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John S. Bassie is a barrister/attorney-at-law who practises law in Jamaica. He is a justice of the peace, a Supreme Court-appointed mediator, a chartered arbitrator and a member of the Immigration Law Practitioners Association (U.K.). Email: lawbassie@yaho
20 Oct, 2026 0

Immigration | What is a British National Overseas visa?

Dear Mr Bassie, What is a British National Overseas Visa, and who is eligible to apply for one? Any advice would be helpful. F. F. Dear F. F., Please note that a British National (Overseas) visa is…
Kirk Benjamin, commissioner of customs at the Jamaica Customs Agency.
19 Oct, 2026 0

CUSTOMS EYES SPEED - Customs steps up tech for faster clearance, fewer port crowds to ease Christmas rush

With less than a month before the busy end-of-year activities at the country’s ports get into high gear, Commissioner of Jamaica Customs Kirk Benjamin said the state body is pushing its express…
Governor-General Sir Patrick Allen
19 Oct, 2026 0

Governor General implores Jamaicans to honour ancestors by leaving a lasting legacy

Jamaicans are being urged to honour the ancestors not only by preserving the foundation they laid but by building a lasting legacy for future generations. The call was made by Governor-General Sir…
19 Oct, 2026 0

More than $1 billion worth of cocaine seized in 48 hours

The Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) has seized more than $1 billion worth of cocaine in a series of counter-narcotics operations over 48 hours, including two major interceptions at the Kingston…
Constable Devoney Rose.
19 Oct, 2026 0

‘They are heroes’ - PM, Opposition salute slain cops; Holness vows continued pressure on criminal networks

Prime Minister Dr Andrew Holness has pledged full state support to intensify police operations targeting high-risk criminals and their networks, following the death of two lawmen he has hailed as…
From left: Debbie Ottey-Golding, public health nurse; Claude Gregory, tailor and community volunteer; Carlton Knight, civic leader and Justice of the Peace; Hopeton Henry, journalist and community advocate; Ethel Brown, civic leader, Justice of the Peace a
19 Oct, 2026 0

Eight Clarendonians honoured for contribution to public service

Eight Clarendonians were recognised for their contributions to public health, journalism, education, humanitarian service and community development at the annual National Heroes' Day Salute…
19 Oct, 2026 0

INDECOM probes fatal police shooting of two men in Mandeville

The Independent Commission of Investigations (INDECOM) has launched a probe into the fatal shooting of two unidentified men during a police operation in Mandeville, Manchester, on Monday. Reports are…
19 Oct, 2026 0

St Thomas twins charged with burglary, assault and malicious destruction of property

Twin brothers have been charged with burglary, assault occasioning actual bodily harm and malicious destruction of property following an incident at Crystal City Prospect in St Thomas on Tuesday,…
Sargassum piling up on the South Haven beach in St Thomas.
19 Oct, 2026 0

No access, no point - Wilmot fears beach development may dispossess public at South Haven

For Jamaica’s public beaches, development of restroom facilities, eateries and other amenities can allow for greater enjoyment of the beloved natural resource. But as communities grapple with the…