IRIE FM

The Nurses Association of Jamaica (NAJ) says it is awaiting its second call to meet with the Finance Ministry to continue wage negotiations.

Speaking with IRIE FM News today, NAJ President, Dawn Marie Richards, says the union submitted its negotiating proposal to the Ministry some time ago.

She notes that the association met with the Finance Ministry earlier this year, and is now awaiting another round of discussions.

The Ministry of Finance and the Jamaica Confederation of Trade Unions (JCTU) formally signed the wage agreement for public sector workers last week.

The package includes an $80,000 tax-free one-time grant in the first year of the agreement, a five per cent salary increase for the 2026/2027 financial year, and a further five per cent increase for 2027/2028.

However, other groups, like the nurses and teachers, have yet to complete their negotiations.

Meanwhile, when asked to comment on the wage deal agreed to by the JCTU, Ms Richards expressed disappointment over the salary increase.

She said historically, this sets the pace for talks between the Government and other unions as it relates to basic salary.

Vice Chairman of the National Road Safety Council (NRSC), Dr. Lucien Jones has expressed disappointment, following the Government’s decision to delay the implementation of the traffic ticket demerit points system.

The system was initially set to take effect on October 1.

In a recent meeting with government officials and other stakeholders, it was agreed that the implementation date will not come into effect, until a full revision of the demerit points system is completed.

This is also expected to incorporate recommendations from the public transport operators steering committee as well as the roll-out of an education programme.

In light of this, Dr Jones said he is hoping the delay is short-term.

Meanwhile, He noted that the NRSC supports public transport operators’ request for a review of non-moving violations which will result in demerit points.

New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani has highlighted the contributions of Caribbean icons, including Jamaican Dancehall star Sean Paul and legendary West Indies cricketer Shivnarine Chanderpaul.

Mamdani made the remarks while hosting a Caribbean Heritage Reception at Gracie Mansion on August 27, where he reflected on his connection to the Caribbean community and the influence of West Indies cricket.

During his address, the Mayor explained the connection he made between Sean Paul and Chanderpaul, noting that Sean Paul’s familiar “Sean de Paul” intro is a reference to the former West Indies batsman.

Mamdani, who wore a West Indies 2007 Cricket World Cup jersey during the event, described Chanderpaul as one of the greatest batsmen of his time and said the cricketer represented the greatness of the Caribbean.

He also reflected on the achievements of legendary West Indies players including Clive Lloyd, Viv Richards, Curtly Ambrose, Michael Holding and Malcolm Marshall, while highlighting the spirit of unity that defined the West Indies cricket team.

Jamaica’s newly appointed Consul General to New York, Oliver Mair, shared the clip of Mamdani’s remarks on social media, welcoming the recognition of Jamaican and wider Caribbean excellence.

Meanwhile, Sean Paul continues to promote his latest single, “Face Card,” produced by Seanizzle, following a recent performance in Toronto.

Medical professionals who continue to shirk their duties, and those who are found to be negligent, will be under the Health Ministry’s radar as it intensifies accountability measures.

Portfolio Minister, Dr. Christopher Tufton says the move is part of greater efforts to address deficiencies within the sector, especially regarding patient care.

Dr. Tufton stresses the importance of individual accountability which, among other things, would ensure clear ownership of tasks and eliminate blame-shifting when goals are missed.

He maintains that persons working within the sector must commit to playing their roles or find other places of employment.

The Health Minister says his team will continue its work to ensure a high standard of care.

The police are appealing to school administrators to be honest with them about disciplinary challenges faced by institutions.

This as early disclosure allows for better risk assessment and intervention before problems escalate.

National Safe School Coordinator Sergeant Andrew Williams made the call during the police’s Force for Good Podcast yesterday.

He said there is a common misconception that once a school resource officer is placed in a school, it means that the school is bad.

However, Sergeant Williams indicated that SROs are there to create a safer learning environment for students.

Meantime, Sergeant Williams encouraged parents to report incidents where their children are being threatened by their peers to SROs.

With the new academic year fast approaching, a call is being made for students and other commuters to ensure they travel with licensed taxi operators if they choose them as their mode of transport.

President of the St. James Taxi Association, Deon Chance told IRIE FM News that while keeping passengers safe is a priority for taxi associations, travellers must also play a role in keeping themselves protected.

Mr. Chance is urging commuters especially students, to be vigilant and only take red-plate vehicles which can be traced and whose drivers can be held accountable. 

The Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) says there will be increased patrols by school resource officers (SROs) in the upcoming academic year.  

SROs are specialised JCF officers assigned to schools to maintain discipline, protect students and foster safe-learning-environments as part of the safe schools programme.

Speaking during the JCF’s Force4Good podcast last evening, National Safe School Coordinator, Sergeant Andrew Williams said the SRO’s role is also to patrol school zones to ensure students are not loitering on the street. 

He said SROs across all divisions will continue to work together to ensure the safety of students.

Parliamentary Secretary in the Education Ministry, Senator Marlon Morgan is urging school leaders to intensify water conservation and rainwater harvesting efforts as the new school year approaches. 

This, as drought conditions continue to worsen. 

Senator Morgan suggested that rain water be used for sanitary conveniences.

He reiterated that weather conditions cannot be controlled so administrators must ensure schools are responsible with water usage.

Prime Minister Dr Andrew Holness has announced that the Government will provide a relocation grant, to persons who lost their homes in a demolition exercise in Cooper’s Pen, Trelawny.

He said individuals can use the funds to support rebuilding efforts and purchase household items.

Dr. Holness was responding to residents’ calls for compensation for items lost during the demolition, including furniture.

The Prime Minister emphasised that government cannot use tax payers funds to unilaterally provide them with redress, or actions carried out by private individuals.

The Prime Minister stated that there is a legal difference between a relocation grant and the government providing formal redress for damage.

This, as the government cannot be liable for damage caused during legal matters, it is not involved in.

Prime Minister Dr Andrew Holness noted that lands being sought for displaced residents of Cooper’s Pen in Trelawny will not be free.

The Government is exploring options for relocating the affected residents, to include lands nearby.

Dr Holness said the lots will be provided through various options such as lease arrangements.

Dr Holness urged the residents to pay their utility bills when the new lots are developed.

He said the incident in Cooper’s Pen must serve as a watershed moment in the country as it relates to the issue of squatting.

Dr Holness was speaking to residents during a recent tour of the community.