Dayton Campbell settles Daryl Vaz defamation suit with apology and J$1.5 million in costs

Government minister Daryl Vaz and Opposition figure Dr Dayton Campbell have ended a defamation dispute that drew national scrutiny over political speech and accountability.

The case arose from comments Dr Campbell made on the political platform in July 2023. Those remarks were understood to connect Mr Vaz to the 1983 killing of Dian Smith and to an alleged 2015 plot to assassinate then opposition leader Andrew Holness. Under the settlement, Dr Campbell must issue a written apology, withdraw the statements, acknowledge they were false, and publish apologies across several platforms. Documents seen by CVM Television indicate he will also pay J$1.5 million in costs tied to the matter.

Political commentator Germaine Barrett said the court acted appropriately and called the outcome a modest step toward healthier public debate. He urged candidates to avoid sensational rhetoric that damages reputations, though he doubted the settlement alone would sharply change campaign-trail culture. Barrett welcomed court directions requiring the apology to appear on social media, noting that platforms now shape how corrective messages spread.

Separately, the Jamaica Constabulary Force has received five advanced laser speed guns through support from PAHO, the World Health Organization, the National Road Safety Council, and the United Nations Road Safety Project. Sergeant Tyrone Walker, island coordinator for the technical enforcement unit, said the devices can record video evidence from up to 1,200 metres and should reduce disputes over speeding tickets. The force hopes to deploy the new units by month end and procure roughly 100 more by year end. Road safety advocate Canute cautioned that enforcement tools are only one part of a wider response that must also address road design, driver behaviour, and impaired driving.

Child protection data have renewed alarm over missing minors. In 2025, 989 children were reported missing nationwide; 826 were safely returned, 161 remained unaccounted for, and two reportedly died. Girls accounted for 83 per cent of reports. Between January and May 2026, 468 children were reported missing, 265 were reunited with families, and 203 remained missing. St Catherine recorded the highest parish total in 2025 with 349 cases. Youth advocate Sabrina Barnes said society reacts too late and called for proactive community responsibility, stronger communication with young people, and earlier intervention by schools and social workers.

Educators and student leaders also warned that bullying continues to harm mental health and learning, especially as social media magnifies humiliation. Aniona Jones, president of the Jamaica Association of Principals for Secondary Schools, said schools are beginning to treat the issue more seriously and need reliable reporting systems. Rajim Nelson, president of the National Secondary Students Council, said students need clearer education on the physical, emotional, and academic consequences of bullying for victims and perpetrators alike.