Jamaica Labour Party Says Systems Worked & Chides PNP for Politicizing Issue of German Chartered Flight​

The Following is a Press Release from the Jamaica Labour Party - 20240506:

Security Minister Horace Chang

Kingston, Jamaica. May 6, 2024: Jamaica Labour Party Says Systems Worked & Chides PNP for Politicizing Issue of German Chartered Flight​

​The Jamaica Labour Party is rejecting as disappointing and opportunistic a statement by the Opposition People's National Party (PNP) which attempted, in a vulgar manner, to politicize the issue of a German charter flight with over 200 passengers which arrived in Kingston on Thursday.

Having reviewed the reports from the various agencies it is clear that our Immigration systems worked to ensure the proper enforcement of our laws and the respectful treatment of passengers. 

The Jamaica Labour Party also welcomes word from the National Security Ministry that arrangements are in place to ensure the supervised and safe departure of the passengers.

Based on our investments in our airports and flight connectivity Jamaica is fast becoming a hub and a gateway to the region. Over 5 million persons visit our shores each year and charters are an increasing feature of travel to Jamaica. While we must continue to build Jamaica’s image globally as a welcoming destination, we will also continue to be vigilant in the protection of our borders and immigration to prevent any illegal use of our territorial space. 

The Jamaica Labour Party understands the concerns expressed in some quarters regarding the entry of the charter flight. However, those concerns should be allayed, as our laws were enforced, and there was no cost to the government.

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Principal of St. James High Being Targeted, Why? Part I

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Part II

When the news regarding the kissing St. James High School Girls exploded like a bomb, It was the Principal who came under heavy fire. I have been trying to find out what the principal did wrong. People who did not know the story said he should pack his bag and go.

Many were willing to lose good principals for troubled maker students in our schools.

Recently another Principal came under pressure because he took a stand against his students coming to school with bags labeled dunce. I gather that he has since left his post and is overseas. His name is Dr. Ankle and I taught him at Papine High School.

The feedback I am getting is that school administrators, teachers and students are tired of the indiscipline behaviour in our schools. 

It was reported that a Principal was stabbed at Quickstep Preparatory School in St. Mary and I have not heard anything about this stabbing from the human rights defenders.

A school should not be a holding area for young thugs, gangs and criminals. Teachers are not warders and police officers. We must find somewhere to house these young thugs, gang members and criminals

We could start to clean up things by requiring every child to have a mother and a father. When a minor commits an offence their parents should be made to pay the fine.

After listening to this principal who has been making a difference you should ask yourself:

• Does it matter to me?
• Should I stand up and add a comment?
• Should I do something about the state of our educational system?

The young people are our future. I look at the future and it is looking bad! Please share this blog so others can hear the other side of the story.

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Joseph WIlliams, Special Guest on SpotOn With Vernon Derby

Joseph Williams - Principal of St. James High

You have been hearing plenty of things about St. James High but have you heard about Mr. Joseph Williams and finding out if his transformation strategies are working at the school. St. James operates on the shift system and has a population of over 1,800.

The news has been clogged up with news about Mr. Joseph Williams and his kissing girls. SpotOn With Vernon Derby allows you to hear from this Principal on Monday, May 6, 2025. Listen to Spoton with Vernon Derby from 1000 to 1100 hundred hours.

Is he that wicked Principal who expelled the kissing girls from St. James High? Join me Vernon Derby and let us hear the Principal of St James High speak for himself.

Joseph Williams has been the Principal of St. James High since 2004, Principal at Leicesterfield Primary and Junior High from 2001 to 2004,

He studied at Nova Southeastern University and obtained a Master's in Teaching and Learning. At the University of the West Indies, he received his Bachelor's Degree in Education, Social Studies and Geography, and a Diploma from Church Teachers' College specializing in Geography and Social Studies.

Nadine Williams

Anthony Gayle
Consumer Prices Reporter

Nadine Williams our agricultural prices analyst will join me after to give us the latest food prices at the Coronation Market. You cannot afford to miss her delivery - it is full of fun, and wit as she takes you to the Coronation Market. Anthony Gayle will tell us about what's happening in the farming community. SpotOn With Vernon Derby is the only programme in Jamaica to give you the prices of food items in the markets.

More Readings:

• Ø  Kissing Girls a Teaching Moment
• Ø  Jamaicans For Justice and That Kissing Girls Press Release

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Light and Power Company JPS Could Experience Industrial Action This Week

NWU President Issues Statement:

Click to hear statement of NWU President, Granville Valentine

The Following is a Press Release Response  - 2024/05/05:

(Kingston, May 5, 2024)   JPS has confirmed that a meeting will be held at the Ministry of Labour on Monday, May 6, to address the issues raised by the National Workers Union (NWU) in a 72-hour strike notice served on the company. This meeting is being held at JPS’ request, as the company seeks to have the points of disagreement between itself and the Union resolved swiftly and amicably.

