2 Anthony Turner/Gleaner Writer NEW YORK: TEAM JAMAICA Bickle’s (TJB’s) 2026 Labor of Love Gala, held last Sunday at the Crest Hollow Country Club in Woodbury, New York, successfully raised US$150,000 (approximately JMD 23.8 million). The event was supported by partners including New York Knicks NBA All-Star captain Jalen Brunson’s Second Round Foundation, Resorts World New York City, Tower Isle Patties, and VP Records. Proceeds from the fundraiser will support the Queens-based philanthropic organisation’s hospitality and welfare services for Jamaican and Caribbean athletes competing at the annual Penn Relays Carnival, scheduled for April 23–25, 2026, at Franklin Field Stadium, University of Pennsylvania. TJB founder and CEO Irwine Clare Sr. highlighted the urgency behind this year’s target, against the backdrop of severe financial strain affecting schools and athletes from western Jamaica, many of whom were heavily impacted by Hurricane Melissa last October. “We had to ensure that the opportunity for them to participate was available,” Clare said. He revealed that the organisation will facilitate accommodation for more than 560 athletes from Jamaica and other parts of the Caribbean, covering approximately 1,250 room nights during their stay in the United States. “We have essentially bought out two hotels. From the time the athletes arrive in the US, we feed them, transport them, and ensure it is a true home away from home,” Clare noted. TJB has also intensified its efforts locally, investing tens of thousands of dollars in track meets and athlete development programmes following the disruption caused by Hurricane Melissa. “We were able to step in to ensure continuity in their preparation for the global stage,” he said. Beyond accommodation, the organisation’s support extends to meals, transportation, medical services, and now insurance coverage — creating a comprehensive system focused on athlete welfare. “It requires a significant level of funding. From the moment they arrive at the airport, we have systems in place to address every need,”Clare explained. Looking ahead to 2026, Clare noted a transition in sponsorship arrangements that marked a new chapter for the organisation. While Caribbean Food Delights — a long-time supporter — continues its partnership, its reduced role in athlete nutrition has paved the way for a more community-driven approach. “What has evolved is the nature of their involvement. That particular aspect has changed, but they remain a valued supporter,” Clare clarified. In response, TJB has shifted food preparation to Jamaican- and Caribbean-owned restaurants in Philadelphia, fostering economic reinvestment within the diaspora. “When we collect funds, we also spend a significant portion back into our community,” Clare emphasized. As the organisation looks ahead, Clare remains focused on expanding its impact rather than resting on past accomplishments. “We don’t sit on our laurels. Our achievements serve as a stimulus for greater things — opening new horizons and building new relationships,” he said. “The more funds we raise, the more we are able to reduce the financial burden on our athletes, especially given the impact of the hurricane,” Clare added. Supporters, sponsors, and members of the diaspora in attendance at the luncheon-style fundraiser included keynote speaker Blane Stoddard, who was honoured for his contributions to Caribbean athlete support; Sandra Brunson, co-founder of the Second Round Foundation; and Michelle Stoddart, senior vice-president of community development at Resorts World New York City. Musical entertainment was provided by DJ Papa Michigan, who had patrons singing along to classics such as Diseases, Sugar Daddy, and One Love Jamdown, alongside partners VP Records and Road International. From providing opportunity to preserving national pride, Team Jamaica Bickle continues to demonstrate that resilience is more than a theme. It is a mission in motion. IT IS not surprising that many people, including some regional governments, are having second thoughts about the Caribbean Community’s (CARICOM) endorsement of Trinidad and Tobago for a non-permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council. There are more than whispers that this support should be reconsidered. WHILE THE Gleaner fully understands these concerns, it would not be in CARICOM’s interest to withdraw its endorsement. Doing so would cause irreparable damage to the community, potentially even triggering its collapse, or at the very least leading to Trinidad and Tobago’s withdrawal during the life of the current administration. In keeping with Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar’s stated insistence on transparency in CARICOM, leaders who have misgivings about Trinidad and Tobago’s likely posture on the Security Council should openly express their concerns to her. This approach echoes the recommendation of former St Vincent and the Grenadines prime minister, Ralph Gonsalves. However, doubts about Trinidad and Tobago’s candidacy should not be conflated with Port-of-Spain’s claim that the reappointment of CARICOM Secretary General Carla Barnett did not follow proper procedures and is therefore null and void. The Barnett issue is fundamentally technical and legal in nature, and one that CARICOM may choose to resolve politically. The Security Council seat, by contrast, is strictly a political matter requiring a different approach. The 10 non-permanent members of the Security Council are elected for rotating two-year terms. Trinidad and Tobago has long coveted a seat and secured CARICOM’s endorsement – during the tenure of former prime minister, Keith Rowley – to replace Panama when its term ends in December. The election is slated for June. So far, Trinidad and Tobago faces no challenger. Earlier this month, its foreign minister, Sean Sobers, claimed the backing of more than 100 countries. That support, however, could erode if CARICOM’s endorsement is perceived to have weakened, potentially prompting another Latin American and Caribbean (LAC) country to enter the race. REGIONAL OUTLIER The souring regional mood, particularly in the Eastern Caribbean, is understandable. Since the United National Congress (UNC) returned to office a year ago after a decade in opposition, Ms Persad-Bissessar has belittled, insulted, and alienated regional partners, while vigorously embracing Donald Trump’s controversial Caribbean policies. For example, when the US president ordered the military to destroy suspected drug-smuggling vessels in the Caribbean Sea – effectively the summary, extrajudicial execution of criminal suspects dressed up as acts of war – Ms Persad-Bissessar cheered him on, urging him to “kill them violently”. When CARICOM leaders reaffirmed the long-standing declaration of the Caribbean