According to the Ministry, the additional quota is to assist in meeting immediate demands market-wide but primarily in western Jamaica. This comes as continuous heavy rainfall across the island in recent weeks has resulted in operational challenges at Caribbean Cement Company which has affected the supply of cement in the market.

Those killed have been identified as 25-year-old Stevie Drake of Great Pond, Ocho Rios and 56-year-old Basil Arthurs a Ministry of Health employee of Top Bay, Discovery Bay, both in St. Ann. Police report that about 10:10 p.m., patrons were inside a bar in the Ocho Rios Market when they were pounced upon by a man armed with a handgun who opened gunfire at patrons.

INDECOM and other civil society groups have been calling for increased use of BWCs. According to INDECOM last year 311 persons were fatally shot by members of the security forces, the highest figure recorded since 2010.

The issue of fees in the banking system has been a concern with many of the view that the fees are too high. Dr. Holness emphasizes that affordability is critical to expanding access to the financial system.

They have been identified as 31-year-old Nicki Gibbs, a nurse technician of Bronx, New York, USA and her husband, Swayne Barker, otherwise called “Black Boss” of Red Dirt, Flankers in St. James. Police say the operation was carried out between 4:00 a.m. and 5:47 a.m. by members of the Anti-Lottery Scam Unit, the Jamaica Fugitive Apprehension Team and the St. James Operational Support Team in Red Dirt, St. James.