In a rare departure from Jamaica’s parliamentary tradition, backbencher and former Minister of Legal and Constitutional Affairs Marlene Malahoo Forte on Tuesday cut through one of the most consequential pieces of legislation tabled by the Government in recent times and told members of the executive bluntly – go back and “rework” the bill.

The Incorporated Masterbuilders Association of Jamaica (IMAJ) is raising concerns over what it describes as a lack of consultation with local contractors in the establishment of the National Reconstruction and Resilience Authority (NaRRA), the agency tasked to lead Jamaica’s post-hurricane reconstruction.

Changing Jamaica’s gun law to provide lesser penalties for possession of an imitation firearm is not enough if the “fundamental flaw” of possibly criminalising citizens for an object that cannot discharge a projectile is not addressed, a criminal defence attorney has asserted. Minister of National Security and Peace Dr Horace Chang announced in Parliament on Tuesday that new amendments to the Firearms (Prohibition, Restriction and Regulation) Act, 2022 will be tabled “in short order”.

WESTERN BUREAU: A jubilant church service in Montego Bay, St James, was shattered by gunfire on Wednesday, leaving a choir member dead at the doorway as worshippers screamed “Jesus! Jesus!” and fled in panic. The deceased has been identified as 38-year-old Cora Thompson, a member of the New Testament Church of God on Water Lane in St James, where she worshipped and sang on the choir. Thompson resided at Humber Avenue in Montego Bay with her 12-year-old son.

The Government has signalled a firmer stance against rising violence at entertainment events, with Deputy Prime Minister and National Security and Peace Minister Dr Horace Chang warning that criminals will not be allowed to hijack Jamaica’s party scene. Making his contribution to the Sectoral Debate in the House of Representatives on Tuesday, Chang pointed to what he described as “emerging trends” in violent incidents at parties, while insisting that the authorities are moving decisively to contain the threat.

The crisis is also complicating negotiations on the EU’s common budget for 2028-2034 scheduled for Friday, according to the newspaper

A 15-year-old is among 239 persons being investigated by the police for their alleged involvement in scams following an islandwide operation between April 9 and 22.In a statement on Thursday (April 23), police said the operation, involving officers from their Commercial Affairs Department and the seven Police Land Divisions, resulted in the arrest of 162 men and 77 women, aged between 15 and 85.They are believed to be involved in more than 676 cases of scams, including e-commerce, friend impersonation, job, government official impersonation, investment and rental. Victims reportedly lost over $8.9 million.The alleged offenders are being investigated for cheating, money laundering, and providing payment services without a licence.The offence of cheating carries up to 10 years' imprisonment and a fine, while money laundering carries up to 10 years' imprisonment, a fine of up to $500,000, or both.Since Dec 30 last year, scammers and members or recruiters of scam syndicates face mandatory caning of at least six strokes, up to 24 strokes. 

Supermarket chain FairPrice will expand its price freeze initiative to include more than 300 staples, up from 100, in a move aimed at easing the financial burden on Singaporeans amid supply chain disruptions due to the war in the Middle East.In a statement on Thursday (April 23), FairPrice Group (FPG) said the price freeze will take effect from April 23 to May 31.The original list of 100 daily essentials was first announced on April 8.The expansion comes as more than 30 suppliers have joined FPG in this initiative to help stabilise costs.The expanded list includes items such as Nestlé cereals and coffee mixes, Kang Kang packaged noodles by TSK Foods, Lee Kum Kee sauces and condiments, Colgate toothpaste, Head & Shoulders shampoo, among others.

SINGAPORE — Supermarket and minimart chain Hao Mart has shrunk its network of outlets as it sinks further into the red, according to checks by The Straits Times.Hao Mart’s website on April 22 lists 20 outlets in Singapore, but only seven were operating when ST visited all the listed locations over a two-week period in the second half of March.The latest records filed with the Accounting and Corporate Regulatory Authority (ACRA) obtained by ST also show the company’s losses have worsened for three consecutive years.The home-grown chain reported a $49.6 million loss for the financial year ending March 31, 2025 — the latest available figure belatedly provided to ACRA in January. This amount is up from $32.8 million in the preceding year and $23.2 million in the year before.ACRA said in response to ST queries in March that it has taken enforcement action against Hao Mart for failing to submit its annual returns within six months of the end of its financial year.While the regulator did not specify the penalty, its website states that late submissions could incur fines of $300 or $600, depending on the length of delay.

[New Times] The City of Kigali will extend its dedicated bus lanes from short queue sections near junctions to continuous lanes, in a move aimed at speeding up public transport across the capital.

[New Times] The Government is securing designated public parking spaces across Kigali to allow motorists to park their cars and complete their journeys using public transport.

[DW] Pope Leo XIV continued his tour of Africa with a Mass in Equatorial Guinea. The pontiff called for more justice in the country as the nation's president and his family looked on.

The White House is reportedly weighing rewards for “model allies” and punishments for those who refused to back the Iran war Read Full Article at RT.com

Three sailors were injured aboard the Navy’s problem-plagued stealth destroyer undergoing a hypersonic makeover for missiles not yet fielded Read Full Article at RT.com

Prime Minister Nawaf Salam has said attacks on media workers in southern Lebanon have become an established pattern, not isolated incidents Read Full Article at RT.com

Washington is not setting any deadlines for concluding the war against Iran, US President Donald Trump has said Read Full Article at RT.com

India’s reported record purchases, ahead of its monsoon sowing season, are expected to push up prices and strain supplies globally. Read Full Article at RT.com

Military doctors may soon practice across India with a single state registration, thanks to draft National Medical Commission regulations. This aims to eliminate administrative hurdles for frequently transferred Armed Forces Medical Services personnel. Additional qualifications will be valid nationwide during service, and licenses won't lapse due to renewal delays, ensuring seamless care for soldiers and their families.

Wendy Duffy, 56, is physically healthy and of sound mind - but so devastated by the loss of her only child in a tragic accident that she has decided to take her own life at a 'suicide clinic'.

[Daily Maverick] President Cyril Ramaphosa must make a critical decision regarding National Police Commissioner Fannie Masemola, who is embroiled in a criminal case tied to a police scandal.

[SAnews.gov.za] The Department of Home Affairs has expressed concern over unfounded media reports and social media posts suggesting that nationals of Lesotho will no longer be required to present valid passports when entering South Africa.

[Nigeria Health Watch] Nigeria's pension fund assets grew by 20% in 2025, rising from N22.9 trillion in January to over ₦27 trillion by December. However, the bulk of these assets remains concentrated in federal government securities, effectively financing fiscal deficits, while a smaller share is allocated to equities listed on the stock exchange.