Post Cabinet Press Briefing Report – Wednesday, January 14, 2026
The Press Briefing begins with a warm welcome and New Year greetings to regular viewers and first-time attendees. It is Wednesday, January 14, marking the first Post-Cabinet Press Briefing of the year. Several key government officials are introduced, including the Honorable Daryl Vaz, Minister of Energy, Transport, and Telecommunications; Pearnel Charles Jr., Minister of Labor and Social Security; Matthew Samuda, Minister of Water, Environment, and Climate Change; Dr. Andrew Wheatley, Minister responsible for Science, Technology, and Special Projects; and Donovan Williams, Minister of State in the Ministry of Labor and Social Security. Also mentioned are Dr. Kasan Troupe, the Permanent Secretary, and the newly appointed Permanent Secretary Mrs. Kedesha Campbell Rochester. Other attendees include the Chief Education Officer Terry-ann Thomas Gayle, Information Commissioner Celia Barclay and her team, Dr. Kevin Brown, President of the University of Technology, along with students and supporting staff, members of the Youth Advisory Council, media representatives, and Jamaicans watching locally and internationally.
Crime Reduction Statistics and Celebration
Minister Dana Morris-Dixon begins the press briefing by highlighting significant positive news regarding crime reduction in 2025 under the current administration. There has been a remarkable 43% decrease in murders, 32% fewer shootings, and a 17% drop in overall crime. Despite these achievements not receiving widespread media attention, the Minister emphasizes the importance of celebrating this progress. The reduction in crime is presented as a source of national pride and a model for other countries. The government remains committed to further reducing crime, noting that the first 12 days of the year saw one murder per day, a notable improvement from over 1,600 murders previously.
Minister Pearnel Charles Jr. on Hurricane Melissa Update
Minister Pearnel Charles Jr. gives a brief but important update on the Hurricane Melissa report, focusing on assessment progress and partnerships with organizations like the World Food Program and UNICEF. He praises the coordinated efforts of government agencies, volunteers, and the private sector, highlighting this as the most effective response team in Jamaica’s history. Despite challenges like heavy rains, the team continues to conduct household assessments efficiently.
Jamaica is recognized as a world leader in disaster response, with over 70,000 household assessments completed by January 9th despite weather setbacks. The Ministry of Labor and Social Security leads this effort, categorizing damage into five levels: no damage, no significant damage, minor, major, and severe. Only households with minor to severe damage qualify for cash grants, while others may receive food or other support. Current damage assessments show 37% minor, 35% major, and 16% severe damage among affected households, with the remaining categorized as no or insignificant damage. The most severe cases were prioritized and largely completed, and the remaining assessments are expected to be mostly minor or some major. Over 700 assessors have been trained and certified to continue this work, with calls for more volunteers to join the effort.
Humanitarian Partners and Food Assistance
The World Food Program has been a longstanding partner, providing food assistance, cash support, and national delivery initiatives, including digital upgrades to data collection forms used by assessors. Their support was crucial before and after Hurricane Melissa, including cash grants linked to the Rebuild Jamaica effort. As of January 8, 2026, the World Food Program completed its food distribution phase, delivering approximately 98,000 food kits and nearly 6 million meals through the World Central Kitchen to over 130,000 beneficiaries in severely impacted parishes. The program is now shifting focus to cash-based assistance to empower families in recovery.
The transition to cash-based aid reflects a focus on dignity and flexibility for affected families. Since December 18, the World Food Program has partnered with the ministry to support 10,470 individuals, aiming to assist 16,000 households with two cycles of $34,000 grants each, using ministry assessments to select beneficiaries. The World Food Program targets vulnerable groups including senior citizens, persons with disabilities, and needy families. Assistance is delivered through established payment networks with accountability measures like feedback systems and monitoring at redemption sites. Other partners also rely on ministry assessments for targeting.
Beyond household support, the World Food Program has enhanced logistics for relief efforts, including transport and storage near shelters, visible through large white units at major shelter sites. They also provide critical emergency telecommunications support, facilitating efficient delivery of essential supplies.
