NATIONWIDE THE WEEK THAT WAS JUNE 7, 2026

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[00:03:13]It's 3 minutes after 12:00. Thank you so much for uh being here with us. Of course, it is your weekly program, the episode of course over the weekend where we go through the news and current affairs, the week that was. And this is of course where we tackle the issues that shaped the past week and take an informed look at what lies ahead. If you want to understand the news, not just consume it, then certainly this is the program for you. I'm your host Sed Bernard and joining me today to bring analysis to the major stories of the past week are editor at large at the Jamaica Observer Arthur Hall and veteran journalist Durant Pate.

[00:03:54]>> Good afternoon gentlemen.

[00:03:55]>> Good afternoon. Sorry.

[00:03:57]>> Thank you so much uh for joining me as usual. Well, of course, matters of governance and accountability dominated last week's news cycle. And Chevron Campbell recaps the top stories.

[00:04:08]Starting at number three is the Integrity Commission's report into allegations of corruption at the Firearm Licensing Authority, FLA. The commission made no recommendations for criminal charges to be laid against anyone at the FLA despite the claim that the AY's licensing database was deliberately manipulated to plant fabricated ammunition records against a gun dealer.

[00:04:29]The 131page report tabled in Parliament on Tuesday clears the FLA of the most explosive allegation that guns and thousands of rounds of ammunition had vanished from its vaults. but it faults the FAA for weak recordeping and the falsification of a dealer's records. The investigator says the conduct at first glance amounts to a breach of the Cyber Crimes Act. Opposition spokesperson on national security Fitz Jackson immediately called for CEO of the FLA Shane Dalling to go and called on the minister to remove him. But Dr. Horus Chang says he remains confident in Dalling, the FLA board and staff. The murder charge being laid against the policeman who shot and killed Latoya Bulgan in Granville, St. James on Sunday, May 17, is second on our list this week. He's 35-year-old Andrew Wilson, a constable stationed at the Irwin Police Post. The charge was laid in the St. James Parish Court on Wednesday following a May 29 ruling by the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions. Wilson is next scheduled to appear in court on June 16, 2026. The constable claims he was threatened. It's understood that in his account of the incident, the policeman claims that after being informed that the unlicensed vehicle she was driving would be seized, Bulgan uttered and I quote, "Me vehicle now seized today. We rather run this over one Uno and kill Uno today." End quote. Bulggin then reportedly attempted to drive away. Wilson, who was standing in front of the Toyota Voxy, fired one round into the vehicle. Bulgan suffered a gunshot wound to the chest. She was pronounced dead at the hospital. And for our top story, energy minister Daryl Vase expects a full report on Friday's islandwide blackout within 30 days.

[00:06:11]Speaking at an emergency media briefing on Saturday, the minister called on the Jamaica Public Service Company to give a full transparent account of the failure.

[00:06:18]The outage happened between the hours of 9:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m. In conjunction, the minister says an independent investigation of the situation would be carried out. According to JPS CEO Hugh Grant, the failure was triggered by a significant lightning strike in the corporate area. However, he says what remains unknown is how a single failure resulted in a cascading disruption of the entire power grid. Grant says that matter is still under active investigation.

[00:07:01]Thank you so much, Siobhan. So, uh, based on what we've heard from Siobhan in the rundown, Arthur, uh, do you agree? Are those the top stories of the week?

[00:07:10]>> You know, there were so many other stories this week that we could have thrown in the mix. Yes.

[00:07:15]>> But I suspect I I would agree with NNN in this choice. I think there >> there are so many others. So many others. Durant >> agreeing that there are many others. I would also throw in the opposition leaders statutory declaration is 2024 and >> had not published today.

[00:07:37]>> It was published this morning cover in the gazet >> but yeah we we had the term with it before but fine but I would have thrown in.

[00:07:46]>> Yeah. And I would reason one or one of the reason why is I would juxtapose that with the fact that the prime minister's 2021 declaration hasn't been certified.

[00:07:56]2022 declaration hasn't been certified.

[00:07:59]I'm unsure if there was a 2023 or if there was a 2024 submission. But juxtapose that with it, it's really a conundrum that really impairs the prime minister in this regard. You know, you know, if I throw in anything in the mix, I thought the PM was on point in um Malver. It was when he tried those insurance companies who were slow in paying out to people who were Melissa. I thought that could have made a list, but and I think it >> but wouldn't that be hypocritical?

