Honestly, if you're looking for live news in Jamaica today, you’re probably seeing a lot of talk about recovery. We’ve been through a rough patch. Between the lingering shadow of Hurricane Melissa and the usual political back-and-forth, there's a lot to keep track of. It’s January 13, 2026, and the island is currently balanced between rebuilding and moving forward with new legislative changes that might actually put more money in people's pockets—if they're called for jury duty, at least.
The Big Shift in the Justice System
Justice Minister Delroy Chuck made a move today that’s been a long time coming. He tabled amendments to the Jury Act in the House of Representatives. Basically, the daily stipend for jurors is set to jump from $2,000 to $6,000. It's a massive increase. Finally.
For years, people have complained that serving on a jury was a financial burden. Now, even if you aren't selected but just show up for the process, there’s a proposed $2,000 stipend. This isn't just about money, though. It's about making the legal system more accessible to the average person who can't afford to lose a day's pay.
There's also a serious side to this bill: judges will get more power to dismiss a jury if there’s any hint of tampering. With the high-profile Clansman Gang trial booked for February 2, 2026, the timing isn't a coincidence. The state is clearly trying to tighten up the ship before one of the biggest trials of the year starts.
The Long Road After Hurricane Melissa
Hurricane Melissa hit us hard late last year, and the cleanup is still a massive operation. The National Solid Waste Management Authority (NSWMA) just got another $1 billion from the government. That brings the total debris management fund to over $1.5 billion so far.
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If you’ve driven through St. Elizabeth or Westmoreland lately, you know why. There are still piles of debris everywhere—estimated at about 500,000 truckloads across the island.
- NSWMA has started intensive clearing in Black River, specifically around Independence Park.
- JPS (Jamaica Public Service) is currently rebuilding 10 miles of power lines in Westmoreland.
- The goal for JPS right now? Restoring water to 50,000 residents by getting the Roaring River National Water Commission (NWC) facility back on a stable grid.
It’s a slow process. Prime Minister Andrew Holness has been touring these affected areas, handing out STEAM toys to kids and checking in on the reconstruction. He’s been preaching "one people, one Jamaica," especially when visiting Maroon communities in Accompong for the 288th anniversary of their treaty with the British.
What’s Happening with the Economy and Health?
On the business side, things are... cautiously optimistic? The Bank of Jamaica (BOJ) is waiting on some "twin peaks" legislative changes. This is basically a new way of regulating the financial sector to make sure banks are more stable. Under the new Basel III framework, banks are saying they are "ready," but we’re waiting on the Ministry of Finance to pull the trigger.
Agriculture is actually seeing a bit of a "swift recovery" according to Minister Floyd Green. They just launched a $17-million potato seed distribution project in Trelawny. If you're a farmer, you’ve likely seen the 7,000 bags of fertilizer being moved around the island. It’s an attempt to jumpstart food security after the hurricane wiped out so many crops.
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In health news:
The Auditor General, Pamela Monroe Ellis, dropped a report that’s raising some eyebrows. Between 2019 and 2025, about $671 billion was allocated to public health. The kicker? Less than half of that actually went to urgent needs like hospital equipment or supply chain management. People are asking where the rest went.
On a more somber note, we’re mourning Ambassador Curtis Ward. He was a powerhouse for Jamaica at the United Nations and a huge voice in international security. He passed away at his home in Maryland.
Sports and Culture: The Brighter Spots
It’s not all heavy news. The track season is off to a flyer. At the JC Development Meet, Robert Miller (who recently moved from Calabar to Hydel) absolutely dominated. He’s one of those names you’re going to hear a lot more of as we head toward the next Olympics.
Speaking of the Olympics, there’s a cool story about teenage triplets—Helaina, Henri IV, and Henniyah Rivers—who are training to represent Jamaica in ski racing at the Winter Games. Yes, ski racing. It’s that "Cool Runnings" spirit all over again.
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Staying Safe and Prepared
Since it’s Earthquake Awareness Week, the Jamaica Fire Brigade is out in full force. Superintendent Emeleo Ebanks is basically telling everyone: Don’t panic. It sounds simple, but his point is that your hurricane kit is your earthquake kit. Keep it ready year-round. Don't run out of buildings during a shake; stay put and protect your head.
Actionable Steps for Today
If you are following live news in Jamaica today, here is what you actually need to do:
- Check your NWC status: If you’re in Westmoreland, the JPS repairs at Roaring River mean water should be stabilizing soon. Watch for local notices before drinking tap water without boiling.
- Update your emergency kit: Don’t wait for the next siren. Ensure you have fresh batteries, water, and non-perishables.
- Monitor the Jury Act: If you’ve been avoiding jury duty because of the cost, keep an eye on when the $6,000 stipend officially kicks in. It might make your civic duty a lot less painful.
- Farmer Support: If you’re in the agricultural sector, contact your local RADA office. There are still seed packs and fertilizer being distributed as part of the $50 million recovery package.
The island is definitely in a state of flux. We're clearing the literal and metaphorical debris of the past year, but with new investments in agriculture and a push for a fairer justice system, the "tide shift" the Gleaner is talking about might actually be real.
Stay informed by checking the Jamaica Information Service (JIS) for official government updates and the Jamaica Observer or Gleaner for real-time local reports.