a labour of love, but your support will keep Bark Di Trute barking and biting. 

Remember to enter your name on our site and give yourself a chance to get tickets to go to events. I am very disappointed though, that last year I got tickets to give away to visit Mexico for a week and no one took up the offer. Persons probably felt it was a scam. The Bark Di Trute blog site and YouTube channel are hosted and maintained by Vernon Derby, a name you can trust and a friend you can rely on.

All the best.

_____________________

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.

Click to see the calendar of events.

__________________________

________________________

Councillor Winston Maragh Statement on His Assault and Disruption Of ALGAJ Meeting

Release From ALGAJ President Councillor Winston Maragh - 20250201:

Councillor Winston Maragh

Friday, January 31, 2025, will be remembered in Jamaica as a sad day in the history of local government. The behaviour of some PNP councillors at the annual general meeting of the Association of Local Government Authorities (ALGAJ), was an embarrassment to this proud nation.

The use of physical confrontation to have one's own way at the meeting is reminiscent of the 1970s. A period which we would like to erase from memory. That cannot be erased and neither can the despicable behaviour of those PNP councillors.

I have noticed the characters who are now associating with the PNP, on stage and at public meetings, therefore we are not surprised at what occurred at the meeting.

JLP councillors have no intention to reflect that type of behaviour. We intend to conduct ourselves in such a way that the children and the young people will respect and emulate us.

The PNP has in recent times used the same old strategy - they tear down the leadership of our party and tell lies about our Leader Andrew Holness. We plan to follow our decent leader, and we will stay high even when they go low.

It should be noted that the leadership of the PNP nor the PNP councillors present at the meeting, showed any sign of remorse even though I was injured.

It is clear that it is power at all costs. The PNP did not have enough support to win the presidency for ALGAJ at the meeting. Like spoilt children, they ensured that the meeting was aborted.

We have faith in the Jamaican people, the vast majority of who are good people. It is said that Tom drunk but Tom no fool. The Jamaican people are no fools. God bless Jamaica and God bless our people.

_____________________

 

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.

_______________________

______________________________

Click to see the calendar of events.

__________________________

________________________

SPEAKER HOLNESS TO LEAD DELEGATION ON OFFICIAL VISIT TO JAPAN

Press Release From The Houses of Parliament - 20250131

The Most Honourable Juliet Holness

Kingston, January 31, 2025 – Speaker of the House of Representatives, the Most Hon. Juliet Holness, is set to depart Jamaica tomorrow, on an official visit to Japan from February 3 to 8, 2025 at the invitation of her counterpart, Mr. Fukushiro Nukaga, Speaker of the House of Representatives of Japan. Speaker Holness will be accompanied by Members of Parliament - Ms. Tamika Davis, Mr. Dwight Sibblies and Dr. Morais Guy, as well as the Clerk to the Houses of Parliament, Ms. Colleen Lowe.

This is a significant occasion, as it will be the first official visit to Japan by a Jamaican Speaker, underscoring the importance of this inter-parliamentary engagement. The visit is being undertaken in the context of the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Jamaica and Japan, as well as the 2nd Japan-CARICOM Friendship Year.

While in Japan, Speaker Holness will participate in high-level meetings with parliamentarians, including the Chair of the Japan-Caribbean Parliamentary Friendship League, Mr. Hiroshige Seko, to exchange views and enhance parliamentary dialogue. She will also meet with   ministers of government and other government officials as well as business leaders to discuss issues of mutual interest and explore opportunities for enhanced cooperation.

Japan is considered one of Jamaica's key development partners, with both nations having strong cooperation in several areas, including disaster risk management, agriculture, energy, security, education, and culture.

Jamaica and Japan established diplomatic relations on 16th March 1964, with 2024 marking the 60th anniversary of these relations. A series of activities have been undertaken to celebrate this milestone anniversary, including the exchange of visits at the political, economic and people-to-people levels.

_____________________

 

JUTC Introduces New Weekday Route 52B From Castleton Gardens to Halfway Tree

 Press Release from the JUTC - 20250131

Spanish Town, St. Catherine – The Jamaica Urban Transit Company Limited (JUTC) is committed to providing safe and affordable transportation for all Jamaicans. In line with this mission, JUTC is pleased to announce the launch of Route 52B, a new weekday bus service connecting Castleton Gardens and Halfway Tree. 

Effective February 3, 2025, Route 52B will operate four trips daily in each direction, making stops along Toms River, Temple Hall, and Golden Spring. The scheduled departure times are as follows:

From Castleton Gardens: 5:00 AM, 7:15 AM, 2:00 PM, 4:10 PM From Halfway Tree: 6:10 AM, 1:00 PM, 3:10 PM, 5:20 PM

Affordable Fares for All Commuters:

•  Students, Children, and Persons with Disabilities: $20.00 (SmartFare card) | $100.00 (Cash)

•  Seniors: $25.00 (SmartFare card) | $100.00 (Cash)

• Adults: $50.00 (SmartFare card) | $100.00 (Cash)

JUTC recognizes the financial challenges faced by many commuters, particularly students and individuals with disabilities. By offering significantly reduced fares through the SmartFare card, the company is ensuring that public transportation remains an affordable and accessible option for everyone.

Ms. Nathalia Palomino, JUTC’s Marketing and Sales Manager, emphasized the company's dedication to affordability. She further encouraged all commuters to switch to the SmartFare card commencing February 1, 2025, to take advantage of these discounted rates and enjoy a hasslefree travel experience.

