CLOSING THE SCRUTINY GAP

Public officials in Jamaica do not “instinctively” embrace oversight and monitoring, former Prime Minister Bruce Golding has asserted.

 Golding, who served as prime minister between 2007 and 2011, said oversight and monitoring for some officials “is a humbug, an inconvenience [and] an intrusion on the exercise of their functions”.
 The assertion, he explained, is based on 50 years of experience working with people across the civil service and statutory agencies.

The Reggae Boyz will be seeking revenge when they face Nigeria in today’s final of the Unity Cup at The Valley in South London. Match time is 1:30 p.m. Jamaica time.
The Jamaicans were beaten 5-4 on penalties in last year’s final after both teams played out a 2-2 draw. The Reggae Boyz, ranked 71 by FIFA, have assembled a youthful and inexperienced squad for this year’s tournament. They  booked their place in the final after an easy 2-0 victory over India (ranked 136)  in Wednesday’s semi-final.

While some were busy doing manual work over the Labour Day weekend, others were engaged in the digital world watching movies, including the newest release, Chokehold, on the streaming platform Tubi. Chokehold, which features an international cast including its lead actress, Jamaican Sherando Ferril, chronicles the pitfalls and pain of an abusive relationship, and the resilience required to get out of it and all the ramifications that may follow. This comes at a time when the ‘Me Too’ movement has made significant advancement, plus many female celebrities have gone public about their personal experiences in an effort to help others have the courage to find their own voice and walk away.

The telecoms provider Flow Jamaica posted revenue of US$103.2 million for the first quarter of 2026, or 2.0 per cent lower than a year earlier. 
It comes as the lingering effects of Hurricane Melissa kept tens of thousands of subscribers offline and depressed the top line for a second consecutive year of hurricane disruption.

The music fraternity came out in full support on Wednesday for reggae singer and songwriter Samory I at the gardens at The Jamaica Pegasus hotel in New Kingston, for the launch of his third album, Revelation. The project, produced by renowned Jamaican producer, Clive Hunt, and released under independent label, TunUp Squad Entertainment, drew a warm and appreciative gathering. Friends and associates took the opportunity to celebrate Samory I’s musical journey, while the artiste himself offered candid reflections and a few revelations during an engaging conversation with host, Colleen Douglas. Something Extra brings you the highlights.

In Jamaica, it is not often that bees crop up in strategic discussions about agriculture, food security or environmental protection.  
Yet, the insect is important to all of these. It is why, post-Hurricane Melissa, which destroyed thousands of colonies last October, they deserve attention, as well as policies to help in the rebuilding and conserving of hives.