In addition, UNICEF collaborates with the Ministry of Labor and Social Security to strengthen shock-responsive social protection, especially for children and vulnerable households. This includes an emergency multi-purpose cash top-up targeted at 40,000 children in vulnerable households, focusing on those with pregnant or lactating women, young children, and children with disabilities. UNICEF’s support extends beyond immediate relief to improving social protection systems for faster, fairer, and more transparent future responses. They also work on expanding coverage to include an additional 1,000 children affected by disasters, ensuring continued assistance to vulnerable populations.
In partnership with the Jamaica Council for Persons with Disabilities, UNICEF is modernizing aid delivery through a digital voucher system embedded in the I am able JCPD app. This innovation promotes efficiency and accountability in reaching children with disabilities, marking progress in inclusive social protection mechanisms.
Shelter Recovery Program Launch Announcement
Minister Charles introduces the upcoming launch of the Shelter Recovery Program (SRP), which aims to support households affected by Hurricane Melissa through restoration, reconstruction, and rehabilitation. This program is part of the government’s strategic and structured approach to emergency relief and recovery. More details about the program was shared by the Prime Minister at the launch of the program on January 15, 2026.
The government expresses sincere gratitude to the World Central Kitchen for its rapid and impactful support, providing not only millions of hot meals but also employment opportunities during the crisis. The partnership has been crucial in meeting immediate community needs under pressure. The minister emphasizes that recovery is a continuous process focused on stabilizing households, supporting dignity, strengthening systems, and safely rebuilding homes.
Citizens are encouraged to use the self-reporting mechanism on the government’s website if they believe they have not been properly assessed for assistance. This system, a first in its kind, offers multiple avenues for people to be acknowledged and supported. Over 5,000 people have utilized the platform so far, with prompt government response following assessments. Additional information about recovery efforts will be shared soon.
Acknowledgment is given to the minister and his team for their dedication and hard work throughout the holiday period in developing and implementing the Shelter Recovery Program. The assessors’ efforts in the field are appreciated, highlighting the challenges overcome to deliver effective support.
The government plays a key facilitative role in coordinating relief efforts, including ensuring access to children with disabilities through an app developed by the Ministry of Labor and Social Security. This infrastructure allows organizations and partners to identify and assist vulnerable groups efficiently.
The Ministry of Tourism also provided essential support by offering the convention center as a base for World Central Kitchen operations. The Ministry of Labor’s assessments enabled credible identification of those affected, facilitating the distribution of grants and assistance.
Minister Daryl Vaz on Energy and Transport Update
The Minister provides an update on the rural school bus program, emphasizing its operational stability and service delivery. As of January 26, 82 buses are fully deployed islandwide, supporting families waiting for power restoration and daily transportation needs. Operations for the school term began successfully with buses running on schedule. Additional drivers were recruited to handle increased demand and ensure service continuity. The program is set to implement a cashless student transportation card starting February 1st. Parents and students are urged to register for the student transportation card on official websites before February 1st, when cash payments will no longer be accepted. The previous free introductory service is ending, and the card system will be mandatory.
From February 1st, students without a registered and topped-up student card will have to revert to paying higher fares and face competition with adult commuters. The card is promoted as safer, more convenient, and cost-effective for students. Students without cards will be barred from using rural school buses after February 1st. The minister calls on community leaders and government entities to boost registration in January to ensure optimal bus operations. The update then shifts to the universal service fund, noting 116 site assessments completed with remaining ones scheduled.
Connectivity Restoration and Universal Service Fund
By the end of January, 22 Starlink installations have been completed across various communities in Westmoreland, Hanover, St. Elizabeth, St. James, Trelawny, Manchester, and St. Ann, restoring connectivity at key locations such as libraries, schools, post offices, and community centers. These sites serve as vital hubs for communication, education, and community coordination. An additional 64 Starlink installations are expected to be completed during January. The Universal Service Fund has also restored three community Wi-Fi sites using a combination of Starlink and solar technology, enhancing the resilience and sustainability of connectivity in disaster-affected areas. Procurement efforts are underway for network equipment, tablets, solar packages, and signage, with the goal of full restoration by March 2026.
