News

Dr Delroy Fray, clinical coordinator at the Western Regional Health Authority.
February 20, 2026 by Christopher Thomas

Culture shift needed to accept healthier diet, says Fray

WESTERN BUREAU: Amid the discussions about the Government’s plan to impose a tax on sugary drink as part of its 2026-2027 Budget, Dr Delroy Fray, the clinical coordinator at the Western Regional…
The Hanover Municipal Corporation building in Lucea.
February 20, 2026 by Bryan Miller

Hanover’s municipal building crumbling, stakeholders concerned

WESTERN BUREAU: Amid mounting complaints from staff and councillors that the aging Hanover Municipal Corporation (HMC) administrative building is deteriorating around them, calls are growing for…
Centenarian Wedie May Howell (second left) surrounded by friends and family.
February 20, 2026 by Gareth Davis Sr

Brainerd mum marks 100 years of resilience and family

Reaching 100 is achievement enough; doing so after blindness, cancer and COVID-19 is rather more impressive. Wedie May “Mum” Howell, born in 1926 and long the quiet centre of life in Brainerd…
Chensie Allen (centre) accepting a symbolic cheque valued at $500,000 from the Ministry of Labour and Social Security’s ROOFS Programme. Presenting the cheque were Dwayne Vaz, member of parliament for Westmoreland Central (left), and Pearnell Charles Jr,
February 20, 2026 by Albert Ferguson

Tailor among 4,700 W’land residents receiving $787m in ROOFS grants

WESTERN BUREAU: Seventy-three-year-old tailor Chensie Allen of Hudson Street in Savanna-la-Mar, Westmoreland, says the $500,000 he received under the Government’s ROOFS programme could not have come…
February 20, 2026 by Tanesha Mundle

Witness tells court ‘Zugi’ was chased, shot on Roger Avenue

A man yesterday gave chilling testimony in the Home Circuit Court about how George ‘Zugi’ Richards was chased down and shot repeatedly as he lay face down on Roger Avenue in Spanish Town, St…
Opposition Spokesman on Industry, Anthony Hylton.
February 20, 2026

PNP: ‘Man-made logistics crisis’ at Kingston port driving up hurting business and returning residents

Opposition spokesman Anthony Hylton says the Government’s "failure" to address recurring congestion at the Port of Kingston is driving up costs for hurricane recovery and hurting small…
Custos Rotulorum for Portland, Lincoln Thaxter (right), presents Councillor Rohan Vassell with his Instrument of Appointment during the commissioning ceremony for 28 new justices of the peace (JPs), held at Hotel Tim Bamboo in Port Antonio on February 19,
February 20, 2026

Chuck urges new JPs to get 'well-informed' to help combat misinformation

Justice Minister Delroy Chuck has urged newly commissioned justices of the peace )JPs) in Portland to become well-informed to avoid misinforming members of the public. “The last thing I want you to…
February 20, 2026

HEART/NSTA Trust to announce incentive payment timelines amid employee frustration

HEART/NSTA Trust says it will inform staff of timelines for incentive and increment payments next Wednesday, amid frustration from some employees over what they describe as insufficient communication…
The police say they seized bags containing over 1,000 pounds of marijuana in Yallahs, St Thomas, on February 20, 2026. 
February 20, 2026

Police seize $10 million worth of ganja in St Thomas

More than 500 pounds of marijuana, with an estimated street value of $10 million, was seized during an operation in Yallahs, St Thomas, on Friday afternoon, the police say. Officers said they acted…