“We are committed to making daily commuting more budget-friendly, especially for students and persons with disabilities who depend on our services. With the SmartFare card, they can travel at a fraction of the cash fare, making their journeys more convenient and economical.”

Ms. Shantole Thompson, Corporate Communications Manager, highlighted JUTC’s broader commitment to accessibility. “We recognize the vital role public transportation plays in the lives of many, particularly students and individuals with special mobility needs. This new route reflects our ongoing efforts to ensure that transportation remains affordable, inclusive, and efficient for all Jamaicans.”

 JUTC urges all commuters to obtain their SmartFare cards to enjoy lower fares, faster boarding, and a cashless travel experience.  Additionally, JUTC will be officially launching its “Ride Right with SmartFare” campaign on March 4, 2025 to push the sign-up for the new cards but also to share JUTC's plans to make commuting easy and safe for everyone. The company remains steadfast in its mission to expand and enhance public transport services for all Jamaicans.

___________________________

 

Mayor Andrew Swaby Responds To Media Reports Alleging KSAMC Misuse of Public Funds

Press Release From the KSAMC - 20250131: 

Mayor Andrew Swaby

                                        

The Kingston and St. Andrew Municipal Corporation (KSAMC) has taken note of recent media reports regarding alleged misuse of public funds for political purposes. As the Mayor of Kingston and Chairman of the KSAMC, I wish to reaffirm my commitment to transparency, accountability, and good governance. If an anti-corruption probe is underway, we welcome it and stand ready to cooperate fully, as we continue to uphold the highest standards of public service.

To provide clarity on how resources are allocated in the absence of an elected Councillor, it is important to note that when there is a vacancy in a municipal division, the allocation of resources in those areas falls under the responsibility of the Mayor. This is the case in Denham Town (West Kingston), Olympic Gardens (West Central St. Andrew), and Chancery Hall (North West St. Andrew), where vacancies arose due to the passing of Councillors and the elevation of a Councillor to a Member of Parliament.

Ahead of the Christmas period, the Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) Members of Parliament (MPs) representing these divisions—including the Office of the Prime Minister (OPM) —were contacted regarding the allocation of funds. The OPM was included because the Prime Minister is the MP for the constituency where one of the vacant divisions is located. 

Had my approach to allocating resources been driven by partisanship, I would not have engaged the MPs to facilitate the distribution of these funds. Instead, I deliberately engaged them to ensure transparency and that resources reach communities through their elected representatives. 

Furthermore, I must make it clear that:

·      Municipalities do not disburse cash.

· At no point did the KSAMC authorize or facilitate cash disbursements to any individual. If any such transaction took place, it was not sanctioned by the Corporation and did not involve public funds.

The KSAMC, under my leadership, remains committed to integrity, responsible governance, and the proper management of public resources. As public servants, we are entrusted with ensuring that public funds are used for the benefit of all residents of Kingston and St. Andrew, and I take this responsibility seriously. I will continue to uphold the trust placed in us by the people we serve, ensuring that all allocations follow established policies and best practices. 

__________________________

PNP Councillor Caucus Speaks About Abrupt halt to ALGAJ Meeting

Press Release From the PNP Councillors' Caucus: 20250131:

Councillor Scean Barnswell

The People’s National Party (PNP) Caucus of Councillors expresses deep concern and disappointment regarding the abrupt halt to the recently convened Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the Association of Local Government Authorities of Jamaica (ALGAJ). The meeting, led by ALGAJ President Councillor Winston Maragh, descended into disorder after significant breaches of procedural rules and constitutional requirements were highlighted.

According to President Aspirant Councillor Scean Barnswell of the Hayes Division in Clarendon, “The meeting was started without adherence to critical constitutional guidelines, including verifying a quorum as stipulated in Appendix 2, Section 5 of the ALGAJ Constitution. This requirement clearly states that one-third of the membership must be present to form a quorum. Additionally, the agenda for the meeting was neither timely shared nor correctly structured in accordance with Appendix 2, Section 6 of the constitution, which mandates that a copy of the agenda be sent to each councillor and authority at least five days before the meeting.”

Despite raising these issues with the Chair, President Maragh proceeded with the meeting without amendments to the agenda or proper verification of quorum. When councillors requested that the financial report — which had not been presented since 2017 — be included, citing the importance for newly elected councillors and transparency, the Chair moved a motion to bypass the discussion.

Councillor Barnswell continued, “The matter of presenting the financial report was critical considering the seven-year gap since the last AGM. It was unreasonable and irresponsible to seek to suppress this discussion.”

The meeting further descended into chaos when members of the Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) called for the suspension of standing orders to proceed directly with the election of officers. This motion was vehemently opposed by PNP councillors, who insisted that proper procedures be followed and that the agenda be adhered to.

Additionally, concerns were raised about the inappropriate presence of President Maragh’s wife at the registration table, despite her not being a member of the organization.

“We remain committed to the resumption of this important meeting in a manner that upholds the integrity and constitutional principles of the ALGAJ. Transparency, order, and adherence to governance rules must be maintained to protect the interests of all councillors and the people we serve,” stated Councillor Barnswell.

The councillors also expressed their displeasure at the Social Development Commission (SDC) being tasked with conducting elections and are requesting that the Electoral Office of Jamaica (EOJ) oversee all electoral matters to ensure fairness and transparency.

The PNP Caucus is calling for an urgent reconvening of the AGM, with strict adherence to the ALGAJ Constitution and General Rules. The Caucus underscores its commitment to ensuring that local government operates in a transparent and accountable manner, fostering trust and effective governance.

______________________