Golding says leaked NAR voice notes were not PNP policy as JLP condemns response

Opposition Leader Mark Golding on Sunday sought to distance the People's National Party from leaked voice notes that the governing Jamaica Labour Party has linked to efforts to undermine the government's newly launched NAR mechanism for Hurricane Melissa recovery.

Addressing the PNP's National Executive Council at the University of the West Indies, Mona, Golding said a party review found the recorded discussion did not take place in any official PNP forum, that no party officers took part, and that the organisation has no official NEC or executive WhatsApp group. The chat, he said, was started by individuals within the party and reflected their personal views, not PNP policy. Official positions, he added, are set by constitutional organs such as the NEC and the executive committee and communicated by authorised representatives.

Senator Abka Fitz-Henley, chairman of the JLP's communications task force, dismissed Golding's remarks as shameful and misleading. He criticised the Opposition Leader for spending roughly two minutes on the matter without strongly condemning alleged delay tactics aimed at NAR projects meant to help communities rebuild after Hurricane Melissa. Fitz-Henley also said he is advised that the group includes a majority of PNP executive members, including co-opted members, is titled for executive members, and displays the PNP logo — claims he said leave Golding's account appearing inaccurate at minimum.

In other developments, a 41-year-old Jamaican woman accused of a central role in a COVID-19 relief fraud scheme allegedly netting more than US$32 million through false applications, forged documents and shell companies has been extradited to the United States after her capture in Jamaica. Authorities say she is the final defendant in a case that has already produced multiple convictions.

Hotels in Negril, Westmoreland, say they are ready for the hurricane season. Richard Wallace, owner and operator of Boardwalk Resort and Boardwalk Plaza, said the resort town is already seeing early rainfall and operators are used to preparing for wet months.

In Hanover, a woman was hospitalised with serious injuries after a white Nissan Tiida crashed into two utility poles on Hopewell Main Street shortly after 11 a.m. Saturday near the JLP constituency office entrance. The male driver, travelling from Orchard Main Road toward Hopewell Square, reportedly lost control; he suffered minor injuries and was warned for prosecution. Police say several people have died in parish crashes this year and urge motorists to slow down.

Also in Hanover, 19-year-old construction worker Andre Hyman of Shooters Hill, Cold Spring, was arrested and charged over the weekend after police say he sexually assaulted a 12-year-old girl left alone at home about 11 p.m. while her brother went to a nearby shop. Hyman, known to the family, fled before being caught following a manhunt involving CISOCA.

Revelations that the government does not own the Support Jamaica website used for Hurricane Melissa donations have prompted debate on data security and emergency procurement. Cybersecurity expert Craig Pow argued Jamaica needs clearer laws allowing flexible private-sector procurement during major disasters.

Separately, attorney Janice Gordon said the rape and killing of 10-year-old Shanai Ko has renewed pressure for stronger monitoring and rehabilitation of sex offenders after release.

The Planning Institute of Jamaica reports more than 15,000 Jamaicans joined overseas employment programmes last year, with Canada the top destination, while Chinese nationals received the most work permits issued to foreign workers. Economist Keenan Faulkner told CVM the two-way flow reflects a modern labour market, noting shortages and low wages in construction, wholesale and retail, and accommodation and food services, and that work-permit costs can run about US$5,000 per person.