as a zone of peace, she ridiculed the idea as fanciful. She also labelled CARICOM an “unreliable partner” and a failing institution whose members prioritised dictators over partners. She supported Mr Trump’s capture and rendition of Venezuela’s president, Nicolás Maduro, and reportedly made her territory available to the United States to assist the effort. When the Americans imposed visa restrictions on Antigua and Barbuda and Dominica over concerns about their citizenship-by-investment programmes, Ms Persad-Bissessar mocked those governments for “bad-mouthing” the United States and warned her own citizens to “behave yourselves”. The public row over the Barnett matter has further cemented perceptions of the Trinidad and Tobago prime minister as a regional outlier, even if some of her underlying ideological positions – stripped of caricature – may be shared by others in the Caribbean. Nevertheless, it has fuelled growing questions about whether Trinidad and Tobago can be an effective steward, or an appropriate representative of CARICOM, on the Security Council, even though the seat would be held in its own right. UNIQUE CHALLENGES Dr Gonsalves has noted that it is customary for CARICOM states to endorse each other for positions in international bodies, but that the Security Council bid presents unique challenges. “The way Kamla and the Trinidad and Tobago government have gone and become the principal cheerleaders for Donald Trump, CARICOM has to get clarification from her at the highest level,” Dr Gonsalves said this week. He continued: “You can’t support Trinidad and Tobago on the understanding that it will help craft resolutions at the Security Council and then have discussion when they are in the chair supporting the blowing up of boats, or marching in lockstep with every position of the United States, contrary to CARICOM’s interests. If she is an outlier on fundamental questions of global foreign policy and security, and within our hemisphere, she cannot be CARICOM’s candidate.” Dr Gonsalves articulated openly what others have thought or whispered. Some have reasoned that the veto power of China and Russia would limit potential damage from Trinidad and Tobago’s automatic alignment with the United States. However, the value of CARICOM and the regional integration project is too great for this issue to be ignored or allowed to fester. CARICOM cannot do an about-face. But it can engage in frank discussions about shared fears, principles, and alignments. CARICOM can’t reverse T&T backing EDITORIAL moya.thomas@gleanerjm.com Moya Thomas anthony.smith@gleanerjm.com Anthony Smith - Chief Executive Officer 2 Dave Rodney/Gleaner Writer NEW YORKERS woke last Monday morning to an alluring invitation from the Jamaica Tourist Board, urging tri-state residents to book now to travel to Jamaica Carnival in April 2026. The sizzling television segment that was broadcast on the New York Living morning show on PIX 11 was hosted by popular television personality Marysol. The segment was loaded with vibrant and exciting images of the sexy side of carnival in Jamaica, as well as iconic images of resort areas and breathtaking attractions across the island. The interviewee and spokesperson for Jamaica was Victoria Harper, district sales manager for the Jamaica Tourist Board (Northeastern USA) who did an excellent job in selling the multi-layered magnets that pull visitors to Jamaica year after year. “Jamaica Carnival is an explosion of colour, music and culture,” Harper, a former Miss Jamaica USA and Miss Jamaica World runner-up told New Yorkers. “It’s our biggest street party featuring soca music, reggae, elaborate costumes and the authentic Jamaica energy. What sets it apart is the combination of the now decades-old carnival tradition alongside Jamaica’s unique vibe, from our music to our food to our warm hospitality,” the JTB manager added. Since the event is still several months away, Marysol asked why it is necessary to book so early. “The early bird catches the worm,” Harper replied. “Booking now means significant savings with early-bird packages offering significant savings on event tickets, costumes, air and accommodations.” Those visiting for Jamaica Carnival are also urged to combine Kingston with other resort areas like Montego Bay, Ocho Rios and Port Antonio for a full-bodied extended stay so as to maximise the range of experiences that Jamaica has to offer. “The vibe is electric, the energy contagious, and the memories are everlasting,” Harper implored, with seductive flashes of cool, cascading waterfalls dancing across the television screen. Jamaica Carnival has rapidly evolved into one of the most dynamic cultural tourism events in the Caribbean. Earlier this year, the 2025 edition attracted over 52,000 participants and generated an estimated US$35 million during the peak week alone. For 2026, the prelude activities start as early as April 8 and the magnificent road march will take place on Sunday, April 12. Jamaica Carnival 2026 out the gates early with NY tv promotion WHEN HE responded last week to the Independent Fiscal Commission’s (IFC) warning that the government’s ongoing inability to meet its capital spending targets could weaken Jamaica’s growth prospects, Prime Minister Andrew Holness focused primarily on contractors who fail to deliver projects on time. “There are many issues that would cause the underutilisation of the capital budget,” Dr Holness said, “But, the one that is of interest to us is how contractors execute projects and the speed in which they execute projects … If they don’t perform, the budget cannot be expended and the growth of the country is slow.” His Ministry of Economic Growth and Infrastructure Development (it was until recently growth and job creation) was addressing the problem by developing a programme to help domestic contractors build capacity, the prime minister said. Dr Holness is no doubt right about the shortcomings of contractors, and how their weaknesses contribute to the slow execution of projects. But, as he intimated, this isn’t the whole story. It is questionable that it is even the major one. There are great shortcomings, too, in the government’s procurement architecture. This is not only in oversight rigidities, against which public officials often complain, and some of which the government sought to remedy with recent amendments to the Public Procurement Act. But a larger, and more pressing issue, as this newspaper has raised before, is the numbers, and quality of the personnel, who are asked to annually manage and monitor scores of billions of dollars of procurement, utilising various bidding/sourcing regimes and contracting schemes. PROFESSIONAL COMPETENCE This requires – or ought to – the highest level professional competence, and sufficient staff, so that it is