Lead Stories

Ramon Small-Ferguson.
February 21, 2026 by Edmond Campbell

Opposition wants timeline for phasing out asset tax

Senators on both sides of the political divide yesterday locked horns over a timeline for eliminating the asset tax paid by financial institutions, which should have been phased out about a decade…
Pearnel Charles Jr, minister of labour and social security, addressing beneficiaries under the Restoration of Owners or Occupants Family Shelter programme at Sean Lavery Faith hall in Savann-la-Mar, Westmoreland, on Thursday.
February 21, 2026

Common-law couples cautioned against duplicate hurricane claims within households

WESTERN BUREAU: Pearnel Charles Jr, minister of labour and social security, is cautioning residents against submitting multiple hurricane relief applications from the same household, warning that the…
Moses Chybar, president of the Westmoreland Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
February 21, 2026 by Albert Ferguson

Westmoreland Chamber urges balance on proposed digital, sin taxes

WESTERN BUREAU: Moses Chybar, the president of the Westmoreland Chamber of Commerce, is urging the Government to strike a careful balance as it moves to impose new taxes on digital services, alcohol,…
First-time parents, Natasha McKenzie Petgrave and her husband, Jovain Petgrave, cradling their baby boy, who was born on New Year’s Day.
February 21, 2026 by Mickalia Kington

Settling into motherhood

Western Bureau: For many young Jamaicans, the decision to start a family is becoming increasingly complex. The cost of living continues to rise, some young couples have limited support systems and…
Reverend Claude Ellis, principal of the St Andrew-based Pembroke Hall High School.
February 20, 2026 by Kimone Francis

LITERACY SOS

Pembroke Hall High School Principal Reverend Claude Ellis is calling on the Government to redirect its resources into the primary and early childhood sectors to address educational gaps being…
Former Jamaican Prime Minister P.J. Patterson.
February 20, 2026 by Janet Silvera

Former CARICOM leaders urge repeal of US exec order targeting Cuba’s fuel supply

WESTERN BUREAU: Caribbean former heads of government have issued an extraordinary joint appeal condemning what they describe as a “catastrophic fuel blockade” against Cuba, warning that the island’s…
Jamaicans for Justice Executive Director Mickel Jackson (second left) discusses the findings of the Citizens’ Rights. Roles, Responsibilities and Practice Survey 2025 with (from left) Vanna Lawrence, programme manager, Delegation of the European Union to
February 20, 2026 by Edmond Campbell

More males report physical abuse by female partners in new survey

A new survey co-published by the Mico Foundation and Jamaicans for Justice (JFJ) has highlighted the top three human rights violations reported in 10 Kingston communities as domestic violence, police…
February 20, 2026 by Andre Williams

Second deadly shooting in days deepens tension in Kgn East

Tension is rising in several communities along the Mountain View Avenue corridor in East Kingston after weeks of deadly shootings, the latest of which occurred in broad daylight on Thursday. Police…
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…