Jazz In The Gardens

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Monday, 29 June 2026

Breaking News - PNP Councillor Resigns


I just got information from someone in the political circle that Councillor Julian Chang has resigned from the PNP. She had made some damaging allegations against PNP MP Dwayne Vaz, and this matter was simmering for some time. This is a developing story, and we have not heard whether or not Julian will cross the municipal authority floor to join the JLP.

These allegations against Vaz should have been dealt with by the executive of the PNP, and Bark Di Trute is not aware of this matter being dealt with. This may be the final straw that broke the camel's back.

Bark Di Trute is unable to make contact with Mrs Julian Chang. 

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PM And Other Citizens Coming Under Numerous Lie Attacks

Prime Minister of Jamaica, Andrew Holness

My parents have always told me to be careful of liars because those who lie will steal, and those who steal will commit murder. 

The Prime Minister, other political leaders, and citizens are coming under severe, persistent attacks on social media. Some nasty comments are being made against citizens, which can damage their reputations. Action must be taken to protect people from these vultures who spend each day scavenging for rotten meat stories to post about others.

Yesterday, someone had a podcast stating that there was a killing at the residence of the Prime Minister. It seems to me that some of these people posting these nasty comments have mental challenges, and they need help. Those who support these posts need to see a psychiatrist. These false stories are causing Jamaicans in the diaspora to become worried about their country, and they are wondering if they should return to Jamaica.

I received the following from a reputable source about the post stating that there was a killing at the PM's residence:

Contrary to the claim by a PNP blogger, no fatality occurred at the home of Prime Minister Holness.

There was a dispute between workmen after they left a worksite in St. Andrew on Friday. The dispute resulted in the death of one of the workmen.

However, to be clear, the PM does *NOT* own the property, and it is certainly not his home. 

Those allegations are total lies being promoted by the PNP in a baseless bid to get power by disparaging and discrediting the Prime Minister while he is off the island on Government business.

I don't expect the PNP, which is a reputable political party, to support the activities of these deviant media-misleading bloggers. I believe it would be a good idea for the party to disassociate itself from these people, who are damaging the party's good name.

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Sunday, 28 June 2026

A New Political Party Or Just A New Movement?



I received this video, and the graphics for the video is shown above. It talks about a demonstration calling for transparency and other matters. 

  • Who are the organizers and leaders of this demonstration? 
  • Who produced the video announcing this demonstration? 
  • Did the organizers get permission from the police to have this demonstration?You say, "No one is above the law."
  • Who is Michy Dex?  
  • Is Michy Dex a new party leader who has come to take us to the promised land?
  • Is that your voice, Michy Dex on the video? Yu sound like an Englishman!
  • Should we say not to corruption or "no" to corruption?

If you are calling for transparency and accountability, then you have to start with yourselves.

I have been saying that people want a reliable water supply, pothole-free roads, and a public sector which gives outstanding customer service, but I did not see any groups joining the call. Wey oonu come from? Mi no want to join no demonstration and mek police come bus mi head!

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Our Exchange Rate Over The Years

 




I decided to post the table above, showing changes in the Jamaican dollar's exchange rate against the US dollar since 1970. I did this in groups of 10 years, starting from 2025 and going back.

The Jamaican dollar (JMD) was introduced in 1969, replacing the Jamaican pound at a rate of 1 pound to 2 dollars. Britain was our colonial master. My understanding is that in the early days, the Jamaican dollar was worth more than the US dollar. Our currency then was in pounds, shillings, and pence.

We had some interesting names for the value of some of our currency in the days of pounds, shillings, and pence. A penny and a halfpenny were called a "quatty." One pound and one shilling were called a guinea. We also had a farthing, which was half of a halfpenny. I am sure there were others, but I have to depend on my readers to remind me.
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Between 1969 and the present day, the Jamaican dollar transitioned to a floating currency and depreciated significantly against the US dollar. 

Because the Jamaican dollar did not exist before 1969, there is no exchange rate for the period between 1962 and 1969. During those earlier decades, Jamaica used the Jamaican pound (tied to the British sterling) as its official legal tender.

The question is, what went wrong when we moved away from using the currency of our colonial masters to having our own currency? Our significant trading partner is the US, so when our dollar falls in relation to the US dollar, the cost of imports goes up! It is interesting to note that the rate of the Barbadian dollar to the US dollar has been two to one for several years

Exchange rate figures were obtained from the Bank of Jamaica website.

#FINANCE

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ODPEM Confirms There Was An Earthquake Today

  

The Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management (ODPEM) notes that a minor earthquake was experienced in parts of eastern Jamaica at approximately 11:45 a.m. on Sunday, June 28, 2026.

Information from the Earthquake Unit, UWI Mona, indicates that the earthquake was recorded at a magnitude of 3.9 and was located approximately 5 kilometres northeast of Golden Spring, St. Andrew, at a focal depth of 12 kilometres.

The earthquake was reportedly felt in Kingston, St. Andrew, and parts of St. Catherine. At this time, ODPEM has received no reports of damage or injuries. Assessments are ongoing through parish disaster coordinators and emergency response partners.

ODPEM reminds the public that earthquakes occur without warning and encourages all Jamaicans to remain prepared.

The Earthquake Unit continues to monitor the situation and will provide updates if additional information becomes available.

Individuals who felt the earthquake are encouraged to submit reports to the Earthquake Unit to support seismic monitoring and analysis.

All Jamaicans are urged to stay alert and be prepared. For preparedness information, visit www.odpem.gov.jm or follow ODPEM on social media. 