done with the highest level of professionalism, and in a timely manner, to protect taxpayers’ interest and deliver on national priorities. In other words, the expertise required by public servants to manage bids to spend huge amounts of money should be no less than would be expected in the private sector. The anecdotal evidence suggests that despite improvements in recent times, significant deficits remain. The IFC, which became operational in January, reviews, and reports on, the government’s fiscal operations, to determine whether it is on track to lower, and maintain, Jamaica’s debt to no more than 60 per cent GDP, as set out in law. That target is likely to be met by the end of the current fiscal year, two years ahead of schedule. In its review for the first quarter (April to June) of the 2025/2026 fiscal year, the commission repeated a concern it raised in January in its report for the third quarter of the 2024/25 fiscal year: of under-spending on capital projects and the potential consequences thereof. The IFC noted that in the 2024/25 fiscal year, self-financing public bodies (some of which oversee major public sector infrastructure/development projects, generated an overall surplus of $88.9 billion, or 2.5 per cent of GDP. This was 158.4 per cent ($34.4) billion above the original target. The much larger surplus was mainly the result of these bodies underspending on capital projects by $49.1 billion. SLOW EXECUTION The slow execution of capital projects continued in the new fiscal year, lagging across central government and public bodies between April and June by $20.4 billion, a shortfall of 50.37 per cent on the projected spend. Given this “underwhelming” pace of execution, and the evidence of previous years, it seems unlikely that the total capital budget of $163.8 billion will be spent by the end of next March. “The IFC notes that the underspending does not represent true savings, but rather a delay or slowness in the pace of execution of projects and programmes,” the agency said. “This is of considerable concern particularly with regard to capital projects amid the adverse implications for economic growth.” While contractor inefficiencies contribute to the failures, a significant constraint is the slow pace at which projects get off the ground, from conceptualisation to procurement. That, in part, is the outcome of layers of bureaucracy, which have grown to close loopholes which were exploited by corrupt officials. The Gleaner supports recent moves to rid the system of some of the in-built inertia – but not at the expense of accountability and protection of taxpayers’ resources. Among the answers to such legitimate concerns, as we suggested nearly a year and a half ago, is the development of a cadre of highly trained, certified, accredited and decently paid procurement professionals. In other words, the government should attract the best talent to what should be seen as a prized, specialist profession. Clear career paths should be developed in the public sector for this group. This means that the government must cooperate with universities and other institutions on specialised training, as well as continuing education programmes for procurement specialists. Need: procurement specialists THE WEEKLY GLEANER | OCTOBER 16 - NOVEMBER 13, 2025 | www.jamaica-gleaner.com | NEWS EDITORIAL rjm.com anthony.smith@gleanerjm.com Anthony Smith - Chief Executive Officer combination of the now decades-old carnival tradition alongside Jamaica’s unique vibe, from our music to our food to our warm hospitality,” the JTB manager added. Since the event is still several months away, Marysol asked why it is necessary to book so early. “The early bird catches the worm,” Harper replied. “Booking now means significant savings with early-bird packages offering significant savings on event tickets, costumes, air and accommodations.” Those visiting for Jamaica Carnival are also urged to combine Kingston with other resort areas like Montego Bay, Ocho Rios and Port Antonio for a full-bodied extended stay so as to maximise the range of experiences that Jamaica has to offer. “The vibe is electric, the energy contagious, and the memories are everlasting,” Harper implored, with seductive flashes of cool, cascading waterfalls dancing across the television screen. Jamaica Carnival has rapidly evolved into one of the most dynamic cultural tourism events in the Caribbean. Earlier this year, the 2025 edition attracted over 52,000 participants and generated an estimated US$35 million during the peak week alone. For 2026, the prelude activities start as early as April 8 and the magnificent road march will take place on Sunday, April 12. Carnival out the arly with omotion WHEN HE responded last week to the Independent Fiscal Commission’s (IFC) warning that the government’s ongoing inability to meet its capital spending targets could weaken Jamaica’s growth prospects, Prime Minister Andrew Holness focused primarily on contractors who fail to deliver projects on time. “There are many issues that would cause the underutilisation of the capital budget,” Dr Holness said, “But, the one that is of interest to us is how contractors execute projects and the speed in which they execute projects … If they don’t perform, the budget cannot be expended and the growth of the country is slow.” His Ministry of Economic Growth and Infrastructure Development (it was until recently growth and job creation) was addressing the problem by developing a programme to help domestic contractors build capacity, the prime minister said. Dr Holness is no doubt right about the shortcomings of contractors, and how their weaknesses contribute to the slow execution of projects. But, as he intimated, this isn’t the whole story. It is questionable that it is even the major one. There are great shortcomings, too, in the government’s procurement architecture. This is not only in oversight rigidities, against which public officials often complain, and some of which the government sought to remedy with recent amendments to the Public Procurement Act. But a larger, and more pressing issue, as this newspaper has raised before, is the numbers, and quality of the personnel, who are asked to annually manage and monitor scores of billions of dollars of procurement, utilising various bidding/sourcing regimes and contracting schemes. PROFESSIONAL COMPETENCE This requires – or ought to – the highest level professional competence, and sufficient staff, so that it is done with the highest level of professionalism, and in a timely manner, to protect taxpayers’ interest and deliver on national priorities. In other words, the expertise required by public servants to manage bids to spend huge amounts of money should be no less than would be expected in the private sector. The anecdotal evidence