[00:08:32]You're chiding the insurance companies, but your own agency's department have billions of dollars that have been allocated or were donated to assist victims and the victims are not the beneficiaries yet. At what point are you going to try your own administration for not doing what it should have done?

[00:08:54]>> I'm not sure we need to to make the two issues do right.

[00:08:57]>> No, but they relate. One of the issue is our insurance companies, many of them have already collected from their re reinsurers.

[00:09:04]>> We have people who paid them insurance money and them can't get them life back on track. I mean, in our story in the Jamaica Observer, we had people who had applied to NHD and have not received their benefits yet. So yes, it's an issue, but let's keep that at it is our private insurance company reports billions of dollars of profit each year and they need to pay out to the people which is different I suspect from having the monies but having to sort out procurement processes and the other bureaucracies in order to get things going. I mean let's take the procurement processes out of it because I do not accept never have I do not accept there's no evidence before me to accept that procurement processes are the reasons why we can't spend the money fast enough and the experts have said as much so I'm not accepting that >> some of the government agencies just >> the agencies and the and the bureaucracy and the capacity that's the issue a major part of it at the very least but you can't get around the point that these private companies join on billions of dollars in profit when it comes for you to actually see the benefit benefit of the insurance that you've been paying for years. You can't. I have I have an issue with that.

[00:10:10]>> But let us be frank.

[00:10:12]>> Our Jamaican insurance companies are are are tardy. It's not now for many years.

[00:10:18]They're notorious for not paying on time, not honoring on time insurance claim. So, it's nothing new.

[00:10:27]>> Call it out. And that is why and that is why I agree with the prime minister call out the public gentlemen and not allow you to derail me this morning. this afternoon. Uh the top stories of the week. Of course, Friday evening, many of us tired. I mean, I was tired. Finally got home uh in the night. And by the time I took a shower, light gone. I thought it was just, you know, simple chip out, come back in. And and by the way, when the light went, data got shabby. So, it was hard to connect to the internet for many people. Your reaction to that 2026 and we're having a national blackout.

[00:11:00]>> Well, for me, I am no technician.

[00:11:03]um no electrician but my understanding of the grid is that when a substation falls out um the system compensate for that loss. Now I'm hearing that it's due to a cascading effect. Now I'm saying the system if it's compensating and it realizes that there's overloading it would chip out that substation and allow the other functions to work. And my question is why wasn't or why didn't that process um take place and my understanding that the capacity is there the grid is so resilient that it does allow for shutdown of one location in order to compensate for the others continuing and I would want to know come Monday why did not this take place why didn't happen what can go so >> Mr. Bernard, if you would allow me a couple of minutes on this one.

[00:12:02]>> Yes.

[00:12:03]>> While I was in the newsroom 2 days, 3 days after Hurricane Melissa and the extent of the damage from western and southwestern Jamaica became clear, my managing editor Vernon Davidson who were in we were in the newsroom alone. Vernon says, "Arthur, what the hell if Melissa did lick Kingston and St. Andrew the weight lick western Jamaica?" So, two Thursdays ago, I'm hosting a press club, a Jamaica Observer press club with the representatives of the four utility companies. And my last question to them, we said, "We're in the hurricane season, what happens if a Melissa hit the corporate area?" and representative of flu digital JPS and NWC were adamant that we have enough redundancies if the corporate area which is our nerve center gets taken out we're fine um Becca chief operating officer from JPS was the man in the art seat and he said we we're good >> and I probably should quote him from the article that the observer published now two weeks less than two weeks later the JPS residents tells me that there's a lightning strike at two spots in the corporate area.

[00:13:21]>> Mhm.

[00:13:21]>> Um Huntsby and Rockfort and the entire country shut down. I am waiting to hear an UIT and OUR because this as Duran says this is >> let me let me ask you this though in your analysis and I have to move on to the next point quickly but with this as you've laid out just now Arthur and the independent investigations who do you think really should be carrying out these investigations because from what I'm hearing from Durant what I'm hearing from you is that there are questions from what you what they have said prior what they have said since there are questions to be answered >> not the o the there is no I don't think we have any agency locally that has a technical competence >> yeah so we should bring in we probably need to minister vase who said him he was embarrassed darl if you're a shame bring in international people and make prove this cannot be allowed in 2016 we had the all island blackout >> 2016 was the last one >> what was the last one That's my memory.