Connectivity is emphasized as essential infrastructure rather than a luxury, with ongoing deployment of innovative and resilient solutions to maintain community connections. As of January 12th, service stability has improved significantly: 95% of mobile sites have been restored and 72% of fixed-line customers are reconnected with better service availability. Digicel is also making strong progress, with approximately 94% of mobile sites restored.
The network restoration has progressed with 871 of 925 sites now online, supported by commercial power generators and satellite backhaul where necessary. Restoration efforts are strongest in the eastern and central parishes, while work continues in the western region in close coordination with JPS as power and pole infrastructure is rebuilt. The focus then shifts to the major success in electricity restoration led by JPS.
JPS Electricity Restoration Clarifications
Minister Vaz apologizes for previously providing incorrect information in parliament about restoration efforts by the Jamaica Public Service (JPS). Initially, it was stated that 40 miles of lines and over a thousand poles had been rebuilt to restore power to approximately 2,000 customers, but in reality, only 100 poles have been laid so far. The restoration work is ongoing and will take time. Clarifications are made regarding the power outage situation in Westmoreland parish. Specifically, the minister confirms that 17,096 out of 34,630 customers in Westmoreland remain without power, representing about 49% still affected. This is an increase from 18% outages noted in December. The Jamaica Public Service has confirmed that power restoration in Darliston and eastern Westmoreland will begin by the end of the week and continue through January.
The Minister also criticizes the opposition’s stance against releasing $150 million for restoration, stating that without this funding, power restoration in affected parishes would be much slower, possibly delaying services like light and water supply until late 2026. He highlights that the current government’s funding has enabled restoration to begin this week and progress daily, contrasting it with the opposition’s position which could have resulted in significant delays.
The Minister clarifies that no discussions or commitments have been made about additional government funding beyond the approved $150 million loan to JPS. The focus should be on collaborating with JPS to expedite restoration efforts. The minister reiterates the government’s commitment to restoring power as quickly as possible and references previous statements made in parliament about restoration timelines.
The government has agreed to loan JPS $150 million USD, estimated to enable restoration at a pace of $75 million per month, aiming to restore the entire grid by late January or early February, except for a few critical areas. The minister notes that power restoration is progressing well, with 93% of customers having service restored, although approximately 51,000 customers remain without power.
Out of 30,000 customers, 9,000 are ready to receive electricity between now and early February, while 21,000 are not yet ready. The government, JPS, and other agencies will identify and target these areas to prepare them for connection, aiming for 96% restoration by early February. The government expects to meet its early restoration commitment by the end of January or early February, excluding the 21,000 customers not ready for connection. The speaker emphasizes the critical importance of restoring electricity to prevent severe impacts on business, government, health, and communities.
The government commends its decision to deploy 300 linesmen between December 15 and 23, despite equipment delays. The first equipment shipments arrived on Boxing Day and January 2, enabling progress in the worst-affected areas. The minister confidently asserts that the majority of the 30,000 customers will have power restored soon, despite challenges in the last-mile connection. By the end of the month or early February, most customers will have electricity restored. The government and JPS will continue collaborating to prepare the remaining 21,000 customers. The restoration work is on schedule and within budget, prioritizing those suffering from outages. JPS is being urged to provide daily updates on the status and projected restoration times for the 51,000 customers still without power to reduce anxiety and frustration. Additionally, the national energy poverty reduction program is highlighted as a key government initiative supporting recovery efforts post-Melissa, with $1 billion allocated.
National Energy Poverty Reduction Program Progress
The government has allocated funds for electrical works between December 25 and March 26, targeting over 2,600 households for rewiring and major repairs. Around 40% of the work is complete with contractors active across nine parishes, focusing on the most affected areas including Clarendon, Manchester, St. Elizabeth, and others. Contracts worth $900 million are in place, providing rewiring and certification at no cost to homeowners in prioritized communities such as Trelawny, Albert Town, and Black River. Efforts include support for 1,200 flooded houses in Catherine Hall and West Green, with 900 homes already completed under the RE program and National Energy Poverty Reduction Program. The minister expresses pride in collaborating with younger ministers who are dedicated to Jamaica’s progress, praising the current government and Prime Minister. The segment ends with a blessing for continued prosperity and success for Jamaica.
