Welcome to Jamaican Gazette
One of Jamaica’s most authentic sources for trending news and scoop on crimes and criminals, politics and culture, food, music, and lifestyle.
-
JTA President Faces Backlash Over Unsubstantiated Allegations
JTA President Faces Backlash Over Unsubstantiated Allegations in school shelters. KINGSTON, Jamaica — Young Jamaica has criticized Jamaica Teachers’ Association (JTA) President Mark Malabver. He alleges that inappropriate sexual activity occurred in school shelters while students were present.
In addition, Young Jamaica said the JTA President failed to provide evidence to support his allegations
In a statement, Young Jamaica, the youth arm of the Jamaica Labor Party (JLP), expressed their disappointment with Malabver. Malabver is a former caretaker for the People’s National Party (PNP) in St. Thomas Western. He reportedly did not produce any evidence to the Ministry of Education after being asked to substantiate his claims.
They cited information from the Ministry of Education which indicated that Malbver had provided no evidenc. And pointed out that the issue was not raised during recent discussions between the union and government officials.
On Tuesday, April 8, 2026, Malabver dropped the bombshell while addressing the JTA Education Conference 2026, in Green Island Hanover.
“The conditions are deeply troubling. Reports of shelterees engaging in sexual activity within the clear view of students is something that everyone should be outraged about,” he said.
“Students have reported that they have seen that kind of activity taking place, and that is a point of concern for us,” stated Malabver.
The JTA President argued that the continued use of schools as shelters is untenable. He emphasized the gravity of the situation by highlighting JTA members’ reports of teachers’ resources going missing. Plus, reports of schools being transformed into spaces resembling a tenement yard instead of institutions of learning.
However, he was unable to say if such incidents are still taking place and whether anyone alerted the police.
Young Jamaica cautioned against what it characterized as sensational claims. It asserted that such assertions have the potential to erode public confidence and divert attention from other critical national matters.
-
UHWI Gets Flagged for Shady Procurement Practices
UHWI Gets Flagged for Shady Procurement Practices. Auditor General Pamela Monroe Ellis has highlighted an important issue regarding procurement practices at UHWI that merit our attention. She has observed that some procurement leaders may be splitting government contracts inappropriately. They do this to circumvent regulations meant to ensure fair bidding processes.
In her January performance audit of the University Hospital of the West Indies (UHWI), she found that the hospital was breaking down larger projects into smaller sections and using direct contracting to hire contractors. This method bypasses the competitive tender process required for such combined works.
The issue was raised during a recent meeting of Parliament’s Public Accounts Committee. Committee member Christopher Brown questioned why 634 out of 986 procurement activities at UHWI involved direct contracting over a 15-month period. This represents approximately 64 percent of all procurement activities, which Brown described as “alarmingly high.”
The audit examined data from the Integrity Commission for 2024 and early 2025. It uncover a concerning trend of reliance on this method, including instances where contracts were split to facilitate it.
Besides, Monroe Ellis wisely noted that this “splintering” practice could diminish competition. Ultimately, it compromises value for money. She referred to the Public Procurement Act of 2018. This act clearly prohibits this kind of contract division to manipulate values or justify less competitive methods.
UHWI admits splintering contract failed to meet legal and ethical standards
When confronted, UHWI authorities acknowledged making the questionable decisions. However, they noted that they made those decisions during a time of operational urgency and budget constraints. They also recognized that this approach was not only inappropriate but also failed to meet the necessary legal and ethical standards.
It’s wonderful to see this issue being addressed as we all strive for more transparent and effective procurement practices!
The University Hospital of the West Indies is an internationally recognized academic institution with 579 beds. It plays a crucial role in the clinical training of healthcare professionals. This type A regional referral hospital is located adjacent to the Mona campus of the University of the West Indies in Jamaica.
-
Young Jamaica critiqued Golding regarding the JACDEN scandal.
Young Jamaica. The youth arm of the ruling Jamaica Labor Party (JLP) is urging People’s National Party (PNP) President Mark Golding to reveal whether a company involved in a tax-exemption controversy contributed to the PNP’s campaign for the 2025 general election.
In a statement titled “The Public Has a Right to Know,” the organization Young Jamaica called on Mark Golding to disclose any donations made by JACDEN to the PNP between January 2022 and September 2025.
JACDEN is a Group of Companies, that specialize in healthcare and janitorial service. It is one of four companies highlighted in a report by the Auditor General’s Department. The report concerns the University Hospital of the West Indies’ (UHWI) alleged misuse of its tax-exempt status, a topic that has also drawn responses from Young Jamaica seeking further investigation.
The report stated that UHWI misused its tax-exempt status to import goods for private companies. As a result, this led to total losses of $23.1 million. Meanwhile, Young Jamaica raised questions about accountability in the wake of these findings.