suggests that despite improvements in recent times, significant deficits remain. The IFC, which became operational in January, reviews, and reports on, the government’s fiscal operations, to determine whether it is on track to lower, and maintain, Jamaica’s debt to no more than 60 per cent GDP, as set out in law. That target is likely to be met by the end of the current fiscal year, two years ahead of schedule. In its review for the first quarter (April to June) of the 2025/2026 fiscal year, the commission repeated a concern it raised in January in its report for the third quarter of the 2024/25 fiscal year: of under-spending on capital projects and the potential consequences thereof. The IFC noted that in the 2024/25 fiscal year, self-financing public bodies (some of which oversee major public sector infrastructure/development projects, generated an overall surplus of $88.9 billion, or 2.5 per cent of GDP. This was 158.4 per cent ($34.4) billion above the original target. The much larger surplus was mainly the result of these bodies underspending on capital projects by $49.1 billion. SLOW EXECUTION The slow execution of capital projects continued in the new fiscal year, lagging across central government and public bodies between April and June by $20.4 billion, a shortfall of 50.37 per cent on the projected spend. Given this “underwhelming” pace of execution, and the evidence of previous years, it seems unlikely that the total capital budget of $163.8 billion will be spent by the end of next March. “The IFC notes that the underspending does not represent true savings, but rather a delay or slowness in the pace of execution of projects and programmes,” the agency said. “This is of considerable concern particularly with regard to capital projects amid the adverse implications for economic growth.” While contractor inefficiencies contribute to the failures, a significant constraint is the slow pace at which projects get off the ground, from conceptualisation to procurement. That, in part, is the outcome of layers of bureaucracy, which have grown to close loopholes which were exploited by corrupt officials. The Gleaner supports recent moves to rid the system of some of the in-built inertia – but not at the expense of accountability and protection of taxpayers’ resources. Among the answers to such legitimate concerns, as we suggested nearly a year and a half ago, is the development of a cadre of highly trained, certified, accredited and decently paid procurement professionals. In other words, the government should attract the best talent to what should be seen as a prized, specialist profession. Clear career paths should be developed in the public sector for this group. This means that the government must cooperate with universities and other institutions on specialised training, as well as continuing education programmes for procurement specialists. Need: procurement specialists KLY GLEANER | OCTOBER 16 - NOVEMBER 13, 2025 | www.jamaica-gleaner.com | NEWS EDITORIAL moya.thomas@gleanerjm.com Moya Thomas anthony.smith@gleanerjm.com Anthony Smith - Chief Executive Officer ner Writer st Monday morning on from the Jamaica g tri-state residents amaica Carnival in ment that was broadmorning show on PIX elevision personality oaded with vibrant xy side of carnival in ages of resort areas across the island. esperson for Jamaica ales manager for the eastern USA) who did e multi-layered magaica year after year. xplosion of colour, former Miss Jamaica runner-up told New arty featuring soca stumes and the auat sets it apart is the combination of the now decades-old carnival tradition alongside Jamaica’s unique vibe, from our music to our food to our warm hospitality,” the JTB manager added. Since the event is still several months away, Marysol asked why it is necessary to book so early. “The early bird catches the worm,” Harper replied. “Booking now means significant savings with early-bird packages offering significant savings on event tickets, costumes, air and accommodations.” Those visiting for Jamaica Carnival are also urged to combine Kingston with other resort areas like Montego Bay, Ocho Rios and Port Antonio for a full-bodied extended stay so as to maximise the range of experiences that Jamaica has to offer. “The vibe is electric, the energy contagious, and the memories are everlasting,” Harper implored, with seductive flashes of cool, cascading waterfalls dancing across the television screen. Jamaica Carnival has rapidly evolved into one of the most dynamic cultural tourism events in the Caribbean. Earlier this year, the 2025 edition attracted over 52,000 participants and generated an estimated US$35 million during the peak week alone. For 2026, the prelude activities start as early as April 8 and the magnificent road march will take place on Sunday, April 12. aica Carnival 26 out the es early with v promotion WHEN HE responded last week to the Independent Fiscal Commission’s (IFC) warning that the government’s ongoing inability to meet its capital spending targets could weaken Jamaica’s growth prospects, Prime Minister Andrew Holness focused primarily on contractors who fail to deliver projects on time. “There are many issues that would cause the underutilisation of the capital budget,” Dr Holness said, “But, the one that is of interest to us is how contractors execute projects and the speed in which they execute projects … If they don’t perform, the budget cannot be expended and the growth of the country is slow.” His Ministry of Economic Growth and Infrastructure Development (it was until recently growth and job creation) was addressing the problem by developing a programme to help domestic contractors build capacity, the prime minister said. Dr Holness is no doubt right about the shortcomings of contractors, and how their weaknesses contribute to the slow execution of projects. But, as he intimated, this isn’t the whole story. It is questionable that it is even the major one. There are great shortcomings, too, in the government’s procurement architecture. This is not only in oversight rigidities, against which public officials often complain, and some of which the government sought to remedy with recent amendments to the Public Procurement Act. But a larger, and more pressing issue, as this newspaper has raised before, is the numbers, and quality of the personnel, who are asked to annually manage and monitor scores of billions of dollars of procurement, utilising various bidding/sourcing regimes and contracting schemes. PROFESSIONAL COMPETENCE This requires – or ought to – the highest level professional competence, and sufficient staff, so that it is done with the highest level of professionalism, and in a timely manner, to protect taxpayers’ interest and deliver on national priorities. In other words, the expertise