Bark Di Trute!

Thursday, 16 April 2026

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.

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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

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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.

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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!
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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.

Wednesday, 15 April 2026

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.

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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

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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.

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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.

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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.

___________________

Bog Walk Gorge Now Open

The following message is from SSP Hopeton Nicholson:

The flat bridge is now passable and the roadway north of the Flat Bridge has is reduced to a single Lane due because the trailers are still occupying a section of the roadway. The entire roadway in the Bog Walk Gorge should be able to return to regular traffic in about twenty minutes.

Pleas share this blog with other motorists. Thanks.

Tuesday, 14 April 2026

Singer Ernie Smith Is Critically Ill

Bark Di Trute has received information from a credible source that a well-known Jamaican international singer, Ernie Smith (born Glenroy Anthony Michael Archangelo Smith in 1945), is ill and is in the ICU at a hospital in Florida.

Ernie Smith, now 80 years old, remains a beloved figure in Jamaican music with classics like “Pitta Patta,” “Play de Music,” and others from the rocksteady/reggae era. He has continued performing in recent years, including shows in South Florida as recently as 2025.

Family members can send further information via WhatsApp to 876 816-5261.

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News Flash From SSP Hopeton Nicholson

Good afternoon, please note that the Flat Bridge is presently closed to remove the trailer from the Rio Cobre.

Motorists are encouraged to use the alternative routes via Sligoville, Barry, or the toll road.

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Fitz Jackson Still Fighting For The Banking Services Amendment Bill

MP Fitz Jackson

Today, Bark Di Trute brings to you MP Fitz Jackson's proposal for amending the Banking Services Act. Please read this carefully and add your comments at the bottom of the blog. It is time for the people to get involved.

The bill is not about regulating banking fees; rather, it is about ensuring a minimum level of service required of licensees of the state through the Bank of Jamaica (BOJ). The bill does NOT address any of the fees being charged by banks for the various services they provide in the transaction of the various banking services involving the use of the banks' own funds. On the contrary, the Bill ONLY refers to transactions by account holders on their accounts and their funds in their accounts.

Banks, by way of a licence is given the privilege of taking deposits.

Banking, unlike every other business enterprise, is very different. It is the depositors’ funds that are the foundation of banking operations. Without deposits, no banking can occur.
Banking is most peculiar because the depositors’ accounts represent the results of their sweat, sacrifice, luck, or even a gift.
Funds placed in deposit accounts are not placed there for investments but for safekeeping.
One’s property and liberty are their most treasured possession. This is the reason why every state from time immemorial has a police force and judicial system, to ensure the protection of each person’s property and his or her liberty!

It is therefore an imperative of our Parliament, the highest court of the land, to ensure the requisite protection of the people’s property, among other reasons. It seeks to preserve the basic expectation of every Jamaican and others that your funds placed in a licensed institution of your country will be safe. The amount you put in will be there until whenever they go back for it. We owe that to anyone, regardless of who you are or wherever you are in Jamaica or, for that matter, in the world.

MINIMUM SERVICE PACKAGE

As I mentioned earlier, the bill before Parliament is essentially about providing a minimum service package that seeks to protect depositors’ funds in the bank and in their transactions with the bank against depositors’ accounts. How does one seek to rationalize that depositors should be contented with providing their money, from which the banks can conduct business and make a profit, should be penalized for making any transaction on their own funds, not the bank's funds? The sophisticated name for those penalties is FEES!

The philosophical base of the MSP is:

to the extent that a licenced financial institution is authorized to take deposits, there should be a minimum level of services provided, which seeks to ensure the face value of their deposits or transactions with the institutions is not reduced. Plain and simple!

We must be mindful that the bank, like all other business operation have to incur unavoidable costs, such as personnel and other utilities, advertising, public relations, marketing, rent/mortgage, taxes, etc. all these are in order to carry out the business of banking in order to make a profit and meet those unavoidable expenses. Why is it that whatever costs are involved in the depositors' minimum services should be charged to the depositors? Taken to its logical conclusion, the depositors should be justified in paying the cost that the banks incur for paying their staff the salaries they are paid, the utility charges, the public relations costs, etc. On the other hand, is it that which they are already doing in charging the fees?

What are some of the provisions of the MSP?

Prohibiting dormancy fees on inactive accounts: in so doing ensuing that what is placed in an account is not penalized for any inactivity, as the banks do continue to have access to the funds in those inactive accounts for lending, meeting reserve requirements, and making profits from the account holders don’t participate. Earning interest on deposit accounts has virtually become a thing of the past.
Getting information on account balances and general records of transactions made on the depositors' accounts
Encashing cheques without any fees (penalties). Cheques under law are a legal instrument in making transactions against one’s account. It is an alternative to cash, which should be safer for both the account holder and the banks themselves. The banks already do charge a fee against the account holder for writing the cheques as a processing fee. That is a contractual arrangement between with the bank from the point of opening the account, and maintaining such account. (encashment fees for cheques distorts the face value of a transaction, making commerce unpredictable and irregular)
ATM platform to advise of the cost of the transaction before the transaction is completed so the customer can make a decision before, on whether they wish to incur the cost, or use any alternatives they may wish.
Required to inform and obtain the customer’s approval of any change in the conditions of the account prior to coming into effect. o Prohibit any fee for time of day or day of the week transaction while the bank is open for business. (such as Saturday fee - JN)

The practice of incrementally imposing fees on account transactions have arbitrarily violated the fundamental practice of banking, to the disadvantage of the depositors and account holders. The sadness of this that the State has become complicit with the banks in placing the depositors/account holders in the disadvantageous position:

The State has done so knowingly, or through negligence. What is most is most appalling about in this failure is the fact that the practice is in violation of the critical Duty of Care provision of the law! (see Section 36 (a) of BSA).

