Leaders Are Paid Well To Maintain Law and Order In Jamaica

Jamaica Observer picture.

Jamaica has 14 parish council authorities. There are 228 parish councillors, and they are responsible for all six functions, including the number 3 shown below. The following are the functions of these authorities taken from the Minister of Local Government and Community Development website.

1. Developing, managing and maintaining infrastructure and public facilities such as parochial roads, minor water supplies, drains and gullies, parks, recreational centres, markets, abattoirs, pounds, cemeteries, transportation centres, public sanitary conveniences and public beaches.
2. Provision of local services such as poor relief, public cleansing, public health and street lighting.
3. Regulatory powers in respect to building and planning approvals and development control, licensing of trades and businesses, street parking, control of public vending.
4. Coordinating inter-agency collaboration among non-governmental organizations (NGOs), community-based organizations (COBs) and government agencies which operate in the parish and are engaged in the delivery of local services or in local development.
5. Support of national policies/development programmes at the local level.
6. Spearhead plans and initiatives for the orderly, balanced and sustainable development of the parish as a whole, and major towns in particular, and for the boosting economic activity and local wealth creation within the parish.

The question is to what extent are the parish councillors approving or providing oversight for these constructions? These constructions end on sidewalks, gully banks, and river banks for example. The Prime Minister has called for citizens to rethink where they build their houses. He did not say what the parish councils are doing about this challenge.

Once again, we pay our leaders well; the least they can do is maintain law and order.

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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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Breaking News - USA

A 15-year-old was arrested and faces 11 counts of attempted second-degree murder and possession of a firearm by a delinquent in connection with a mass shooting Saturday night that left 11 people wounded, Tallahassee Police Chief Lawrence Revell said Monday morning. 

Editor's Note

Too many young people seem to have access to guns in the USA. If you make guns available for your citizens,  then only citizens above the age of 30 years old should have access to guns. There is a crisis in the US with what seems like free access to guns.

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Changing The Guards Across The World and its Impact On Jamaica

President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva

Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva was reelected for another term - his fourth term, on Sunday, October 25, 2026. His rival, a  Trump ally, Senator Flávio Bolsonaro, said he would not accept the results and would mount a legal challenge.

The elected Brazilian president is now 80 years old, and he obtained 51% of the vote. It should be noted that this campaign was dominated by concerns over the cost of living, crime, and corruption.

Aleksandar Vucic 

In Serbia, the country erupted in massive celebrations following the veteran ruler Aleksandar Vučić conceding to losing the elections. A strong student movement led this change across the country. We are also seeing strong student protests in France.

Interesting days are ahead as the presidential elections draw nigh.

Serbia's presidential elections will be held by December 26, 2026.

In the USA, midterm elections draw nigh. The USA-Iran war and the economy will affect how well Trump does in the elections. The next USA presidential election will be in 2028, but shifts in party position during the midterm elections could signal changes in local and international US policies. Could a massive Republican defeat result in the cessation of the US-Iran war?

Let's have a look at the campaign trail in Georgia on Sunday, October 25, in the video below.

November 3 will be the midterm elections in the US.

Tuesday, October 27, will be elections in Israel. Reports are that many Israelis are flying home for the elections.

Benjamin Netanyahu

Will Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s continue his long grip on power? Will the new leader continue with similar policies in dealing with Gaza and other countries in the Middle East? Who is the US supporting?

All these world events will have an impact on Jamaica. The cost of living will continue to increase if there is no freedom of movement through the Hormuz Strait for example.

The world is in a crisis. In Sudan, Nigeria, Ukraine, Russia, and Cuba, just to name a few. Jamaica will be impacted by these international events. How prepared are we?

Weather October 25

SIGNIFICANT FEATURE… A Trough across the central Caribbean.

Comment… Although the Trough remains across the region over the next few days, expect a gradual improvement in the weather conditions beginning tonight. 

24-HOUR FORECAST

Tonight... Isolated showers across sections of central and eastern parishes, becoming partly cloudy.

Tomorrow Morning…Cloudy especially across sections of northern parishes and hilly areas, partly cloudy elsewhere.

Tomorrow Afternoon…Isolated showers across sections of northern parishes and hilly areas elsewhere, otherwise partly cloudy. 

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

_________________

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Subscribe Now!

1. Subscribe to my YouTube Channel.
2. Subscribe to my Emergency News Advice Service.
3. 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 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 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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Ministry of Labour and Social Security Provides Supplies For Flood Victims in St. Thomas

Press Release From The Ministry of Labour and Social Security - October 24, 2026  

The Ministry of Labour and Social Security (MLSS) has mobilized relief supplies for families affected by flooding in Bath, St. Thomas, following heavy rainfall on Friday, October 23. 

Preliminary reports indicate that 54 homes have been flooded in the Bath community, including Johnson Mountain, while 13 persons are currently being accommodated at the Bath Primary School shelter. 

The Ministry’s Public Assistance Director and Director of Disaster Rehabilitation and Welfare Services have been working alongside the MLSS St. Thomas parish team to coordinate the delivery of essential supplies, with priority being given to the 13 persons currently accommodated at the Bath Primary School shelter. The team is also working with Member of Parliament for St. Thomas Eastern, Yvonne Shaw, and the Parish Disaster Coordinator to assess affected households and determine additional needs. 