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Alert Earthquake - In Jamaica



Persons have indicated to me that they felt an earthquake a few minutes ago. It seems that when we have an earthquake in Jamaica, we do not get an alert on the phone. 

The Earthquake Unit at the UWI is probably busy putting a press release together. Hopefully, we should get the message in another hour or two. They probably have to send a report to Jamaica House, and the Minister and they will send out the message when it is convenient to them.

Let us hope a tsunami is not coming. I said before that the earthquake in Venezuela was a warning to us. Have we heeded that warning? 

Let me know if you felt the quake in your area and if there is any damage. Add this as a comment to the blog or send a WhatsApp message to (876) 816-5261.

All the best.

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The Financial Investigations Division Has Secured Order For Seizure Of Funds

Press Release From FID - June 26, 2026

June 26, 2026, Kingston, Jamaica: The Financial Investigations Division (FID), in its capacity as Jamaica's Assets Recovery Agency (ARA) under the Proceeds of Crime Act (POCA), has secured cash forfeiture orders in two Parish Court matters totalling more than J$2 million, along with foreign currency.

St. Ann's Bay Parish Court — ARA v. Demoy Campbell and Joshua Campbell

On Wednesday, June 24, 2026, the St. Ann's Bay Parish Court ordered the forfeiture of cash in the matter of ARA v. Demoy Campbell and Joshua Campbell. In accordance with section 79 of POCA, the Court ordered the forfeiture of sums connected to each respondent, along with legal costs. The forfeited sums include J$1,211,700, CAD$1,800, and US$5 in relation to Demoy Campbell, and J$635,000 in relation to Joshua Campbell.

The matter arose from a July 2024 operation in St. Ann, during which officers of the JCF's St. Ann's Bay Proactive Investigation Unit searched and discovered J$635,000 in a bag in Joshua Campbell's possession. The men offered conflicting explanations about the origin of the funds. Enquiries led officers to a residence in Discovery Bay, St. Ann, where additional cash in Jamaican, Canadian, and United States currency was found. Investigators subsequently applied for forfeiture after the men were unable to provide satisfactory proof of the lawful source of the funds.

Kingston and St. Andrew Parish Court Civil Division — ARA v. Peter Manning Jnr.

On Tuesday, June 23, 2026, the Kingston and St. Andrew Parish Court Civil Division ordered the forfeiture of J$251,500, together with all accrued interest, to the Crown in the matter of ARA v. Peter Manning Jnr.

That matter emanated from an April 2024 stop of a motor vehicle along Spanish Town Road in Kingston by members of the JCF's Firearms and Narcotics Investigation Division (FNID), acting on intelligence. During the search, officers found cash in a bag inside the vehicle. No contraband was discovered, but Mr. Manning was unable to account for the funds at the time. 

He later provided a sworn statement indicating that the money was intended for the purchase of marijuana. That disclosure prompted a search of Mr. Manning's residence, during which a quantity of marijuana was found hidden in different sections of the house. The cash was subsequently seized under POCA, and Mr. Manning later consented to its treatment as proceeds of criminal activity, following which the forfeiture order was made.

Commenting on both outcomes, Keith Darien, Principal Director of Financial Crimes Investigations at the FID, said the rulings underscore the value of sustained investigative work and Jamaica's asset recovery framework: "These outcomes demonstrate the value of careful financial investigation and strong collaboration among law enforcement partners. As the designated Assets Recovery Agency under POCA, the FID remains committed to ensuring that funds connected to unlawful conduct can be pursued lawfully through the courts. Asset recovery is an important part of protecting the public interest and reinforcing the principle that crime must not pay."

The FID reminds the public that forfeiture is a court-supervised process. Seized property is not automatically forfeited. A forfeiture order is only made where the court is satisfied, on the applicable legal standard and the evidence presented, that the property is connected to, or intended for use in, unlawful conduct. 

The FID will continue to carry out its asset recovery mandate professionally, impartially, and in accordance with the law.


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Saturday, 27 June 2026

Meaningful Revival of Downtown Kingston Needed

Contributed 


Dear Barke Di Trute

Michael Spence

Every business should have adequate bathroom facilities for patrons and workers. Licenses must not be renewed without those civilized elements. Establishments that fail to comply should be closed. Credit is due to food establishments like Mother’s, KFC, and Burger King for providing restroom facilities.

The question is, how can we revive downtown Kingston, Jamaica, without basic infrastructure like public restrooms? 

The KSAMC must install portable male and female restrooms around North Parade, South Parade, East Parade, and West Parade. Use corners where public urination occurs as indicators. Mobile units should service Barry, Orange, and Princess Streets to end this unhealthy situation. 

Parking policy also hurts revival. Higglers block spaces with barrels, yet KSAMC tow trucks remove cars, not barrels or stalls. Barry Street, once clear, is now congested. Charging shoppers high parking fees will drive more people away. Many have already abandoned downtown.

Transport is failing too. Last JUTC buses to Papine, August Town, Harbour View, Port Royal, and Spanish Town leave at 7:59 pm. Shops close at 8:30 pm. Higglers sell until 10:00 pm. Last buses should run no earlier than 10:00 pm or later.

After 10:00 pm, only the police are checking papers at the Ward Theatre. The mayor should consider visiting downtown after 8:00 pm.

Downtown Kingston’s revival needs sanitation, transport, and common sense. 

MICHAEL SPENCE

Michael Spence is a graduate of Cornwall College and the University of the West Indies. He is a trained teacher, a sociologist, and a writer for Bark Di Trute.

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