The company says it is committed to continuing the process of converting contract employees to permanent status, in keeping with its agreement with the Union. The conversions under this agreement are being done over a three-year period, starting in 2023, and are on track for completion by 2025, as agreed.

JPS is assuring customers that it has a contingency plan in place to minimize any potential impact on service delivery, should employees represented by the NWU proceed with strike action. The company is anticipating that the temporary breakdown in the conversation with the NWU will be resolved quickly and that the outcome will be satisfactory for all concerned.

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Mark Golding In Miami

Mark Golding with Alexandria Davis - 
Commissioner and Deputy Mayor of Miramar

Mark Golding and his wife hit Jamaica 21 (Miami) this weekend. No details have been given about this trip but more than likely the support of the diaspora will be sought for the upcoming national elections in Jamaica. The election is due in 2025.

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Launch of the Government's Community Consultation Spark Programme

 The Following is a Release from the Office of the Prime Minister. 2024/05/2:

The Government on Thursday (May 2) began the first in a series of island-wide community consultations on the road improvement initiative, SPARK, which was announced by Prime Minister Andrew Holness.

The first consultation took place in the community of Duhaney Park in the constituency of St. Andrew, Western.

Scores of residents attended and detailed to government officials and technocrats roads in desperate need of repair.

Speaking at the consultation, Local Government Minister Desmond McKenzie stressed that this monumental initiative is aimed at revitalizing over 2,000 roads across the entire island of Jamaica. He said the roads selected for rehabilitation will come from consulting with residents of the communities.

"The SPARK programme will address road improvement in a comprehensive manner. We will ensure proper drainage, sidewalks, and the proper laying of pipes and fibre. We want to ensure the roads have a longer lifespan and that you, the residents, play an active role in the success of the programme,” said Minister McKenzie.

In the meantime, Director of the Constituency Development Fund, CDF, Kedesha Rochester, says the process is non-partisan and encourages residents to submit the roads to be addressed.

"The execution of the SPARK programme involves expert technocrats who are dedicated to upholding principles of transparency, accountability, and collaboration. As a community member, your support and active involvement in this initiative are crucial. The repair of roads using funds allocated from taxpayers' contributions is a collective effort aimed at enhancing the local infrastructure. As technocrats executing the SPARK programme, we are committed to ensuring transparency, accountability, and collaboration. So it is important that the communities support this programme. This is your tax money at work. Please submit your roads for repair,” said Mrs. Rochester.

For the first time in our nation's history, these vital infrastructure upgrades are fully funded by your Government, given the country's economic improvements.

This also signals a significant commitment by the Government to enhancing transportation networks and bolstering community connectivity of the road network infrastructure.

Member of Parliament for St. Andrew Western, the Opposition's Anthony Hylton, has also welcomed the programme and urged residents to play their part.

The community consultation series will continue across the island.

SPARK is a two-year road rehabilitation programme to transform the island’s roadways.

The consultation on Thursday was also attended by the Mayor of Kingston, Councillor Andrew Swaby, representatives of the Kingston and St. Andrew Municipal Corporation, KSAMC, the Ministry of Local Government and Community Development, the National Water Commission, NWC, and the National Works Agency, NWA.

 

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Breaking News - Ryland Campbell is Dead

Ryland Campbell CD

The former head of Capital and Credit Financial Group, Ryland Campbell has passed on. He died this morning. He was a major player in the financial sector. Ryland was a teacher, bank executive, entrepreneur and business advisor. 

Many will recall his days at the Mico Teachers College as a student and at the University of the West Indies.

Ryland was the head of Capital and Credit Financial Group which provided a wide range of financial products and services for individuals and companies in Jamaica. He received many awards such as the Commander of Distinction from the government of Jamaica and an honourary LLD from the University of the West Indies.

He has also served as Pro Vice Chancellor for the Mico University College, Toll Regulator, and Chairman of the Board of Commissioners for the Early Childhood Commission.

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Exchange All Age School in St. Ann, Jamaica Hit by Storm?

 

I just received this video about Exchange All Age School in St. Ann. If you live in the area let me know if this is an old video or if this incident happened recently. It was reported that the Ministry was about to spend a significant sum to build classrooms and to improve the infrastructure.

If you have a contact for the PTA president you can WhatsApp it to 876 816-5261.

More Reading:

Upgrade of Exchange All Age School.

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Congratulations!!!

 

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Heavy Rains in Nain, St. Elizabeth, Jamaica

 

I just received this report of heavy rains in Nain in St. Elizabeth. Let me know if you are getting rain in your area. Send me your pictures also. Add your comments to the blog. 