Acknowledgment is given to Minister Vaz for effectively working with the Jamaica Public Service (JPS) to secure a $150 million loan without extending the existing electricity license, which is unfavorable to Jamaicans. The government is actively negotiating a new electricity license aimed at reducing costs for consumers and businesses. Minister Vaz is commended for advocating strongly on behalf of the Jamaican people during these negotiations. Minister Vaz is reaffirmed as a strong advocate for reducing electricity costs and representing the interests of Jamaicans over private companies. The school bus program will require students to have registration cards starting February 1. School officials, supported by tablets from e-learning Jamaica, will conduct school-based registrations starting Monday. Parents are encouraged to participate in registering their children.
Minister Matthew Samuda Water Sector Update
The Minister of Water, Environment, and Climate Change addresses the intrinsic link between power supply and water restoration, explaining that water services depend heavily on electricity to operate pumps and recharge systems. He clarifies misconceptions about water availability by outlining the structure of Jamaica’s water sector: approximately 80% served by the National Water Commission, 4-5% by private suppliers, and 15% by municipal systems. Private water suppliers have reported full restoration of their systems.
The National Water Commission has restored water service to 93.5% of its customers, although some main breaks and ongoing repairs persist. The restoration is more advanced in the eastern part of Jamaica, particularly in Kingston and St. Andrew, with 588 water systems restored and 133 still offline. The minister acknowledges the partnership with the Jamaica Public Service (JPS) in achieving these restoration milestones. The distribution of customers without water is mainly concentrated in western parishes such as St. James, Clarendon, Hanover, Westmoreland, and St. Elizabeth, with thousands still affected but steady progress is being made. Restoration levels have returned to pre-Hurricane Melissa conditions, meaning service frequency may not be fully restored to daily supply in all areas. The minister emphasizes the ongoing challenges in the western regions and shares his experience receiving numerous calls from local representatives and citizens seeking updates on water restoration.
Water Systems Restoration and Challenges
The water distribution system consists of 100 main systems supplying over 70% of customers. Despite many smaller systems being out, they only affect less than 7% of customers. The challenge lies in restoring water to numerous smaller, often remote systems, referred to as the ‘last mile restoration,’ which is difficult to complete. There are over 130 smaller water systems still down, primarily serving small and remote communities, such as those in Westmoreland and St. Elizabeth. The heat map of affected systems changes frequently as restoration efforts continue, reflecting ongoing improvements.
The Roaring River system is the last major water system still offline. It covers a large geographic area from Paradise and Savanna la Mar to White House. Although an on-site generator is in use, it cannot run the system at full capacity, limiting water supply to elevated areas. While Savanna la Mar hospital received water two days after the storm, surrounding elevated residential areas remain without supply due to insufficient pump pressure. Full restoration of the Roaring River system is expected soon, which will enable full capacity operation. Once the Roaring River system is fully operational, approximately 30,000 Jamaicans will regain water access within 24 hours, marking significant progress from the previous 93% outage. The estimate includes households and commercial spaces.
Darliston and the surrounding communities, which have been severely affected due to elevation issues and reliance on the Roaring River system, will benefit from the restoration. With the Roaring River system’s restoration, reliance on trucked water in affected communities will largely end within 24 to 36 hours. Generators will run 12 to 16 hours daily, allowing residents to fill personal water storage. This marks a major milestone as the last large system offline is being restored.
Water Sector Financial Impact and Rural Systems
Minister Samuda also provides an overview of the financial impact on the National Water Commission (NWC) in the western region, highlighting substantial expenditures including over $200 million on fuel for generators, $450 million on renting generators, and $250 million on trucking water. The damage to key water systems like Martha Brae and Great River is noted, with significant engineering efforts involving the Army Engineering Corps, contractors, and NWC staff to restore services. The financial strain is ongoing due to reduced commercial customer activity and the challenges of restoring water services in affected areas.
