SHORTS

Cornwall launches dead baby probe

The management of Cornwall Regional Hospital in St James says "an urgent review" of Shandale Ballentine's case his being conducted after her baby was born dead at the facility on Good Friday.

In a media release issued yesterday, the hospital said "the matter is being treated with urgency".

"The Cornwall Regional Hospital is saddened by the outcome of the case in the death of Shandale Ballentine's baby and has expressed sincere condolences to the patient and the affected families," the institution said.

While the process is under way, hospital officials say they will continue to engage the family directly, while upholding strict patient confidentiality protocols.

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Brown calls for mining halt

Member of Parliament Chris Brown is calling for an immediate suspension of mining activities near the Westmoreland Bridge in St Mary, warning that continued extraction in the Wag Water River could compromise the structure's stability.

In a statement issued Tuesday, Brown expressed "deep concern" about ongoing operations in the Chovey/Georgia area, noting that the activity poses a potential threat to the relatively new bridge, which serves as a critical link for residents and motorists.

"I am deeply concerned about the continued mining activity in the vicinity of the Westmoreland Bridge at Chovey/Georgia in St Mary in the Wag Water River which threatens the structural integrity of the recently constructed Westmoreland Bridge," she said.

Brown is specifically calling for an immediate halt to all mining operations in the area to facilitate a comprehensive safety assessment by the National Works Agency.

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PIOJ provides health sector report

The Planning Institute of Jamaica (PIOJ) is reporting that the country's health sector recorded notable milestones during the 2024 calendar year, even as it grappled with a range of significant challenges.

Outlined in the Institute's latest Economic and Social Survey Jamaica (ESSJ), which provides a comprehensive assessment of national development, the agency says the Government continued to invest in several critical priority areas, aimed at improving population health outcomes and boosting system efficiency.

These investments targeted maternal health, mental health services, vaccination programmes, sexual and reproductive health, and the strengthening of human resources within the sector.

The report also highlighted the growing role of evidence-based research and the digital transformation of healthcare delivery. These initiatives, the PIOJ noted, are designed to modernise the health system, enhance patient care, and improve access to services across the island.

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Chang hails JCF transformation

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Security and Peace, Dr Horace Chang, says the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) has undergone one of the most significant transformations in its history, emerging as a modern and professional organisation.

Speaking at a Passing Out Parade and Awards Ceremony for batches 163 and 164 at the National Police College of Jamaica in St Catherine, Chang told the 295 graduates they are entering a reformed institution that now offers meaningful opportunities for young professionals.

"You are not entering the Force of old," he said, noting that the JCF once reflected a colonial-style policing model that often felt distant from the communities it served.

He acknowledged longstanding challenges, including inadequate resources, poor working conditions, and limited career growth, but said these issues have been systematically addressed through targeted policy reforms and sustained investment.

"Today, you are stepping into a modern, professional and increasingly respected law-enforcement institution. We have restructured the compensation for police officers, ensuring that those who serve and protect are better rewarded for their sacrifice," he stated.

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Guitar brings joy at St Ann Drop-in Centre

Minister of Local Government and Community Development, Desmond McKenzie, made good on a promise he made to a regular visitor to the St Ann Drop-in Centre in Ocho Rios, when he presented a new guitar to the musician, Allmond Belnavis, on Tuesday.

McKenzie explained that the gesture stemmed from a previous visit, when he noticed Belnavis sitting alone outside the building. Choosing to engage him, the minister learnt more about his life and discovered his deep love for music.

"For certain conditions, he can no longer play straight but we don't want to take away that love from him, and I'm here this afternoon to present him with a brand-new guitar," the minister said.

He also emphasised that the drop-in centre is more than just a place that provides shelter, medical care, and meals. Instead, it is designed to help residents remain engaged, maintain their routines, and continue participating in daily activities that bring them a sense of normalcy and purpose.

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PSOJ says budget falls short

The Private Sector Organisation of Jamaica (PSOJ) has cautioned that the 2026 Budget falls short of presenting a clear and actionable growth agenda, noting that Jamaica's productivity remains critically low at approximately US$8.81 per hour worked--less than half the Caribbean average.

The Organisation identified three priority areas needing urgent attention. First, on energy reform, it highlighted Jamaica's heavy reliance on imported fuel, which exceeds 90 per cent, exposing the country to global market shocks.

The PSOJ is calling for a detailed reform roadmap, including diversification of the energy mix, greater use of renewables, improved access to financing for energy projects, and streamlined regulatory processes.

Second, regarding digital transformation, the PSOJ raised concerns about the application of General Consumption Tax (GCT) on business-use digital services. While recognising the Government's revenue objectives, the organisation warned that taxing productivity-enhancing digital tools risks increasing operational costs, slowing adoption, and undermining competitiveness.

"We must not tax productivity in a way that undermines growth," the PSOJ stated.

Third, on workforce development, the PSOJ urged stronger alignment between training programmes and industry needs, noting ongoing challenges in sourcing job-ready talent.