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September 9, 2026 Written byMarlene Freeman Minister of Industry, Investment & Commerce, Senator Aubyn Hill, has warned that if the cap on the public sector wage bill is not reimposed, Jamaica could be forced to borrow again from the International Monetary Fund (IMF). His comments come days after Finance Minister Fayval Williams indicated that the Government is contemplating reimposing the cap as recommended by the Independent Fiscal Commission and urged trade unions to consider the matter.

September 9, 2026 Written bySugar Ray Thomas The Social Security Ministry says it will continue to work through its parish-level network to facilitate appropriate interventions for affected families and children in Cooper’s Pen, Trelawny. About 40 families were affected by the demolition of houses in the area last month. In a statement, the Ministry said that following assessments and engagement with families at the location, school supplies were provided to children who remained on site.

September 9, 2026 Written byPatrice Walters The Jamaica Reconstruction and Resilience Oversight Committee (JAMRROC) has been charged with providing real-time, direct and independent accountability of post-Hurricane Melissa national reconstruction efforts. JAMRROC will provide oversight of the National Reconstruction and Resilience Authority (NaRRA).

September 9, 2026 Transport Minister Daryl Vaz says the Government is committed to improving the Jamaica Urban Transit Company (JUTC) and the National Rural School Bus programme. The JUTC deployed 250 regular buses, while 99 rural school buses were rolled out on Monday for the start of the new academic year. Mr. Vaz said his team is preparing for the second phase of the rural school bus programme. https://iriefm.net/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/SHAN-VAZ-ON-SCL-BUS-1.mp3

September 8, 2026 Education Minister, Dr. Dana Morris Dixon has announced a decline in teacher resignations this year compared with 2025. She confirmed that fewer than 300 teachers submitted resignations between July and August, which she noted is traditionally the peak period for educator departures.

September 8, 2026 President of the Jamaica Teachers’ Association (JTA), La Sonja Harrison, has again raised concerns about the use of tents at the schools which were damaged by Hurricane Melissa. Speaking on the second day of her tour of schools as the new academic year gets underway, Mrs. Harrison reiterated that the tents are extremely hot and should not house the students.

September 8, 2026 The Opposition People’s National Party is calling on Health Minister Dr. Christopher Tufton to launch an independent probe into the Bellevue Hospital procurement process. Spokesperson on Health, Dr. Alfred Dawes, has also called on the Minister to hold accountable the officers responsible for what he describes as the failure to advance the long-promised expansion of the facility.

September 8, 2026 The Supreme Court has granted an interim injunction restraining the Natural Resources Conservation Authority (NRCA) and its agents from carrying out any eviction or removal of property from the Jacob Taylor (Derby) Beach. The ruling was made today after the community filed a suit to stop its eviction and to initiate the process to secure formal recognition of its legal tenure over the beach land.

September 8, 2026 Independence Park Limited (IPL) and the Professional Football Jamaica limited (PFJL), are set to partner to host matches on a consistent basis during the upcoming Jamaica Premier League season. The historic arrangement, is to ensure that league matches will be played on a quality surface while producing quality matches throughout the season.

September 8, 2026 Written byPatrice Walters The relocation of residents from the hurricane-ravaged Parottee community in St. Elizabeth will be executed as a priority project. The process is being undertaken by the National Reconstruction and Resilience Authority (NaRRA). Prime Minister Dr. Andrew Holness issued directives for the process to be done with dignity and respect.