TODS executives to decide on full 16% fare balance after transport ministry meeting

Transport Operators Development and Sustainable Services (TODS) will hold an executive meeting this evening to decide how to respond to a government proposal to pay the outstanding 16% fare increase in two instalments. President Egerton Newman said the issue was raised during talks on Monday with Finance Minister Fyffe Williams and other stakeholders, but operators want the full balance, not a partial payout.

"We waited too long for 16%. Sixteen per cent is nothing compared to what is happening at the pumps," Newman said. "We are not looking for a part payment of the increase. We are looking for a full 16%." He said the executive would meet tonight and make an announcement afterward. Despite the disagreement, he said he remained encouraged, adding that participants left with the impression that the Government is willing to work through the balance promised to transport operators more than two years ago. He said members accepted the minister's recommendation and that an official announcement on the balance is expected by June 1.

Member of Parliament for St. James West Central Marlene Malahoo Forte has renewed calls for Jamaica Constabulary Force members to wear body cameras, following a fatal police shooting in Granville, St. James. CCTV footage showed Latoya Bulgin being shot by an officer who was among personnel responding to a community protest. That demonstration followed the police killing of a 17-year-old boy in a separate incident one week earlier. Malahoo Forte said cameras could improve transparency and accountability. She also said residents told her they blocked roads to vent anger without seeking further violence, but she urged them not to invite additional security measures, noting that peace in the area remains fragile.

The Houses of Parliament said in a statement on Monday that five reports from the Integrity Commission have been received for tabling but have not yet been laid in the House of Representatives or the Senate. The statement came after Opposition Leader Mark Golding pressed for the tabling of the FLA report. Officials said the documents are being handled under parliamentary process and guidance from presiding officers. Because of statutory confidentiality rules before tabling, Parliament would not confirm or deny the subject matter, findings, recommendations, or whether any person is named. It noted that the Integrity Commission Act sets no fixed timeline for tabling.

Health Minister Dr. Christopher Tufton, attending a World Health Organization conference in Switzerland, said talks with the International Atomic Energy Agency are aimed at expanding Jamaica's cancer-care capacity as local cases rise. He said the country plans to add four LINAC machines over the next three years at Cornwall Regional and St. Joseph's hospitals, with expanded services planned for Central Jamaica. Eight new mammogram units are also to be placed in health centres and hospitals, and work with the IAEA includes training radiation therapists and improving maintenance of treatment equipment.

The Kingston and St. Andrew Municipal Corporation (KSAMC) says compliance with sign regularisation has improved across the corporate area. On Sunday it continued removing illegal signs and billboards around Half Way Tree plazas. Chief executive officer Robert Hill said delinquent operators are still being urged to pay arrears. He said about $10 million has been collected so far and is being directed toward public-space accessibility, including work with the UWI Centre for Disability Studies on ramps and sidewalk access.