The financial impact on NWC will continue to affect its balance sheet due to cross-subsidization within the water sector, where some areas pay for others’ water supply costs. Customer service teams are actively assessing revenue shortfalls by contacting commercial customers. While municipal water systems serving about 15% of citizens, especially in the eastern rural areas, are mostly restored, many very small rural water systems remain in poor condition, prompting a need for a new operational model and substantial resource investment.
Assessments reveal that many small rural water systems managed by municipal corporations and parish councils are in disrepair despite some restoration. The government plans to introduce a new social water policy and pursue improved operational models, emphasizing better management, resource allocation, and engineering work over the next three to four years. Training for operators outside the main utility footprint will also be a priority to ensure sustainable water system management.
In the western regions, a major engineering effort is needed to restore small rural water systems to full capacity, which will take considerable time. Meanwhile, funding allocations from a $400 million water trucking budget will be directed to parish councils most affected to support increased water trucking and mitigate challenges. Authorities assure residents in small districts that they will receive support and will not be left to procure water independently during this period.
Minister Samuda is praised for his dedicated and knowledgeable updates on the water system restoration efforts. The discussion transitions to the broader governmental transparency and accountability, highlighting the presence of multiple ministers and officials reporting directly to the public and media. The administration emphasizes its commitment to open communication and plans to engage in a media Q&A session following the presentations.
Government Reporting and Public Engagement Approach
The segment discusses updates on major government initiatives and public awareness activities during Data Privacy Month. It highlights the strategic importance of STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) for Jamaica’s future and the global shift towards these fields. The role of Minister Andrew Wheatley in supporting STEAM through his portfolio, which includes science, technology, and special projects, is emphasized. Notably, Minister Wheatley distributed STEAM-based toys to children during Christmas, symbolizing a unified government effort to promote education and play in these critical areas.
Data Privacy Month and Awareness Initiatives
Dr. Andrew Wheatley opens by acknowledging restoration efforts in Jamaica, especially after Hurricane Melissa, and highlights the importance of embracing technology not just for recovery but to create opportunities. He emphasizes the critical role of STEAM education in fostering innovation among students. He introduces the significance of data protection awareness, noting that January is globally marked for this cause, aligning with Jamaica’s Information Commissioner’s public education mandate.
Minister Wheatley elaborates on the observance of Data Protection Month and the key date of January 28th as a focus for privacy awareness and capacity building. He stresses the need for modernizing privacy practices alongside technological advancements like artificial intelligence, which increase the potential for profiling and prediction from personal data. Citizens are urged to be cautious with their personal information, treating it as carefully as money, while businesses and public bodies must prioritize data governance, staff training, and incident preparedness to comply with international standards.
The Minister discusses the growing importance of data privacy compliance, especially in sectors like hospitality, due to regulations such as the EU’s GDPR. He notes that data protection is a global standard essential for conducting business internationally. Managing personal information responsibly reduces risks and builds confidence in services, making strong privacy practices a critical readiness issue for organizations handling data.
Data privacy month serves as a strategic time for data protection officers and privacy professionals to evaluate and improve their programs, particularly as technologies like artificial intelligence become more capable of creating detailed personal profiles. Dr. Wheatley highlights the risks of AI-generated content and the importance of careful data handling by collectors and users alike. He acknowledges the Office of the Information Commissioner’s leadership in public education and capacity building efforts.
Special emphasis is placed on youth digital safety amid efforts to equip students with digital devices for learning. Dr. Wheatley points out the challenges of students accessing unauthorized sites that request excessive personal information, underscoring the need to educate young people about protecting their data. He reiterates that privacy protection is a shared responsibility among government, businesses, and citizens, and highlights the importance of a national culture of responsible data governance.
