IRIE FM

Attorney-at-law Bert Samuels says the recent report in relation to issues at the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) has not accused the integrity of the president, the judges or the court’s decisions.

Mr. Samuels made the comment during a press conference yesterday, where the matter was discussed.

The statement follows reports that judges at the CCJ are not confident in the leadership of President Justice Winston Anderson.

The President has been accused by a majority of his fellow judges of governing the regional court in an authoritarian manner, among other allegations.

According to Mr. Samuels, the matters raised in the emails that were leaked could have been addressed internally.

He is hoping that the report will not deter Jamaica or the rest of the region from making the CCJ its final court and putting aside the United Kingdom’s Privy Council.

In the meantime, Mr. Samuels also called on policymakers within the region not to be influenced by politics.

The Opposition People’s National Party, has called on the relevant government agencies to ensure that residents of Coopers Pen in Trelawny who were displaced following a demolition exercise today, receive appropriate assistance.

Caretaker for North Trelawny Dennis Meadows also called for the affected residents to be treated with dignity.

In a statement, Meadows noted that while the legality of the operation may be determined through the appropriate legal processes, the humanitarian impact on the families affected cannot be overlooked.

He pointed out that the demolition comes at a particularly difficult time for many families who are still recovering from the effects of Hurricane Melissa, while simultaneously preparing for the start of the new school year.

Mr. Meadows said the circumstances warrant a coordinated response to minimise hardship and to ensure that vulnerable residents were not left without support.

He also raised questions about the apparent lack of representation and support for affected residents, by Member of Parliament Ms. Tova Hamilton.

He suggested that the government purchase the property then subdivide it for the affected residents.

Minister of Foreign Affairs Kamina Johnson smith says the ministry has not received any report of Jamaicans who are in Columbia being affected, following a 7.4 magnitude earthquake that struck the country yesterday.

Rescue workers in Colombia are still working against the clock to free survivors trapped in buildings and under rubble.

According to BBC more than 180 people have been confirmed dead.

Speaking with IRIE FM News, Mrs. Johnson Smith said while flights to Jamaica were initially affected, those Jamaicans were able to return home.

The Minister said the situation is being monitored.

Rising dancehall artiste Malie Donn, who was a guest on Irie FM’s Wake up call programme this morning, believes there will come a time when his music can be played on radio without edits.

When quizzed by DJ Sunshine about whether listeners could eventually hear his songs on radio in their original form, Malie Donn says fans can expect to hear cleaner material from him, despite his reputation for hardcore dancehall creations.

During the interview, Malie Donn also acknowledged his responsibility to help maintain the culture.

Malie Donn was on the wake-up call speaking about his debut album, the Golden child, which is set for release on September 4 through Vp records.

With mere weeks to go before the start of the new school year, dancehall entertainer D’Angel, through her Angel’s Foundation, is continuing her mission to bring relief to needy families, this time with a benefit concert. In an interview with Music News, D’angel says she’s undertaking this venture with a leap of faith

Slated for August 16 at the Spanish Town Prison Oval, the event will feature performances by Queen Ifrica, Nesbeth, Jodian Pantry, Future Fambo, among others.

Over the years, D’angel has remained committed to giving back to underserved Jamaicans through her foundation, which was co-founded by her son, Marco Dean Davis.

Some car wash operators in St. Ann are bracing for increased pressure on their businesses, with the impending water prohibition orders amid the severe drought affecting the island.

The prohibition orders will take effect on August 17 in seven parishes including St. Ann.

Under the orders, the use of piped water for non-essential activities such as washing cars, watering lawns and filling swimming pools will be prohibited.

IRIE FM News spoke with several car wash operators in St. Ann, who say the water shortages are already having an impact on their businesses.

One operator says the water supply is already unreliable, with frequent interruptions forcing some customers to turn away.

Another operator says he has been forced to purchase water, adding to his operating costs.

He says the situation is becoming untenable because he has to use his own resources to secure water to keep the business going.

Meanwhile, another car wash operator warns that the water restrictions could have a ripple effect on both the business and workers who depend on the industry for their livelihood.

He says operators may have to limit the amount of water used on each vehicle which could lead to customer dissatisfaction.

The Trelawny Municipal Corporation has distanced itself from a demolition exercise that was carried out in Cooper’s Pen this morning.

Several residents, who say they are now homeless, took to social media to express their dissatisfaction with the operation.

Mayor of Falmouth, Collen Gager, refuted claims by residents that the demolition was done by Municipal Authorities.

He told IRIE FM News that it was conducted by a private developer following a ruling by the court.

While expressing sympathy to the displaced residents, Mayor Gager expressed hope that the developer will have discussions with the residents to reach an amicable resolution.

Technical Director of Jamaica’s senior track and teams Maurice Wilson, is of the view that there are gaps in the system that needs to be fixed, if the country intends to see continued successes in the sport internationally.

Jamaica’s team to the World Under 20 Championships recently brought home 8 medals while the country also collected numerous medals at the Commonwealth Games and CAC Games.

Wilson a guest on Irie Fm’s Whats The Score on Monday night, while commending the medal haul in Oregon by the junior athletes, says there are weaknesses that needs to be addressed.

The GC Foster College Principal is of the view that emerging coaches are not placing much emphasis on mentoring and this needs to be looked into.

Wilson added that all hands must be on the deck ahead of the upcoming World Championships and Olympic Games.

President of the Jamaica Agricultural Society (JAS) Owen Dobson says the island could face a further shortage of some farm produce if the drought worsens.

The island has been experiencing drought conditions, with a water prohibition measure set to take effect next Monday, August 17.

Prohibited activities include: irrigation or watering of gardens, lawns, grounds and farms.

Speaking with IRIE FM News last evening, Mr. Dobson noted that while some parishes are not experiencing the drought, there is still a shortage of crops such as lettuce, cabbage and yam.

He said if the island does not receive significant rainfall soon, other crops such as plantain and banana could also be in short supply.

Nonetheless, Mr. Dobson said the Government has promised to assist farmers affected by the drought by providing water.

He is hoping that parishes such as Westmoreland and Hanover, which are not experiencing the drought severely, will capitalise on the opportunity to produce more crops.

Former Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) Paula Llewellyn has noted that social media can become a toxic force for young people.

While acknowledging that social media has benefits, she lamented that it is creating a culture of scamming, which is deterring some young people from being ambitious.

Ms. Llewellyn was addressing the Northern Caribbean University’s (NCU) graduation ceremony yesterday.

She argued that before technology and social media became popular, good character, resilience and proper work ethic were critical to one’s success.

Ms. Llewellyn said due to social media and scamming, many young persons do not want to work hard.

However, she noted that hard work is vital to becoming transformative.

Ms. Llewellyn also warned that employers are now reviewing the social media footprint of job applicants.