[00:14:26]>> Mhm.

[00:14:27]>> 10 years later when I have covered so many press conferences where the JPS tells me about micro grids as Duran said that's what they call it and and they can isolate a fault. So if the fault is in downtown Kingston undermine the entire system >> and bring up power in crossroad in little time but this is unacceptable >> to answer the question from past history. No, we do not have that technical competence. History has always proven that we import the expert to come and tell us what went wrong.

[00:15:02]>> I I mean the man is telling me that there might have been a more recent blackout.

[00:15:06]>> Uh I'm not sure. No, more recent than 2016.

[00:15:10]>> I can tell you.

[00:15:11]>> I'm not sure. But if you can tell me >> I have I have the list.

[00:15:14]>> You have the list of blackouts.

[00:15:15]>> Yeah. Blackout.

[00:15:18]>> All of blackouts man. Wait a minute. I have a reporter named Tomoy. Um Tommoy who covered the press conference yesterday and she >> the last man I remembered happened somewhere in the Kmanas area >> when the system it was uh water one of the towers went into the water that compromised that entire area and caused the grid to be cascaded.

[00:15:43]>> Okay. Well um >> I'll come back to you.

[00:15:45]>> You going to come back to me on that?

[00:15:46]>> Yeah. Yes, we have >> as it as it relates to the next story.

[00:15:51]The police officer who has been charged for murder denied bail uh in Montego Bay. What's your reaction to that story?

[00:15:59]>> Well, for me, I am appalled at the JCF for putting out a release um two weeks later explaining their side of the story. And for me, the explanation is wishy-washy. First, there was no justifiable means to exercise that level of force. The the car, as we saw in the report there, the car jerk forward. It to me doesn't appear as if the car was in drive. I mean, I'm not sure.

[00:16:33]>> Wait, wait, wait. Hold on. Dry the case. YOU CAN'T TRY THE CASE. NO, I'm just pointing to certain facts.

[00:16:41]>> Yeah, but you tried to try the case. No, I'm not. No. All right. To articulate facts, does that mean you're trying the case?

[00:16:49]>> No. No. I I I I don't think you're trying the case. I just disagree with you as to whether or not the car was moving or not.

[00:16:55]>> Well, we have to understand is a defense attorney. You know, so you're going to understand that.

[00:16:59]>> My thing is as I said there the JCF release articulating certain facts as they see it, but certain things is not emanating.

[00:17:10]>> But did they put out a state? I haven't seen a statement from the JC.

[00:17:13]>> They have. I haven't seen it.

[00:17:14]>> You You've seen it. I haven't seen that statement from >> this was put out about Thursday, Friday, which is more than a week, actually two weeks, nearly two weeks later. And I'm saying the explanation to me is just putting what the police is saying. And that's one of my problem. We're not saying that the police are all police are untruthful. But don't just accept a claim from somebody who is facing allegations.

[00:17:41]>> But right, if the police if the JCF and I've not seen the statement, but if the JCF put in the the account of what was reported to it, that's fine.

[00:17:50]>> Ju just a a little before I respond to the that issue. The all island blackouts.

[00:17:58]>> Yes.

[00:17:59]um 2006, 2007, 2008, 2012, and April 2016.

[00:18:06]>> April 2016, that's the the latest ones came at us. But the point I'm making that um just like how the police put out a release that our dear departed colleague was shot and injured, Job Nelson, then a couple days or probably a week later, they put out a statement to say that he wasn't actually shot and killed, but it was he was punched by some projectile from the car. You don't just replicate what you hear. There ought to be some s of the information in order to give some level of credible information you know you know and and I'm not coming here to fight with Duran today.

[00:18:49]>> Yes please.

[00:18:49]>> But again quickly say and and paint there was no official report from the police about Job Nelson's death.

[00:18:56]>> Police sources told members of the media that and I was one of the first persons on the scene and who reported that that's was police sources. There was no official report. So >> yeah, so no official report.

[00:19:08]>> There's no official sources sources told us >> as to what the police is saying happened.

[00:19:12]>> No, the police is saying that >> not the official channel sources. So you believe >> police never put out an incorrect report on Julius.

