O-Wrap: Flood funds for MoBay… Record employment figures… G2K, Patriots in de-bushing spat
In case you missed it, here are OBSERVER ONLINE’s top 10 stories for today:
1. Govt providing funds for flood-ravaged MoBay
The Government has committed to provide emergency funding to assist in the recovery effort in Montego Bay, which was severely affected by heavy rainfall yesterday.
2. Montego Bay schools in flooded areas to remain closed today
Education Minister Senator Ruel Reid is advising that schools in the Montego Bay, St James area that were affected by yesterday’s severe flooding should remain closed today.
3. Don’t throw stones, Patriots warn G2K
The People’s National Party’s (PNP’s) young professional caucus, the Patriots, said it finds it “extremely astounding and ludicrous” that the G2K, the young professional affiliate of the governing Jamaica Labour Party, would be calling for St Ann South Eastern MP Lisa Hanna to resign instead of urging Prime Minister Andrew Holness and implicated ministers to respond to the allegations against them in relation to the 600-million de-bushing programme.
4. Government’s wage offer to nurses an insult, says PNP
The opposition, People’s National Party (PNP) is urging Government to move with speed to address the stagnation in the discussions regarding wage negotiations for 2017-2019 with the island’s nurses, which have been stalled indefinitely.
5. Health ministry moves to reduce impact of nurse strike
Ministry of Health says it is working to put measures in place to ensure that healthcare coverage continues with the least possible disruption in services in response to industrial action by registered nurses in hospitals across the island.
6. Employment number hits record figure — STATIN
The Statistical Institute of Jamaica (STATIN) is reporting that a record 1,216,200 people were employed as at July 2017.
7. $300,000 reward for men involved in artiste’s murder
Crime stop is offering a $300,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and charge of the men involved in the murder of 29-year-old artiste Cleveland Smith o/c Cleverly.
8. Child, woman shot dead in Trelawny
An eight-year-old boy was one of two people who succumbed to gunshot injuries received when gunmen invaded a house in Kinloss district, Trelawny last night.
9. OCG to provide oversight of $630-m road programme — Holness
Prime Minister Andrew Holness says that the Office of the Contractor General (OCG) has been asked to provide oversight during all phases of a $630-million road repair programme.
10. Flash flood warning, watch remain in effect for western, eastern parishes
The Meteorological Service of Jamaica has extended a flash flood warning for low-lying and flood-prone areas of Hanover, St James, Westmoreland, and St Elizabeth.