Let us examine the Duty of Care provision, the fiduciary responsibility of the banks:

a. The safety of depositors funds
b. Ensuring confidence in the banking sector

Both of the above are important to the depositors on the one hand, and the banks on the other, but the country on a whole.

Viable and credible banks and a banking industry is imperative to a modern economy and society
The savings level determines the level of funds available to lend for national development and personal self-actualization in various endeavours.
Low savings levels in my opinion has the same effect as crowding out by government over-extended borrowing from our banks (what are our economists and academics say about this?)
How is this stunting the prospects of economic growth by denying funding to the private and productive sector?

(do the Growth Council) o Are there any studies being done by the PSOJ, CAPRI OR any other such groups?

GOING FORWARD

The tabling of the Private Members' Motion in November 2013 and the subsequent tabling of the Private Members' Bill now before Parliament, among other things, have made clear how the depositors and the country at large REALLY feel about our banks and banking services in Jamaica. To the extent that our banks truly see themselves as committed to long-term endeavours, and not hustling, there is now a great opportunity.

Real businesspersons take decisions for the long-term benefits; hustlers just grab as much as they can get now! Have banks over time become mere hustlers? Just a question.

If the banks are given the benefits o f the doubt, they should welcome the Bill as it allows them to reconfigure their banking model, to better respond and realign to the depositors' desires and expectations. This is what entrepreneurship is all about: designing and developing products and services to satisfy market demands. This may very well call for the banks to reinvent themselves. Indeed, this is where intellectual and creative abilities must be awakened, and come to like. Intellectual dexterity should differentiate itself from mental laziness and mediocrity in merely tacking on fees here and there to increase margins and profits. Like our intellectuals in the applied sciences, such as engineering, medicine, etc., a challenge does not mean the end of the road or a destination. Rather, it is a point at which you become truly creative, taking you beyond where you are.

The banks, therefore, should see the bill as providing an opportunity for a rebirth and a platform from which to progress to new and lasting levels of real prosperity. A prosperity that works not just for a few, but for all Jamaicans.

End

Click the link to see the proposed bill—A Bill To Amend The Bank Services Act.

Note

Fitz Jackson is the PNP member of parliament for St. Catherine Southern. He is the Opposition Spokesperson on Security.

Fitz Jackson has been critical of how banks treat their customers and has been a champion for pushing a bill that would make banks deal fairly with their customers.

Editor's Note

All consumers need to start asking questions and call for changes in the banking sector. We are being used and abused left, right and centre.

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Important Banking Tips

The following are banking tips from Octavia Smith:

Octavia Smith

Choose an account that suits you.
Ask about minimum balances and penalties when opening an account.
Debit cards are important to have.
Choose a hard token if you are not tech-savvy.
Inquire about ATM and online transaction limits.
If you are a senior, choose the appropriate account for your age.
Senior-type accounts are usually allowed to make free branch withdrawals.
A fixed number of free withdrawals per month at the ATM is allowed for seniors.
Passbooks are optional.
Based on lifestyle and future contemplation, it's a beneficial idea to have an international currency account. It's smart to have funds that are transferable overseas for travel, medical fees, or further education.
It's wise to commit a portion of one's income to a foreign currency account monthly. Cross-currency transfers can be done online.
Protect your debit card by using it at reputable places.
Never share PIN information with anyone.
Never ask for help at the ATM.
If a transaction failed, pause to verify your balance before you make another attempt. Do not keep your PIN next to your card.
Use a branch machine and not an off-site machine where possible to do large cash transactions.
It's safer to type in the bank's website in the URL each time you go online. Avoid choosing from previous search history.

Editor's Note

Octavia Smith is a retired banker. Please share this blog with your friends. Add our comments at the bottom of the blog.

Thanks.

Thursday, 16 April 2026

UHWI Clarifies Outstanding Taxes!!!

Subscribe Now!

Reducing The Dependency On Your Spouse

Wednesday, 15 April 2026

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

JIS Press Release, April 15, 2026

Subscribe Now!

What's Happening - April 15, 2026

There Is A Hole In Di Budget

NWC Help

That Dark Child

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

That Politician Incest Case

Subscribe Now!

Bog Walk Gorge Now Open

Tuesday, 14 April 2026

Singer Ernie Smith Is Critically Ill

Fitz Jackson Still Fighting For The Banking Services Amendment Bill

Important Banking Tips

Most Popular Posts.

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