required by public servants to manage bids to spend huge amounts of money should be no less than would be expected in the private sector. The anecdotal evidence suggests that despite improvements in recent times, significant deficits remain. The IFC, which became operational in January, reviews, and reports on, the government’s fiscal operations, to determine whether it is on track to lower, and maintain, Jamaica’s debt to no more than 60 per cent GDP, as set out in law. That target is likely to be met by the end of the current fiscal year, two years ahead of schedule. In its review for the first quarter (April to June) of the 2025/2026 fiscal year, the commission repeated a concern it raised in January in its report for the third quarter of the 2024/25 fiscal year: of under-spending on capital projects and the potential consequences thereof. The IFC noted that in the 2024/25 fiscal year, self-financing public bodies (some of which oversee major public sector infrastructure/development projects, generated an overall surplus of $88.9 billion, or 2.5 per cent of GDP. This was 158.4 per cent ($34.4) billion above the original target. The much larger surplus was mainly the result of these bodies underspending on capital projects by $49.1 billion. SLOW EXECUTION The slow execution of capital projects continued in the new fiscal year, lagging across central government and public bodies between April and June by $20.4 billion, a shortfall of 50.37 per cent on the projected spend. Given this “underwhelming” pace of execution, and the evidence of previous years, it seems unlikely that the total capital budget of $163.8 billion will be spent by the end of next March. “The IFC notes that the underspending does not represent true savings, but rather a delay or slowness in the pace of execution of projects and programmes,” the agency said. “This is of considerable concern particularly with regard to capital projects amid the adverse implications for economic growth.” While contractor inefficiencies contribute to the failures, a significant constraint is the slow pace at which projects get off the ground, from conceptualisation to procurement. That, in part, is the outcome of layers of bureaucracy, which have grown to close loopholes which were exploited by corrupt officials. The Gleaner supports recent moves to rid the system of some of the in-built inertia – but not at the expense of accountability and protection of taxpayers’ resources. Among the answers to such legitimate concerns, as we suggested nearly a year and a half ago, is the development of a cadre of highly trained, certified, accredited and decently paid procurement professionals. In other words, the government should attract the best talent to what should be seen as a prized, specialist profession. Clear career paths should be developed in the public sector for this group. This means that the government must cooperate with universities and other institutions on specialised training, as well as continuing education programmes for procurement specialists. Need: procurement specialists THE WEEKLY GLEANER | OCTOBER 16 - NOVEMBER 13, 2025 | www.jamaica-gleaner.com | NEWS EDITORIAL THE WEEKLY GLEANER | APRIL 16 - MAY 14, 2026 | www.jamaica-gleaner.com | EDITORIAL / NEWS Mission in motion From left: Sandra Brunson, mother of New York Knicks NBA Allstar basketball player Jalen Brunson; Irwine Clare, TJB; Michelle Stoddart Resorts World New York City, and TJB honouree Blane Stoddard, at the gala last Sunday. CONTRIBUTED Team Jamaica Bickle raises US$150k to support Jamaican athletes competing at 2026 Penn Relays
3 Lester Hinds/Gleaner Writer THE JAMAICAN Consulate in New York will host an all-day conference on April 16 aimed at mobilising the Jamaican diaspora to support national reconstruction efforts following the devastation caused by Hurricane Melissa. The invitation-only conference, to be held at the Consulate’s midtown Manhattan headquarters, is themed Recover Better: Mobilising the Diaspora for Jamaica’s National Reconstruction and Resilience. Prime Minister Andrew Holness is scheduled to deliver the keynote address, with several Cabinet ministers also participating. The event will bring together a selected group of diaspora investors, developers, financial professionals, and community leaders from the New York metropolitan area to examine concrete opportunities for investment, partnership, and technical support as Jamaica moves deeper into its reconstruction phase. “This conference is about presenting what is real, what is ready, and what is possible,” said Ariel Bowen, officer-incharge at the Jamaican Consulate in New York. “Jamaica’s reconstruction is not a future plan — it is under way. NaRRA is being stood up. The financing is assembled. What we need now is for the diaspora to step forward with the same seriousness and urgency that the moment demands.” According to the Consulate, the forum is designed to directly address the gap between the scale of Jamaica’s reconstruction needs and the pace at which diaspora capital and expertise have been mobilised. Attendance is limited to 70 participants, all screened for their ability to contribute meaningfully to recovery efforts. The conference opens at 9:30 a.m. with remarks from Bowen, followed by a presentation on the mandate and reconstruction framework of the National Reconstruction and Resilience Authority (NaRRA) by Trudy Deans, senior advisor to the Prime Minister. EXPLORE AVENUES Three sectoral sessions will then examine priority areas for rebuilding. The Agriculture and Food Security session will be led by Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Mining Floyd Green, with presentations from Development Bank of Jamaica Managing Director Dr David Lowe and Agro-Investment Corporation CEO Vivion Scully. The session will be moderated by Norma Jarrett, president of the Ole Farmers Association of North America. Education and Skills Development will be led by Senator Dr Dana Morris Dixon, Minister of Education, Skills, Youth and Information, and will feature a presentation on school infrastructure reconstruction by the National Education Trust. Dr Anthony Munroe, president of Borough of Manhattan Community College, will serve as moderator. The Housing and Urban Renewal session will be led by Minister without Portfolio in the Ministry of Economic Growth and Infrastructure Development Robert Montague. Demoy Kerr, crown counsel at NaRRA, will make a presentation, with moderation by Christopher Chaplin, honorary consul for Jamaica in Pennsylvania. An afternoon diaspora engagement roundtable will be moderated by Dr Karren Dunkley, former member of the Global Jamaica Diaspora Council. The session will explore avenues for diaspora members to invest financially, volunteer technical expertise, deploy professional