Lead Stories

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…
Metry Seaga, PSOJ president.
January 6, 2026 by Edmond Campbell

Bracing for headwinds

A key sector leader has argued that despite the severe disruptions caused by Hurricane Melissa, which the International Monetary Fund estimates could depress economic output by between eight and 13…
Chief Justice Bryan Sykes
January 6, 2026 by Tanesha Mundle

Chief justice renews call for greater judicial control over capital budget

Chief Justice Bryan Sykes has renewed calls for the judiciary to be given control of its capital budget, while questioning the Government’s silence on repairs to courthouses damaged by Hurricane…
Dr Mark Nicely, secretary general of the Jamaica Teachers’ Association.
January 6, 2026 by Albert Ferguson

From financial turmoil to ownership

WESTERN BUREAU: Dr Mark Nicely, secretary general and a former president of the Jamaica Teachers’ Association (JTA), says the purchase and opening of the organisation’s Western Regional Offices came…