Good morning, Jamaica. It was a heavy week, and Friday was a heavy day.
NaRRA Bill passes Senate at 8:14 PM
The controversial National Reconstruction and Resilience Authority Bill cleared the Senate at 8:14 PM Friday, with the government using its majority to reject Opposition amendments aimed at additional oversight. The bill establishes a centralised authority for hurricane and disaster reconstruction. The Opposition’s argument was straightforward: an authority with this much spending power needs more eyes on it. The government’s response was that the bill, as drafted, includes adequate oversight. The vote was a numbers game, and the numbers were on the government side.
Stella Maris Prep increases security after viral gunman video
Stella Maris Preparatory School announced enhanced security measures Friday after a video circulated on social media showing a masked gunman threatening to kill students and teachers affiliated with the institution. The video has been turned over to police. The school has not detailed the security measures publicly, for obvious reasons. Parents are being asked to remain calm. Easier said than done.
Gospel singer Kukudoo dies
David “Kukudoo” McDermott, the gospel singer with a following that crossed denominational lines, died Friday morning. His family confirmed the news through his social media accounts. McDermott had been a fixture in Jamaican gospel for decades. The funeral arrangements have not yet been announced.
Two killed in alleged Manchester confrontation
Police shot and killed two men in an alleged confrontation on Manchester Road near Willowgate in Mandeville on Friday. A firearm was seized at the scene. The Independent Commission of Investigations will, as standard, review. INDECOM’s review and the police account will not necessarily agree.
Adoption laws to be amended
Education Minister Dr Dana Morris Dixon announced Friday that amendments to Jamaica’s adoption laws and administrative changes at the Child Protection and Family Services Agency will be brought forward to make the adoption process less burdensome. The announcement followed sustained criticism from advocacy groups about the time families spend in the system. Whether the amendments are substantive or cosmetic will become clear in committee.
STETHS classes suspended
Classes at St Elizabeth Technical High School in Santa Cruz were suspended Thursday after multiple incidents the school has not detailed publicly. The Ministry of Education has been in contact with the school’s administration.
IShowSpeed in Kingston: 2.8 million viewers
American streamer IShowSpeed’s livestream from Kingston on Friday drew more than 2.8 million views with a peak of 194,000 concurrent viewers. The Caribbean tour continues. Whatever you think of the medium, it is moving more eyeballs to images of Jamaica than the entire JTB advertising budget combined.
Mother’s Day
Sunday is Mother’s Day. The Gleaner has been running mother stories all week. Take her to breakfast. Or call. Just call.
— Tradewinds Brief Newsroom