News

Chief Justice Bryan Sykes address at the Judges’ Swearing-in Ceremony for the Hillary Term on January 5 at King’s House.
January 7, 2026 by Tanesha Mundle

Sykes: Current system simply cannot continue

Chief Justice Bryan Sykes has warned that Jamaica cannot “try its way out” of its growing court backlog and that reform of the jury trial system must now be seriously considered. Speaking at King’s…
A section of student dormitories at Knockalva Polytechnic College after the passage of Hurricane Melissa.
January 7, 2026 by Bryan Miller

Hanover schools reopen under trying circumstances

WESTERN BUREAU: Teachers across the parish of Hanover reported for duty in full force on Monday as the 2026 Easter term officially began although student turnout was below normal at most schools. The…
Yanique Taylor Wellington, deputy commissioner at INDECOM.
January 7, 2026 by Corey Robinson

UPDATED: 4-y-o among 14 killed in police shooting incidents in first days of 2026

A four-year-old child is among 14 persons shot and killed in incidents involving the police during the first six days of the new year, sparking concerns from the Independent Commission of…
Trade unionist Lambert Brown.
January 7, 2026 by Edmond Campbell

Union rep chides regional health bodies for using workers’ deductions for other business

Trade unionist Senator Lambert Brown has condemned the practice by some regional health authorities of diverting employees’ deductions – intended for standing order obligations – to other uses such as…
Executive Chairman of Jamaica Observer Limited Adam Stewart (left), and Executive Chairman of RJRGLEANER Communications Group Joseph Matalon sign the joint-venture agreement that set the foundation for the establishment of North Beech Limited – the new e
January 7, 2026

North Beech Limited formed

Effective December 22, 2025, North Beech Limited officially commenced operations, supporting the collaboration of the printing and distribution functions of the Jamaica Observer Limited (JOL) and the…
Criminologist Dr Jason McKay
January 7, 2026

Criminologist takes aim at civil society groups over stance on police killings

Dr Jason McKay, criminologist and police officer attached to the St Catherine South police’s special operations unit, is warning that constant statements by civil-society groups and the Independent…
The cover of General Food’s 2026 calendar, titled ‘A Year for Renewal’.
January 7, 2026 by Carl Gilchrist

Supermarket chain uses calendar to inspire comeback after Melissa

For more than a decade, General Food Supermarket has produced an admired calendar, a glossy 48-page booklet spanning 15 months and prized for its recipes. From seafood and vegetarian dishes to…
Principal of the Clarendon-based Kemps Hill High School, Karen Charlton Boothe (second right), in discussion with students at the institution recently. They are (from left) Trishana Ramdarsingh, Kaycia Cole; prefect, Kemoy Miller, and senior prefect, Shant
January 7, 2026

Major improvement in English language pass rate at Kemps Hill High

With support from the National School Learning and Intervention Plan (NSLIP), the Clarendon-based Kemps Hill High School registered a 32 per cent improvement in English language, in the 2025 Caribbean…
Pearnel Charles Jr, (second right) Minister of Labour and Social Security, and Donovan Williams, (right) minister of state in the Ministry of Labour and Social Security of Jamaica, greet farm workers at the first send-off ceremony of farm workers to Canad
January 7, 2026

Jamaican farm workers head to Canada for new season

The first group of 182 Jamaican seasonal farm workers departed yesterday for Canada’s 2026 farming season, underscoring the island’s long-standing labour partnership with its North American partner. …