Supplies being prepared for distribution include food packages, drinking water, water buckets, mattresses, blankets, tarpaulins, mops, disinfectant, bleach, hygiene kits, and adult and children’s diapers. 

Minister of Labour and Social Security, the Honourable Pearnel Charles Jr., said the Ministry is focused on responding to the immediate needs of affected families while monitoring developments on the ground. 

“When flooding disrupts people’s lives and forces families from the safety of their homes, our response must be swift and focused on their immediate needs. We are working to get essential supplies to those affected, with priority attention being given to persons now in the shelter. As assessments continue and the situation develops, we will coordinate further assistance based on the needs identified,” said Minister Charles. 

Acting Parish Manager for MLSS St. Thomas, Othneil Smith, said the parish team is on the ground delivering supplies and remains on alert as rainfall continues. 

“Our team is delivering essential supplies, prioritizing the persons currently at the 

Bath Primary School shelter. We are also monitoring conditions in Bath and Johnson Mountain as we work to determine the full extent of the impact on households. We encourage anyone affected who requires assistance to contact our parish office at 876-676-5814 or 876-676-5815 so that we can follow up and assess their needs,” said Smith. 

The Ministry has also received reports of flooded roads in Portland, but no reports of flooded homes in that parish.  

The MLSS will continue to monitor the situation and coordinate with relevant stakeholders as further information becomes available. The Ministry is urging residents to remain vigilant as the Meteorological Service of Jamaica has issued a Flash Flood Warning for low-lying and flood-prone areas of St. Mary, Portland, St. Thomas, Kingston and St. Andrew, and a Flash Flood Watch for St. Ann, St. 

Catherine and Clarendon. The advisories were reported as being in effect until 7:00 p.m. on Saturday, October 24. However, intermittent showers and thunderstorms, which may be heavy at times, are forecast to continue affecting sections of Jamaica through Sunday evening, increasing the risk of flash flooding and landslides, particularly in eastern and central parishes. 

Residents are urged to monitor official weather updates, avoid crossing flooded roads and rivers, and be prepared to move to higher ground if conditions deteriorate.  

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

_________________

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Subscribe Now!

1. Subscribe to my YouTube Channel.
2. Subscribe to my Emergency News Advice Service.
3. 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 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 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 - Flash Flood Warning Continues

Meteorological Service Statement - October 24, 2026 

The Meteorological Service has continued a Flash Flood Warning for:

Low-lying and flood-prone areas of St. Mary, Portland, St. Thomas, Kingston and St. Andrew.Maintained the Flash Flood Watch for low-lying and flood-prone areas of St. Ann, St. Catherine and Clarendon.

Effective until 5:00 p.m. on Sunday, October 25, 2026.The Broad Trough currently extending across the central Caribbean has been generating unstable weather conditions across sections of Jamaica since Friday. Satellite and radar reports indicate that moderate, and at times heavy, showers and thunderstorms have been affecting sections of most parishes but especially across eastern and central parishes.

The forecast is for intermittent showers and thunderstorms to continue affecting eastern and central parishes through to Sunday evening which could result in flash flooding. Additionally, due to the increased soil saturation, landslides are likely especially across eastern parishes. 

Sea conditions will continue deteriorating in the vicinity of showers and thunderstorms. Fishers and other marine interests, especially inshore and offshore the south coast, should therefore exercise caution.

A FLASH FLOOD WARNING means flooding has been reported or will occur shortly. Motorists and pedestrians should not attempt to cross flooded roadways or other low-lying areas as strong currents are likely. Residents in low-lying areas should be on the alert for rising waters and be ready to move quickly to higher ground.

A FLASH FLOOD WATCH means that flash flooding is possible, and residents are advised to take precautionary measures, keep informed by listening to further releases from the Meteorological Service and be ready for quick action if flooding is observed or if a Warning is issued.

Editor's Note

Please send your picture and videos of the flooding in your area and the damage done to (876) 816-5261.

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______________________

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, 

_________________

_________________

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

_________________

_________________

Subscribe Now!

1. Subscribe to my YouTube Channel.
2. Subscribe to my Emergency News Advice Service.
3. 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 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 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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Changes At RJR - Will It Work?

Kayon Raynor.

The RJRGleaner Communications Group has appointed Kayon Raynor as the new Group Editor-in-Chief. Kayon has had over three decades of experience in journalism.

Hopefully, he will study the market and help to create a product that the nation and the world is demanding. In this very competitive media industry, using creative people and introducing creative features is the way to go.

With social media, the moment something happens, the whole world knows. Traditional media cannot be left behind. Traditional media cannot compete with social media by putting out sensational stories that have no factual basis. Give the people the facts and do not use language which can create your own narative.

Milton Walker.

There has been no mention made of Milton Walker, who carried out similar functions to those which will be carried out by Kayon Raynor. Has he been separated from the company, or has he been placed in another department?

My advice to Milton Walker is to humble yourself and do good, and good will follow you. The same knife wey juck goat will stick sheep.

Mr Raynor, empower and lift up your staff. When they do a good job, it will reflect on your leadership. Create an environment that brings out the best of your people.

The question is, will these changes at RJR work? We cannot afford for RJR to fail. Anything which is not built on love will fail.

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Tickets are available at the Little Theatre.

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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, 

_________________

_________________

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

_________________

_________________

Subscribe Now!

1. Subscribe to my YouTube Channel.
2. Subscribe to my Emergency News Advice Service.
3. 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 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 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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