[00:19:21]>> Um I am not like Duran trying to to try this case.

[00:19:26]>> I am saying there >> I don't think he's trying to try the case. To be fair to him, to be fair to him, >> there have been so many fatal police shootings.

[00:19:36]This the speed at which the DPP ruled in this matter is what's surprising.

[00:19:44]In 2024, there was a case of three young men who were killed in an alleged shootout with the police on Wiiard Road.

[00:19:52]>> Mhm. Days later, we found out that the shooting was captured on a C CV >> CCTV footage. Yes.

[00:19:59]>> Two weeks later, these two policemen were charged.

[00:20:02]>> Yes.

[00:20:03]>> The speed of the shooting in in the butcher case in Mo.

[00:20:10]I think the DPP believes there was an ironclad case.

[00:20:15]>> My I am looking >> the DPP doesn't have to think that there's an ironclad case. the DPP could very well say and this happens a lot of the times in in in the trade in the practice where the DPP says well this is something that a jury should properly decide because it could and it could not so it it doesn't have to be a matter that the DPP is 100% certain that yes this is a guilty verdict and I I think we have to disabuse people of that the DPP might very well think that hm based on what is happening here some may have a particular view others may have a particular view the justice system dictates. Let the jury decide >> and and and two things say and you tell me the speed of which the DPP made the ruling. That's one. Two, will this go before a jury?

[00:21:02]>> Well, it's up to the it's it's a murder charge. So, it's it's it's properly before a jury.

[00:21:07]>> Will it will it go to a good court matter?

[00:21:09]>> No, it is a murder charge. So, it properly should be before a jury. And I can say this because I have represented police officers before very recently. Uh represented two out in West Miland. We won the case and it was a again two guns recovered a AK-47 and a barera handgun bara pistol and >> three men were killed >> and we tried the case before a jury and the case was withdrawn from the jury at no case submission. So saying that to say that this is a case that fits properly in line with a murder trial that would have a jury.

[00:21:44]>> All right. Will it be trans? Do you think it should be transferred?

[00:21:47]>> No. No. That part I can't speculate on.

[00:21:50]And that part I'd rather I' I'd much rather keep that um um those answers to myself at this point.

[00:21:56]>> Can you find a jury in Western Jamaica?

[00:21:59]>> Well, it is it is the proper application for the defense team to make. So if the defense team is of the view that based on certain circumstances in the area uh a fair trial can't be obtained there then it is it is for the defense to make that assessment and then if so that application >> okay I suspect this one will be moved to the home >> and again and again it would not be the first so you're asking the right questions because you recall the again the recent case that we did um that was tried that was in 2013 out in West Miland it it was moved from West Miland to Trilani I believe or St. James and then from St. James to Trilani then lack of jurors from Trilani then it was transferred uh to uh to the home circuit court in Kingston. So it could very well be moved. We don't know.

[00:22:42]>> Yeah, I suspect as well.

[00:22:44]>> Yeah. But could I could I ask a question though?

[00:22:46]>> Yes.

[00:22:47]>> Why did I feel like ask a question?

[00:22:49]>> Why did the JCA find it necessary to issue a press release almost two weeks later? Which press release did they >> you keep I'm saying JCF the JCF put out a press release explaining what happened as per the >> I haven't seen a press release. I I can't answer that question cuz I haven't seen that press release.

[00:23:11]>> You're going to have to send me that one.

[00:23:13]>> I have, >> but I haven't seen that one at all. And I've asked my producer and she hasn't seen that one either. What we know of all is literally the no official statement but it was sources >> that the cops gave an account to and it was related to the media corrected did not release any press release.

[00:23:34]>> Let me stand corrected. I saw something purporting to come from the J >> and I'm telling you it can't purport to come from the JCF because they did not release.

[00:23:43]>> Follow me. I am saying that's what I saw. So I'm not going to say that it is coming from the JFC. I'm just saying purporting to come from the JC. I have I not seen that.

[00:23:54]>> I have 5 minutes left or less and I want to go to the the next point. But before again, isn't this one of those cases where again it heightens the call on the import for body one cameras.

[00:24:07]>> Yes. Yes. And it just show you how ridiculous the the statement is about um police not being should not be equipped to go on operation with body warn cameras.

[00:24:20]>> Your view?