JACDEN is owned by businessman Dennis Gordon, who is a Member of Parliament and the chairman of the PNP’s Region Three. This region is one of the party’s most influential organizational divisions. In fact, it covers Kingston and St Andrew. Notably, Young Jamaica has paid special attention to the involvement of party officials in this matter.
Amid increasing public pressure, Golding announced on Sunday that Gordon would resign from the Public Accounts Committee (PAC), which examines the country’s finances. He will also resign from the shadow cabinet, pending an investigation by the party’s Integrity Commission. Furthermore, the developments have remained a focal point for Young Jamaica and its supporters.
Golding emphasized that he is not aware of any evidence suggesting that Gordon or JACDEN has violated any laws, even as Young Jamaica continues to press for answers from the party leadership.
However, Young Jamaica has characterized Golding’s defense as “disgraceful, unacceptable, indefensible, and repugnant.” They also expressed that they were “not surprised” by the position taken by the PNP president. In light of these statements, Young Jamaica has maintained a strong stance in ongoing political debates.
Additionally, Young Jamaica has called for Dennis Gordon to resign as the Member of Parliament for St. Andrew East Central and as the PNP Region Three chairman. They stated, “A mere recusal from the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) and Shadow Cabinet does not nearly suffice.” The public continues to watch Young Jamaica and its advocacy closely.
-
Jamaica Law Enforcement report for Kingston and St Thomas
Jamaica Law Enforcement. In ST THOMAS, Jamaica: Law enforcement officers charged a taxi operator with wounding with intent. The authorities filed the charge after the accused allegedly stabbed his spouse during a domestic dispute. The unfortunate incident occurred at his home on Monday, March 30, in St Thomas.
The authorities have identified the accused as 28-year-old Hadji Thompson, a taxi operator of Duhaney Pen, St Thomas.
Reports from the Morant Bay police indicated that about 8:45 am, an argument developed between Thompson and his spouse. During the dispute, he used a knife to inflict stab wounds to her body.
Eyewitnesses assisted the victim to hospital, where the medical staff admitted her in serious condition.
The police scheduled Thompson to appear before the Yallahs Parish Court on Friday, April 10.
Jamaica Law Enforcement in Kingston
In KINGSTON, Jamaica— A man from Kingston faces serious firearm related charges. He is accused of possession of a prohibited weapon. He is also charged with assault at common law. Additionally, he used a firearm to commit a felony. The charges follow an incident in his community on Thursday, April 2.
Jamaica law enforcement identified the individual as 27-year-old Kemo Daley, a resident of Chestnut Lane, Kingston 14.
A reports from the Denham Town police, stated that at approximately 4:35 p.m., Daley got involved in a physical altercation with a woman.
During the dispute, Daley allegedly pulled a firearm from his waistband. Then, he pointed it at the woman, and threatened to shoot her.
Fearing for her life, the frightened woman fled the scene and promptly reported the incident to the nearby police station,
Jamaica law enforcement officers later apprehended Daley and placed him into custody.
The police formally filed charges against Daley based on a statement provided by the victim. His court appearance date is pending.
-
Jamaica Crime Report: Cops charged two for using fake USD
Woman killed in Three Chains district, Manchester, soldier in custody
Jamaica Crime Report: A soldier from the Jamaica Defense Force (JDF) is now in police custody. Authorities are investigating the tragic death of a woman in Three Chains, Manchester, this afternoon.
The soldier has cooperatively come forth to the authorities after the woman’s body was found at her home.
While details surrounding the incident are still emerging, the Manchester police are diligently pursuing all leads to uncover the truth.
We appreciate your understanding and patience, and we will share more updates as new information arises. Together, we are hopeful for clarity in this serious situation.
Jamaica Crime Report: Two St Mary men charged for allegedly using counterfeit US currency.
Two men from St. Mary have been charged for allegedly using counterfeit United States currency. They used the counterfeit currency to make purchases at a business establishment in Oracabessa.
The individuals charged are 25-year-old shop operator Kevin Farquharson, also known as ‘Lewis’, from the Clarks Town district in Retreat. Additionally, 29-year-old construction worker Robert Gray from the Three Hills district in Retreat was charged.
Both men face charges of possession of counterfeit notes, uttering counterfeit notes, and obtaining goods by false pretenses. This follows an incident on Monday, March 30.
According to reports from the Oracabessa police, around 1:00 a.m., the men ordered several items, each costing $2,050. They paid with two counterfeit US$50 notes. Afterward, they received their change in Jamaican currency before leaving the establishment.
Afterward, checks revealed that the US notes were counterfeit, which prompted a report to the police. The men returned to the establishment on Wednesday, April 1, at which point the authorities were notified.
Upon arrival, law enforcement officials took both individuals into custody, and they were later charged. Their court appearance date is pending.
About Us
Jamaican Gazette is a news blog focusing on Jamaica’s happenings and diaspora. The subjects of interest are everything that affects the island, Crime and violence, politics, music, culture, economy, education, and much more
Subscribe Today!
Be updated by email when we publish new posts.