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Charlton McFarlane a Good Administrator - Down for Failure to Provide Integrity Reports

Charlton McFarlane - Former head of the RGD

I received a very touching video showing an outpouring show of love, affection and emotions following the announced departure of the RGD head, Charlton McFarlane. The video recording below showing Mr McFarlane's departure could be a celebration of his departure or an appreciation for his service by his staff. Over the years, I have found this man to be very cooperative in assisting me in dealing with the challenges faced by Jamaicans who were dealing with the registration of births and deaths.

I have been informed that his contract will not be renewed due to non-compliance with the reporting requirements of the Integrity Commission. Is the Integrity Commission more about enforcing compliance to reporting compliance rather than ridding Jamaica of corruption?

Jamaica needs to focus more on corruption rather than relying on the submission of reports.  

If you are going into the public sector, make sure you earn enough to employ a chartered accountant, a lawyer, an administrative officer and a clerk. 

The Video

Let's hope the system did not throw out the baby with the bath water!

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Mandeville in Jamaica Getting Plenty Rains

 

One of my On The Ground Reporters sent these videos showing that Mandeville has experienced heavy showers of rain this week.

Based on the report It seems that proper drainage is needed in the area.

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Try Digicel!!!

If I make a late payment for Digicel services, I will incur a late fee. I have been without Internet service for over three hours this afternoon, and I cannot charge Digicel for loss of service?

The go-back feature on the television has not worked properly for months. I have not been compensated for the loss of this feature.

The company has been unable to resolve the problem with the app on my phone. I have had to make numerous calls to the organization to have this matter resolved. One Digicel employee was proud to tell me what is the company's policy. Apparently, that policy does not include giving customers first-class service!

Things are difficult in Jamaica and poor customer service across the country added to that is rubbing salt into a nasty cut. Government departments and organizations in the private sector get away with poor customer service because consumers will lie down and take anything. What a ting!

The government will learn one day that it is not that people are dissatisfied with the political leader, but the poor customer service offered by some government departments and some areas in the private sector. It is a challenge to deal with some government agencies One public servant told me once that politicians come and go but public servants remain. This is something for our political leaders to think about.

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Funeral Home Loses Millions - Bark Di Trute to The Rescue

 

LP Funeral Home at Baileys Vale in Port Maria has had challenges with its telephone service. The owner claims persons were able to answer calls directed to his number. He contacted me for assistance and the matter was resolved.

Now, the telephone line is disconnected and the owner claims that his business is losing from the loss of his line. He says the company lost approximately $4.8M in revenue due to the disconnection of the business phone.

I have contacted FLOW and the matter is being investigated. I sent a letter to FLOW today and received a call this afternoon. Thanks to Sophia Morgan at FLOW.

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Meteorological Office Release - Flash Flood Watch

The following is a press release from the Meteorological Office Jamaica:

 The Meteorological Service has continued:

• A Flash Flood Watch for low-lying and flood-prone areas of  Trelawny, St. Ann, St. Mary, Portland, St. Thomas. Kingston and St. Andrew.
• Effective until 5:00 p.m. on Friday.
• Discontinued the Flash Flood Watch for Westmoreland, Hanover and St. James.
• A Broad Trough across the central Caribbean continues to influence weather conditions across Jamaica,
• with the most intense activity associated with this system expected to affect sections of northern and southeastern parishes until Friday.
• Observations indicate that light to moderate and occasionally heavy showers and thunderstorms have been affecting most parishes throughout today.
• The forecast is for cloudy conditions, with widespread showers and occasional heavy thunderstorms to continue affecting all parishes through to late Friday.
• Improved weather conditions are expected late Friday into Saturday as the Trough weakens across the central Caribbean.

Fishers and other marine interests should exercise caution as sea conditions will deteriorate due to thunderstorms and strong gusty winds.
 
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.
 
The Meteorological Service will continue to monitor this system.
 
For further information, please dial 116.
See also our website:  http://metservice.gov.jm 

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Meet Senator Sherene Golding Campbell and Talk with Opal Lee on SpotOn

Senator Sherene Golding Campbell

Senator Sherene Golding Campbell will be my special guest for My Representative on Thursday, May 2, 2024. My Representative is a popular feature in SpotOn With Vernon Derby on KLAS. SpotOn is aired from 1000 to 1100 hours EST. Join us as we look at our representatives and learn more about their challenges. We will talk about solutions which will assist in improving leadership for the betterment of the people.

Opal Lee - Immigration Lawyer and Realtor

Opal Lee will join us for Travel Talk. We will talk about what is happening in the United States of America and also give you immigration-related information.

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NEWS FLASH - EARTHQUAKE

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