skills, and contribute philanthropically. Presenters include Nicola Russell of the Development Bank of Jamaica, Michelle Tulloch-Neil of the Global Jamaica Diaspora Council, and Shaune Anthony Brown, the council’s commerce lead. Hurricane Melissa made landfall on Jamaica’s western coast on October 28, 2025, as a Category 5 storm with sustained winds of 185 miles per hour, the most destructive natural disaster in the country’s recorded history. The Planning Institute of Jamaica estimates total damage and losses at US$12.2 billion, equivalent to 56.7 per cent of Jamaica’s 2024 GDP. More than 156,000 homes were damaged, with around 24,000 completely destroyed. The western parishes — including St Elizabeth, Westmoreland, Hanover, St James, St Ann and Trelawny — suffered extensive agricultural damage, affecting more than 70,000 farmers. Critical infrastructure across the island was also severely impacted. Despite the scale of the disaster, Jamaica’s recovery has progressed rapidly. Electricity has been restored to 98 per cent of affected households, water supply to 97 per cent, and all three international airports are fully operational. In March 2026, Prime Minister Holness announced that Jamaica had officially entered the reconstruction phase of its disaster response. Central to this effort is NaRRA, a statutory body reporting to the Office of the Prime Minister, supported by a US$6.7-billion multilateral financing package — the largest coordinated reconstruction initiative in the country’s history. The conference will conclude with Prime Minister Holness’ address, Building Back Better: Jamaica’s Vision for National Recovery and Resilience, followed by a question-and-answer session. Members of the Jamaica College team celebrate with the Schools’ Challenge Quiz championship trophy after their victory on Thursday, receiving the prize from Joseph M Matalon, Executive Chairman of the RJRGLEANER Communications Group. ANTOINE LODGE/PHOTOGRAPHER Rebuild Jamaica: Government courts diaspora investors at New York conference Prime Minister Dr. Andrew Holness AG GUEST GUEST THE WEEKLY GLEANER | APRIL 16 - MAY 14, 2026 | www.jamaica-gleaner.com | NEWS
A SENIOR CARICOM official has warned that the escalating Middle East conflict poses a serious risk to the Caribbean’s food and economic security, despite the region’s geographic distance from the war. Speaking at a Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) hybrid regional dialogue on Friday, CARICOM Assistant SecretaryGeneral Wendell Samuel said the Caribbean’s heavy reliance on imported food, fuel, fertilisers and shipping services makes it acutely vulnerable to global disruptions. He stressed that geopolitical tensions quickly filter into domestic economic problems. “Inflation, food affordability and fiscal stability are not abstract risks for us,” Samuel said. “They are immediate public policy concerns.” The conflict involving Israel, Iran and the United States has placed pressure on global energy, fertiliser and agrifood systems, particularly following Iran’s restrictions on vessels transiting the Strait of Hormuz—a critical maritime route. Under normal conditions, the strait channels about 20 million barrels of oil per day, roughly a quarter of global seaborne oil trade, as well as large volumes of liquefied natural gas and fertilisers. FAO noted that the disruption has 4 THE FINANCIAL standing of the University Hospital of the West Indies (UHWI) is now under scrutiny following revelations that the teaching institution has a ballooning tax debt amounting to tens of billions of dollars. ACTING CHIEF executive officer of the UHWI, Eric Hosin, told members of Parliament’s Public Accounts Committee (PAC) on Tuesday that the hospital owed Tax Administration Jamaica (TAJ) more than $40 billion in taxes. He said $18 billion of this amount is the principal sum owed and the balance represents interest and penalties. In an earlier appearance before the PAC, Hosin pointed out that one of the contracts flagged in the auditor general’s performance audit of the hospital was to produce an operation and turnaround plan to address concerns about the viability of the hospital “from a financial standpoint because at this moment it is not in the best of shape”. The consulting firm, William Pragmatic Limited, which was supposed to deliver its turnaround plan by the latest early 2025, only submitted a draft document in February this year, more than a year after receiving US$93,000 – or half of the money – to prepare the plan, and also one month after the auditor general flagged the issue. Lamenting the sum owed by the institution, committee member Lothan Cousins noted that ordinary Jamaicans are dragged before the courts by TAJ for their tax obligations while the UHWI owed this massive sum over an extended period. MAGNITUDE OF SUM OWED Placing the magnitude of the sum owed into context, committee chairman Julian Robinson quipped that the principal amount due was similar to the Government’s $18 billion new tax package for the current fiscal year. In a related matter, Hosin also admitted that the institution has been operating without its own tax compliance certificate (TCC) for several years. He said the UHWI, which now has a temporary TCC, has been using the certificate of its private wing for years. He told the committee that, since January of this year, the hospital has been importing items through the Ministry of Health and Wellness. “We recently received a temporary TCC because of the nature of our business and the urgency in terms of the medicines that we need to import into the island and the speed at which we need to get it in,” he added. Asked Robinson: “Given that you are not able to import items on your own behalf, would that give rise to the tax exempt status being provided to thirdparty companies to bring items in on behalf of the hospital?” However, Hosin declared that under no circumstance should the hospital use its tax exempt certificate to import items for any third party, not even a government ministry. “It must be solely for the use of the hospital and items purchased by the hospital,” he stressed. The UHWI had named four companies which the auditor general signalled benefitted from the misuse of the hospital’s tax exempt status to import goods into the country. The companies are Supreme Laundry Services, The Willman Sales Company Limited, Scientific Medical Services, and the JACDEN Group of Companies. A request from Chairman Julian Robinson was approved for the substantive CEO Fitzgerald Mitchell, former CEO Kevin Allen, and ex-board chairman Wayne Chai Chong to be summoned to the next meeting of the committee later this month. There is no evidence to signal that any of the former officials to be summoned is involved in wrongdoing. PAC grills UHWI over massive tax debt