Potholes Now Potoceans

Contributed

This potocean is at the intersection of Orange Street and Heywood in the North Parade area in Kingston, Jamaica.

This potocean is just about 800 meters from the KSAMC offices and Parliament. About 1000 meters from the Caribbean Sea.

This potocean is a hazard to motorists and pedestrians alike.

Mayor Andrew Swaby and MP Desmond McKenzie: no more potoceans and pot islands.

Now Dry Harbour Road

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.

Micspen2@hotmail.com

These potholes have become sinkholes, and now we hear about potoceans. The hogs have been making good use of these holes filled with water, and some people have referred to them as hogholes. What a life.

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Bark Di Trute Was First With Some News Today

Thanks

Thanks to those Bark Di Trute supporters who continue to keep us informed about community issues so that the authorities can deal with these issues. It is really working. Thanks to those who helped Bark Di Trute get the news to the people first today. These include the death of Sir Garfield Sobers, a media house closing down, and being first with the news about the earthquake that impacted Mexico, Guatemala, and other countries.  

The Old Gleaner Building

I understand that plans are underway for new activities at the former Gleaner building on North Street. It will be a hardware, manufacturing, and training centre. Andrew Azar said that a distribution centre will be established on the East Street side of the property.

Let's hope that the area will be structured so that the smooth flow of traffic is not affected, especially in the mornings.

Fires Continue In The St. Andrew Hills

Explosions are now being heard in the region of the fires. This would make one wonder if JPSCo infrastructure has been affected. The question we must ask is, are there new buildings going up in those areas that are prone to fire annually? Persons purchasing homes in Jamaica must check carefully where these homes are for sale.

Michael Spence Responds

Michael had written an article pointing out the high murder rate in comparison to the replacement rate. All deaths are used to calculate the replacement rate.

Michael Spence

What caused the confusion was the inappropriate use of the term Replacement Rate (RR) instead of just "population increases."

RR is the ability of each female in a population to procreate, thus maintaining a stable and viable society.

The standard RR to ensure a people's survival in the long run is 2.1 children per eligible female. Jamaica's RR is now at 1.3 and falling.That is a crisis in need of focused, productive attention.

Not just the usual hyped up deejaying by some academics and officials.

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Videographer needed.

Persons looking for a 1-bedroom, a bathroom, a kitchen, and a living room. If you have somewhere available, please send a WhatsApp message to 876 816-5261.

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Prostate Cancer

Remember to have your prostate checked out by the doctor, or you might see your maker earlier than he had planned.

Please add your comments to the blog.

______________________

Keep abreast of the news and information in the world. Bark Di Trute, a Jamaican blog, is packed with accurate information. Click the following link and get information at your fingertips. WhatsApp link is: https://chat.whatsapp.com/C9bkP96JIN2JgHiuktY3Jj 

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Click here and win.

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Without your support, Bark Di Trute could fail to bark one day. 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.

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Alert - Fires Close To Residential Areas In St. Andrew

There are two large fires on the St. Andrew Hill behind Cherry Gardens. Bark Di Trute has not been advised if the Jamaica Fire Brigade Service trucks are on the scene as yet. Many homes are at risk of being destroyed. The videos shown below were taken from Manor Park.

The Jamaica Fire Brigade has been informed.

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What's Happening - July 17, 2026

Accident In Trelawny

Information reaching Bark Di Trute is that there was a major accident on the Falmouth bypass today. Eyewitnesses say at least seven persons have died. We are waiting on a report from the police to confirm this.

NIS

I understand that NIS pensioners had to wait over three hours at the Constant Spring Post Office to get their pension. Funds were not available, I understand. It seems that the NIS has to go on a campaign to get more pensioners to receive direct payment through their banks.

Earthquake In Mexico

The tsunami warning has been lifted after a powerful 7.3-magnitude earthquake shook Mexico and adjoining countries at 9:48 am today. There has been no report of deaths or major damage to infrastructure.

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Videographer needed.

Persons looking for a 1-bedroom, a bathroom, a kitchen, and a living room. If you have somewhere available, please send a WhatsApp message to 876 816-5261.

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Prostate Cancer

Remember to have your prostate checked out by the doctor, or you might see your maker earlier than he had planned.

Please add your comments to the blog.

______________________

Keep abreast of the news and information in the world. Bark Di Trute, a Jamaican blog, is packed with accurate information. Click the following link and get information at your fingertips. WhatsApp link is: https://chat.whatsapp.com/C9bkP96JIN2JgHiuktY3Jj 

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Click here and win.

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It's best to view this blog on your computer at https://vderby.blogspot.com.

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Without your support, Bark Di Trute could fail to bark one day. 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.