Closing, Dr. Wheatley reinforces that privacy is essential for safety, trust, and resilience in a digital society, not a luxury. He encourages the public to engage with the Office of the Information Commissioner’s initiatives during Data Privacy Month, promoting a culture where personal data is managed with care, respect, and accountability. He underscores that trust is fundamental to digital transformation and introduces the Information Commissioner to share further remarks.
Office of Information Commissioner Activities
Ms. Celia Barclay emphasizes the role of data protection regulators in Jamaica to ensure compliance with data privacy laws and to educate the public. They highlight the importance of data privacy month and data privacy day on January 28th as opportunities to raise awareness in both the private and public sectors. Ms. Barclay stresses that changing the culture around privacy requires changing individual behavior, starting with educating the youth to build a future culture of privacy.
A series of activities is planned for data privacy month, including a church service to mark the beginning, school tours at Ardenne High School and St. Jago High School, and a conference on January 28th. The conference, held in partnership with UTECH Jamaica Limited, features IAP president and CEO Trevor Hughes as the keynote speaker. The focus is on empowering stakeholders to take control of their data by building privacy programs and trust amid challenges posed by technology and AI.
The importance of starting data privacy education early is reiterated, especially since children are familiar with AI and digital tools. The responsibility lies in guiding them to use these technologies safely while protecting their data. The session is concluding with a note on the wealth of information shared and a reminder of an upcoming presentation and Q&A.
School Reopening and Curriculum Adjustments
The session begins with appreciation for the efforts of the Ministry of Education team, including contractors who worked through holidays to prepare for school reopening. Terry-ann Thomas Gayle, the Chief Education Officer, is introduced to present on school reopening and adjustments to assessments. Ms. Gayle reports that all 1,446 educational institutions across seven parishes have reopened, showing resilience despite severe impacts. The reopening prioritizes safety in collaboration with the Ministry of Health, using multiple operational modalities including face-to-face, remote, and staggered schedules.
Updates are provided on regional school operations: Region 3 has 123 institutions with most using face-to-face learning; Region 4, the most impacted, has 164 institutions mostly face-to-face; Region 5 has 162 institutions with a mix of face-to-face, rotational schedules, and reduced hours. Challenges like infrastructure repairs and utility restorations are being addressed daily.
The national curriculum for primary to grade nine has been reviewed and modified to focus on essential learning objectives. For example, grade 4 mathematics objectives were reduced from 124 to 48 essential ones, and grade 6 language arts objectives were condensed from 138 to 90. This streamlined curriculum aims to maintain skill and competency achievement without loss.
Changes to the 2026 Primary Exit Profile (PEP) are outlined. Grade 6 students will take an ability test measuring quantitative and verbal reasoning, plus curriculum-based tests in Mathematics and Language Arts. Grade 5 students will complete performance tasks, and grade 4 students will take literacy and numeracy tests. Examination dates and the placement mechanism for transitioning to high school remain consistent.
Efforts to resource schools during emergencies are highlighted, with UNESCO, UNICEF, and local publishers supporting the distribution of learning kits to students in affected regions. These workbooks align with the modified curriculum and support both face-to-face and remote learning modalities. The materials have been distributed to all institutions and are available online. Monitoring plans are in place to assess the use of learning materials throughout the year, with supplies continuing as needed. Additionally, the grade nine achievement test is suspended for 2026, with alternative placement assessments provided for a small number of students transitioning to high school.
Examination Modifications and Support Programs
The Caribbean Examination Council (CXC) has provided two options for students affected by regional disruptions: Option A involves full administration of SEC and CAPE exams including paper one, paper two, and SBAs, while Option B is a modified approach allowing affected parishes to choose only multiple-choice exams and SBAs. The choice is institution-based, meaning entire schools must select one option, made in consultation with students and parents.
Jamaica received a CXC concession on the school-based assessment (SBA) component, allowing students who completed SBA to avoid redoing it, while others can apply the concession. For City and Guilds exams, schools opted to follow the regular administration, but alternative options remain available if challenges arise. Exam dates will remain unchanged, and a detailed bulletin (number four for 2026) outlines these examination arrangements.