HOSIN Smoke rises following an Israeli airstrike on the village of Qlaileh, as seen from the southern port city of Tyre, Lebanon, Wednesday, April 15, 2026. AP restricted trade flows, fuelling volatility in international energy and agricultural input markets. These shocks have translated into higher production costs, increased food prices and heightened food security risks worldwide, especially for import-dependent regions such as the Caribbean. CARICOM countries import more than 60 per cent of their food, with the regional food import bill reaching US$13.76 billion between 2018 and 2020—about five per cent of GDP. Samuel warned that rising food prices could worsen poverty and social instability. “The gravest risk is rising food insecurity,” he said, noting that even modest declines in real income can result in large increases in poverty and hunger. Samuel said CARICOM has developed a draft regional response matrix to address the projected fallout. The framework, to be presented to the region’s agriculture ministers, links external shocks to policy responses, outlining both immediate stabilisation measures and long-term structural reforms. Short-term actions could include targeted subsidies, cash transfers and school-feeding programmes to protect vulnerable households, although high public debt and limited fiscal space may constrain some governments. Emergency food assistance may also be required in certain contexts. However, Samuel stressed that longterm resilience depends on investment in climate-smart agriculture, productivity-enhancing technologies and strengthened regional food systems. To counter fertiliser disruption, he proposed prioritising strategic crops, promoting alternative inputs and diversifying supply sources, including exploring regional production. Shipping disruptions driven by higher freight rates, insurance costs and delays pose additional risks to CARICOM economies operating with limited storage and just-in-time import systems. Samuel said regional coordination on essential imports, along with regional shipping arrangements and strategic reserves, would be critical. He also highlighted the need to invest in renewable energy to reduce exposure to oil market volatility and to strengthen shock-responsive social protection systems. “A fragmented response will be insufficient,” Samuel said, urging collective action on procurement, logistics, strategic reserves, policy alignment and regional economic surveillance to safeguard food security and development gains. CARICOM WARNS OF FOOD SHOCK FROM MIDDLE EAST WAR THE WEEKLY GLEANER | APRIL 16 - MAY 14, 2026 | www.jamaica-gleaner.com | NEWS
THE WEEKLY GLEANER | APRIL 16 - MAY 14, 2026 | www.jamaica-gleaner.com | ADVERTISEMENT 5
6 AMID THE volatility in the world oil market, Jamaica’s energy security remains intact and there is no need for panic, the Government has sought to assure. Energy Minister Daryl Vaz, who delivered the assurance on Wednesday, however also signalled that, as part of an attempt to encourage energy conservation, the Government would have to consider policies that would “limit movements”. “I don’t know whether we go back to a COVID hybrid version of working from home, but something has to happen,”Vaz said, making reference to the no-movement days and other restrictions imposed during the pandemic. “The level of traffic that I am seeing on the road doesn’t show me that anybody realises that there is a war, and the price of fuel and oil is just continuing to go up and up,” he added. Vaz, along with Senator Dr Dana Morris Dixon, minister of education, skills, youth and information, insisted that no decision has been taken. “I am sure that the Cabinet will deliberate and the Government will come up with plans as to how to conserve,” Vaz said. However, he said Jamaica’s energy security is anchored in the refining capacity at Petrojam, the government-owned oil refinery, and established finished product contracts. “So, it’s not a matter of not being able to buy, it’s the price. So there is no need to panic,”Vaz told journalists during a post-Cabinet press conference at Jamaica House in St Andrew yesterday. He said the Government is very clear on what it needs to do to ensure supplies to the Jamaican market. THE MINISTRY of Education has stated that it has received no official reports of inappropriate behaviour by individuals sheltering at schools, following allegations made by Jamaica Teachers’ Association (JTA) President Mark Malabver. Speaking at the first day of the JTA’s 2026 education conference Malabver said that the association has received reports of students and teachers being unable to use their classrooms where shelterees engage in unsavoury activities while occupying the buildings. Those reports, he said, included shelterees engaging in sexual activities in full view of students, as well as teaching supplies going missing following their occupancy of schools, while students and teachers have to conduct their classes under tents. However, in a statement issued on Wednesday, the ministry said it has not been notified of any incidents, particularly those involving children, at any school currently being used as a shelter. The ministry noted that checks were conducted with the relevant regional office that has direct oversight for the schools referenced. According to the ministry, Regional Director Dr Michelle Pinnock confirmed that no such reports had been made to the region. Further, it said that principals of schools currently operating as shelters were contacted, and none indicated that any such incidents had occurred on their compounds. However, the ministry said the principals have requested additional time to carry out further due diligence, given the seriousness of the allegations. At present, 81 individuals are being accommodated across eight shelter sites, the education ministry said. These persons have been in shelters since the passage of Hurricane Melissa last October. Ministry pushes back at claims about inappropriate behaviour at school shelters AG GUEST GUEST Mark Malabver, president of the Jamaica Teachers’ Association (JTA). THE TEENAGE boy who suffered injuries in an incident at Jamaica College on March 26 will not be returning to the Old Hope Road, St Andrew-based institution when it reopens for the summer term next Monday. “I haven’t decided on how to finish the term as he only has a few more months left to complete fourth form, but the short answer is he is never setting foot on that campus [again],” the boy’s mom told The Gleaner. She insisted that her son was being bullied and that he was injured by a group of boys, not in a fight between himself (identified as Boy 3) and Boy 1 as the school said in a statement last week. One boy is reportedly facing charges over the incident. Caroline Hay, KC, confirmed