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Breaking News - Media House To Close

I just received information from a reliable source that Roots FM will close at the end of this month. A religious radio station is struggling to stay afloat. That religious station might have to close soon.

I understand that CVM television is fighting to stay alive. Some feel that Miss Kitty going back to NNN is an indication that all is not well at CVM. NNN is also expected to lose one or two of its senior management personnel as it continues to keep its head above water.

The question is, will the return of Miss Kitty make a big difference to NNN? Only time will tell.

Changes continue at the RJRGleaner Communications Group, and it is possible that more staff could lose their jobs. I understand that the Gleaner staff are now being interviewed for possible job placement within the new structure

We need to protect these traditional media houses because if the people continue to feed on a diet from these social media stars, then our country is doomed.

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Persons looking for a 1-bedroom, a bathroom, a kitchen, and a living room. If you have somewhere available, please send a WhatsApp message to 876 816-5261.

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Prostate Cancer

Remember to have your prostate checked out by the doctor, or you might see your maker earlier than he had planned.

Please add your comments to the blog.

______________________

Keep abreast of the news and information in the world. Bark Di Trute, a Jamaican blog, is packed with accurate information. Click the following link and get information at your fingertips. WhatsApp link is: https://chat.whatsapp.com/C9bkP96JIN2JgHiuktY3Jj 

______________________________

 

Click here and win.

________________________

______________________

It's best to view this blog on your computer at https://vderby.blogspot.com.

_________________

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Subscribe Now!

• Subscribe to my YouTube Channel.
• Subscribe to my Emergency News Advice Service.
• Make a financial donation now.

Without your support, Bark Di Trute could fail to bark one day. 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.

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That Legacy Of The High Toll Fees

Contributed

Every time a Jamaican motorist passes through a toll plaza and pays another increase, it is worth asking: How did we get here?

The answer lies, in part, in the toll road concession agreements negotiated under PNP administrations in 2001 and 2012. These contracts have long been criticized for placing the interests of private operators ahead of the interests of the Jamaican people.

A government’s duty is to negotiate agreements that balance the need for private investment with the responsibility to protect taxpayers and motorists. Instead, these contracts have been criticized for creating long-term obligations that allow toll rates to increase under predetermined formulas while leaving governments with limited room to intervene without risking significant financial consequences.

The result has been predictable. Motorists continue to face rising toll charges. Businesses incur higher transportation costs, which have contributed to higher consumer prices. Many Jamaicans now avoid the toll roads altogether because of affordability, defeating part of the purpose of investing in modern highways.

Perhaps most concerning is that these agreements have tied the hands of future governments. Once long-term concession contracts are signed, changing or renegotiating them may require costly compensation or lengthy negotiations. Decisions made decades ago can therefore continue to affect Jamaican families today.

Infrastructure development is essential, and partnerships with private investors can play an important role. However, those partnerships must be negotiated from a position that safeguards the public interest. Contracts should ensure reasonable returns for investors while also providing flexibility to protect citizens from excessive financial burdens over time.

Whether one supports the PNP or the JLP, Jamaicans should demand greater transparency and accountability whenever major national assets or long-term public contracts are involved. The lessons from the 2001 and 2012 toll road agreements should remind every administration that the consequences of a poorly structured contract can last for generations.

The Jamaican people deserve infrastructure that improves their quality of life—not agreements that leave them paying more while having little say in the matter.

Contributed by Anthony Fisher

Anthony Fisher

Anthony Fisher attended Frome Technical High and Illinois State University. He has a BSc in Mass Media. A former videographer at the Jamaica Information Service, he is now a multimedia communication specialist at the University of Illinois.

Anthony is a member of the diaspora who continues to show keen interest in Jamaica. We appreciate members of the diaspora supporting Bark Di Trute.

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Persons looking for a 1-bedroom, bathroom, kitchen, and living room. If you have somewhere available, please send a WhatsApp message to 876 816-5261.

______________________

Prostate Cancer

Remember to have your prostate checked out by the doctor, or you might see your maker earlier than he had planned.

Please add your comments to the blog.

______________________

Keep abreast of the news and information in the world. Bark Di Trute, a Jamaican blog, is packed with accurate information. Click the following link and get information at your fingertips. WhatsApp link is: https://chat.whatsapp.com/C9bkP96JIN2JgHiuktY3Jj 

______________________________

 

Click here and win.

________________________

______________________

It's best to view this blog on your computer at https://vderby.blogspot.com.

_________________

_________________

Subscribe Now!

• Subscribe to my YouTube Channel.
• Subscribe to my Emergency News Advice Service.
• Make a financial donation now.

Without your support, Bark Di Trute could fail to bark one day. 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.

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