News Briefs

Security ministry forms committee to manage transportation for inmates

Moving to address concerns regarding inefficiencies in transportation of inmates to court hearings, the Ministry of National Security (MNS) has moved to form an ad hoc committee to examine the issue and make recommendations for improvement.

Senator Matthew Samuda, minister without portfolio in the security ministry, said the committee’s recommendations will result in a greater coordination in the operations of the police, the Department of Correctional Services (DCS) and the judiciary system, where the management of inmate and ward transportation is concerned.

The announcement was made following a meeting on Wednesday with representatives of the justice and national security ministries, the DCS and the Court Management Services.

The committee is chaired by Shauna Trowers, chief technical director for crime prevention, rehabilitation and inspectorate policy at the MNS. Reports will be submitted to Permanent Secretary Dianne McIntosh for approval and implementation.

PSOJ launches new COVID-19 Response Fund

The Private Sector Organisation of Jamaica (PSOJ) is spearheading a private, public and social sector partnership geared towards mobilising and distributing resources towards the protection and welfare of the citizens of Jamaica.

The fund, dubbed the PSOJ COVID-19 Jamaica Response Fund – organised in partnership with PSOJ member and umbrella organisation for the voluntary sector, the Council of Voluntary Social Services (CVSS), along with the JMMB Joan Duncan Foundation, Sagicor Foundation Jamaica, the American Friends of Jamaica and other partners – will facilitate donations towards meeting the needs of citizens and mitigating the threats associated with the pandemic.

The move comes on the heels of PSOJ member companies of the PSOJ recently contributing $150 million to purchase ventilators for the public health sector.

“The nation cannot avoid the negative impact of this pandemic on our economy and our people; however, we can all play our part to minimise the impact and save as many lives as possible,” said PSOJ President Keith Duncan. “This fund will provide a vehicle for us to collectively contribute to food security and health services during these unprecedented times.”

He said the fund is targeting an initial amount of $250 million, and called on Jamaicans at home and in the diaspora to support the initiative.

Diaspora members can make their contributions via the American Friends of Jamaica (AFJ), who are providing their donation platform through which funds can be contributed via credit card and wire transfer. US-based cheques may also be sent to the AFJ, with the purpose of the donation noted.

Locally, persons or companies can make wire transfers through the CVSS account at National Commercial Bank – chequeing account number 061052429 – or the CVSS USD account at JMMB – 006000181484.

Chris Martin, KFC, VP to boost COVID-19 fundraising efforts with online concert

VP Records artiste Christopher Martin has joined forces with Restaurants of Jamaica (ROJ), operators of KFC, and VP Records for an at-home concert to aid Jamaica’s health sector during the fight against COVID-19, with a live concert on YouTube.

Set for Sunday, April 5, at 7 p.m. EST on VP Records’ YouTube channel, the artiste will perform from his home with a keyboard player.

This live-stream performance will officially launch Jamaica’s COVID-19 fundraising efforts.

During Christopher Martin’s performance, Entertainment Minister Olivia Grange will announce a global fundraising effort, Telethon Jamaica, which will take place on Sunday, April 12.