Orchard Beach protest, drought warning and Liberty Business launch lead CVM news roundup

Residents in Hopewell, Hanover, pushed back on Friday after workers began putting up fencing at Orchard Bathing Beach, a community spot many locals say has been open to the public for generations. Beach users and citizens’ groups argued that the property had been used by the Hopewell community for more than 50 years and called on local authorities to clarify its ownership.

Hopewell Citizens Association president Derek Wright said residents were ready to pursue the matter to protect access to the beach. A man claiming ownership declined an on-camera interview, but the report said legal documents were presented to the municipality on Thursday. By late evening, the Hanover Municipal Corporation had served a stop order on the alleged owners, effective until the court rules.

Local Government Minister Desmond McKenzie also warned that dry conditions are expected to worsen, saying Cabinet has activated a national drought management committee. He defended the handling of hurricane relief donations after an auditor general’s report said $26 million of $1.4 billion had been spent, with officials saying the funds were intended largely for housing support and modular homes.

At the Jamaica Teachers’ Association, clerical, ancillary, accounting and security workers suspended further industrial action after talks involving the Bustamante Industrial Trade Union. BITU vice-president Rudolph Thomas said progress had been made on seniority increases and fringe benefits, with another update expected Tuesday.

The broadcast also reported concern over Nigeria’s kidnapping crisis, with Dr. Wasio Abayomi of the Alliance of Yorubas in Jamaica calling for stronger protection for children, schools and vulnerable communities. In tourism, Negril Destination Assurance Council chairman Richard Wallace said hotels have strengthened hurricane preparations after past storms, including investment in solar power, generators and water systems.

In business, Liberty Business was formally launched in Jamaica at Rose Hall Great House in Montego Bay. Flow executive Stephen Price said the company is investing in network resilience, underground fibre, satellite capability and a new Liberty Business headquarters in Montego Bay.