to The Gleaner that her firm, Hay McDowell, is now representing the family’s interests and sent a press release accusing the school of attempting to control the narrative. In its statement, Jamaica College said the incident was regrettable. It said the parties and eyewitnesses involved provided written statements of what had transpired. It said the incident was a fight between two boys over the ownership of $2,000. JC student injured in bust-up withdraws from school THE FORMER Member of Parliament charged with incest following allegations that he sexually assaulted his young teenage daughter in January was last Thursday granted $300,000 bail when he appeared in court in Westmoreland. He was ordered to report to the Frome police on Saturdays and have no contact with the child. No travel restriction was imposed. The man, who represented the People’s National Party, was arrested on Monday. The name of the former lawmaker is being withheld to protect the child’s identity. Reports are that the alleged incident occurred on January 23 while the man was assisting the child with a passport application, during which he took her to verify photographs. It is further alleged that the child was later taken to the man’s home, where he engaged in sexual intercourse with her. Investigators later carried out an operation at the accused man’s home, where he was arrested and taken into custody. Former MP accused of incest granted $300,000 bail THE WEEKLY GLEANER | APRIL 16 - MAY 14, 2026 | www.jamaica-gleaner.com | NEWS Vaz floats policies to ‘limit movements’, preserve energy security amid oil volatility
7 HEALTH AND Wellness Minister Dr Christopher Tufton has signalled that decisive action will follow the tragic death of a newborn at the Cornwall Regional Hospital, declaring that the authorities must act if wrongdoing is uncovered. “Clearly, we all want safe deliveries ... . It’s a very unfortunate situation and we certainly sympathse with the family members,” Tufton told The Gleaner, adding he has asked the regional director to probe the circumstances. In his first remark, Tufton, who said he became aware of the incident after it was first reported on Tuesday by The Gleaner, confirmed that a formal review is now under way, stressing that accountability is paramount. Tufton said he would await the investigation and the submission of a report, and refrain from saying too much in the “heat of the moment”. His position comes as the Western Regional Health Authority (WRHA) issued a statement last week expressing “deep regret” over the death of the baby, Ramontay Rakai Ranger, born to Shandale Ballentine, while announcing an urgent case review into the matter. According to the WRHA, the hospital has extended condolences to the grieving mother and her family and has committed to maintaining transparency, while safeguarding patient privacy. The authority also stated that “psychosocial support is being provided” and that the matter is being treated with urgency as part of its commitment to patient safety and quality care. But a 33-year-old Ballentine was stunned by the release. In a response to the hospital’s public statement, she told The Gleaner that she has not received any counselling. Instead, she said that her only contact from the hospital has been a telephone call and an email from a senior customer care officer at the WRHA, acknowledging receipt of her complaint and advising that a full investigation would be conducted. The letter indicated that the probe could take up to 40 working days, after which she would be invited to discuss the findings. Tufton urges accountability after tragic infant loss THE PARLIAMENT’S Ethics Committee says it is moving to have embattled St Andrew East Central Member of Parliament (MP) Dennis Gordon appear before it on April 22 to clarify statements he made during a previous meeting concerning matters related to the University Hospital of the West Indies (UHWI) procurement and tax exemption issue. The Ethics Committee, at its last meeting in February, considered and signed off on an exemption motion which allowed Gordon not to vacate his seat if he becomes party to any contract with the Government. The House of Representatives subsequently gave the stamp of approval to the exemption motion for Gordon to do business with the Government, while remaining an MP. On Sunday, Leader of the Opposition Mark Golding said a decision had been made for Gordon to relinquish his positions as a member of the PAC and the Shadow Cabinet until at least three investigations into how the UHWI used its tax exempt status to benefit private companies were completed. Follow The Gleaner on X, formerly Twitter, and Instagram @ JamaicaGleaner and on Facebook @ GleanerJamaica. Send us a message on WhatsApp at 1-876-499-0169 or email us at onlinefeedback@ gleanerjm.com or editors@ gleanerjm.com. Ethics Committee to summon Gordon TUFTON THE DEPARTURE of 27 Cuban healthcare workers from Cornwall Regional Hospital has exposed critical gaps in specialist care, forcing the Government to turn to the diaspora, Africa, and India to fill the void. Health and Wellness Minister Dr Christopher Tufton, speaking at a press briefing in Montego Bay, St James, on Thursday, said the group – comprising 22 nurses, three doctors, and four radiotherapists – had been filling roles that could not easily be staffed locally. While the hospital has since recruited additional personnel, including 25 nurses, 18 patient- care assistants, and several doctors, Tufton stressed that these hires do not replace the expertise lost. “They are not a replacement for the Cubans … . The Cubans were specialists,” he said. The exit forms part of a wider shift in Jamaica’s decades-old medical cooperation programme with Cuba, which spanned five decades and long supplemented the island’s public-health system with specialist personnel. At the start of this year, there were approximately 260 Cuban healthcare workers in Jamaica, including about 50 assigned to the Western Regional Health Authority, where Cornwall Regional Hospital is located. The loss is being felt most acutely in specialised areas such as oncology, where four radiotherapy positions remain vacant and local replacements have not been identified. To address the shortfall, the Government has shortlisted approximately 70 candidates from the diaspora, drawn from a wider pool of applicants, with interviews now under way. At the same time, Jamaica is expanding recruitment efforts internationally, with agreements being finalised with Ghana and Nigeria, and engagement is under way with India’s Apollo hospital system to source skilled personnel. Cuban exit exposes specialist gaps at crh THE WEEKLY GLEANER | APRIL 16 - MAY 14 2026 | www.jamaica-gleaner.com | NEWS MISSED
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