The local exam National Common Entrance Test (NCET) has been streamlined to two sittings per year, with results delivered promptly. Collaboration continues between the Ministry of Education, Ministry of Health and Wellness, JPS, National Water Commission, and UNICEF, which has provided tents, sanitation, and learning kits for early childhood and primary levels. The Ministry emphasizes resilience and commitment to rebuilding stronger educational systems following Hurricane Melissa, aiming for recovery and enhanced support for all school communities.
Media Q&A on School Security and STEAM Initiatives
The session begins with a call to share important information about C XC and PEP widely, noting that some ministers had to leave for a PAC committee meeting. Questions from the media follow, focusing on an alleged rape incident at CASE School in Portland. Minister Morris Dixon responds by sharing updates received from the student body president, highlighting that the school has enhanced security measures including fencing, cameras, lighting, a shuttle bus, and increased security personnel. Students reportedly feel safer and appreciate the administration’s communication and the ministry’s infrastructural and financial support.
The discussion continues with confirmation that a suspect in the CASE School incident has been apprehended. Attention shifts to modifications in CSEC and CXC exams, referencing a National Secondary Schools Council release that involved stakeholder consultations. The minister explains that the ministry regularly holds consultations with various stakeholders, including independent schools, student groups, and teachers, to ensure their input in exam modifications and educational policies.
The media queries the ministry’s plans regarding STEAM initiatives across different education levels. Minister Dixon elaborates that STEAM is integrated early in the curriculum, blending subjects like science and art even in unexpected classes such as English and Religious Education. The ministry is actively supporting robotics programs through partnerships and increasing resources like robotics kits and clubs nationwide. Additionally, there is a growing emphasis on TVET (Technical and Vocational Education and Training), with some traditional high schools adjusting their curricula to focus more on TVET subjects. The minister emphasizes the ministry’s commitment to preparing students for a changing world through these initiatives.
Cabinet Updates and Government Initiatives
Minister Dixon discusses various international and local efforts to aid rehabilitation in St. James following recent events, highlighting assistance from Rwanda, Guyana, and Ghana. Cabinet approved increased pension rates to support vulnerable groups. The newly established National Reconstruction and Resilience Authority (NARA) is operating under Cabinet oversight, with plans to advertise positions soon and form an advisory board with experts.
Cabinet reviewed the National Partnership Council, which includes civil society, church, academia, and opposition, serving as an oversight mechanism for NARA. Amendments to the Jury Act were tabled in parliament to increase juror compensation and allow judges to discharge juries in cases of tampering, inspired by a Privy Council ruling related to the Vybz Kartel case.
The Cabinet also approved various boards and a new shelter recovery program to provide cash grants to those affected by Hurricane Melissa, with a major launch planned led by the Prime Minister. The government is adopting new measures to actively counter misinformation and disinformation, committing to present factual evidence and recordings to correct falsehoods in the public sphere. Efforts to combat misinformation are emphasized, with the Ministry of Information taking a proactive stance to debunk lies. Minister Marlon Morgan will collaborate closely on this initiative. Minister Dixon encourages public engagement with press briefings, where ministers openly share their work and cabinet activities, underscoring transparency and accountability to the people of Jamaica. Appreciation is extended to the media and communication teams for their consistent support in disseminating information.
The Minister also acknowledges the ongoing challenges faced by those affected by Hurricane Melissa but reassures that the government remains focused on recovery efforts. Progress is visible, such as the restoration of electricity to areas like Darliston within 24 hours, demonstrating the commitment to aid and rebuild the affected communities.
Closing Remarks and Earthquake Awareness Week
The Government is ensuring that water systems will be restored responsibly to assist those in need. The briefing highlights that it is Earthquake Awareness Week, emphasizing the importance of preparedness due to Jamaica’s location in an earthquake belt. The Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management is leading activities under the theme ‘Resilient Jamaica, We Weather the Storm and Brace for the Shake.’ Schools across Jamaica are conducting National School Earthquake Drill Day to educate and prepare students.
The briefing concludes with gratitude to all presenters and listeners, along with a prayer for continued blessings on Jamaica, acknowledging the country’s resilience and spirit.