[00:24:21]>> Well, you know, it's open and closed. I mean the we heard the report two three men dead. Um Ward Road, two police um shootout. These men were part of a a a gang that was going out robbing people.

[00:24:36]The CCTP captured it. Two weeks later, the DPP ruled that the two police should be charged with murder, lying to the commissioner. That's another charge that they face. Murder, lying to the commission, and about four other charges.

[00:24:50]>> But can we can I just add something which um recently how how bodies are dealt with, how they are treated, the humanity that should go with how you handle a body. That was something that um the human rights group um put out there and that is something that I would encourage the commissioner and those under his charge to sensitize those under his charge about how do you treat a body in when incident like this occur because it it didn't look good.

[00:25:23]>> Fair didn't look good. And and lastly, uh the FLA, the Firearm Licensing Authority, the Integrity Commission report, uh being filed. What's your reaction to the findings, the fact that no one has been recommended for prosecutorial charges or for prosecution? Uh what's your take on that? Starting with you, Arthur?

[00:25:44]>> I I'm not sure. Having read the report, Jesus, I don't know why the integrity commission give us 130 odd pages to read. It was rough going >> with a lot of repeat. I I' I'd have um done the editing for the integrity commission for free.

[00:26:03]>> Oh god.

[00:26:03]>> Cuz it could have been edited down.

[00:26:04]>> So you're of the view then that the report is not accessible, meaning it's not easily readable and it could be shorter.

[00:26:09]>> It's a lot of material and I thought they were just playing it safe. I understood though at the final anal analysis why nobody could they could not recommend criminal charges. I don't think there was enough to stand up for criminal charges. The report does show that there are issues at the FLA that need to be addressed. And despite the Minister of National Security saying, "Yeah, it's better now." And I Yeah, it's better now cuz I remember getting reports of people just going into a police station, slipping 50, $60,000 in a draw, and coming out with a firearm license. or somebody who lives in Portmore who get a firearm license in West Bland.

[00:26:52]>> Ah, >> so those were the days. So there has been improvement under the FLA but I think the report says and Dr. Chang needs to accept that there needs to be a tightening there. Dan.

[00:27:02]>> Well, for me, um, uh, my question is or what I would want the report has damning allegation, damning information on certain persons.

[00:27:17]And I would want to think that the report in and of itself can't be left like that with allegation hanging over people's head. the public out there suspicious of the FLA how its members deal with matters. This is a very sensitive government apparatus. For me, those persons need to be cleared, need to be exonerated. So, I would want to think that this matter need to be taken up by another body. Can't say who now in fairness to deal with those person >> except that the FAA says with investigation stopped because there was a failure of the the the system the FLA's computer system. So there is no records.

[00:28:00]>> So I don't know that another investigative body would find anything there. The the system crashed.

[00:28:05]>> No, you missed the point I'm trying to the point I'm trying to make is that if the report stay as is, these allegations will continue to hang over the heads of these public servant and it's not fair to them.

[00:28:18]>> So what should happen in that case?

[00:28:19]>> No, I'm saying something need to be done to exonerate them and >> but what should happen? They they've had some findings. They don't know who to charge. They don't have enough to bring any charges. They're saying these are the issues that need to be fixed. Uh so what are they supposed to do for >> well for public confidence in the FLA and for these persons not to be quote unquote um be um have these allegations hanging over their head. So if they want it, so be it. But I just think that in fairness to them, they need to be exonerated and the chips fall away at me. Not they will continue.

[00:28:53]>> The man said somebody tell me for input them for entry about people buying.

[00:28:58]>> Yeah that's one part of the allegations talking about >> I don't remember who and there is the system failed.

[00:29:03]>> What about the dead man? What about the bullies?

[00:29:06]>> There's no allegation against the dead man.

[00:29:08]>> No let me ask this question then wholesale.

[00:29:12]>> He was the one who claimed as >> Let me ask this question wholesale then gentlemen.

[00:29:17]The opposition has called for the CEO's resignation. Is it proper? Is it appropriate a call from the opposition Durant?

[00:29:25]>> I would want to think so unless he can be cleared in some way or another. But the allegations will be hanging over his stewardship. His stewardship has been tarnished by these allegation which has not while it has not been proven it will forever remain allegations and I don't think I would want to repose confidence in someone that has these allegations over their head and they have not been exonerated your view >> I don't see what the reporters accuse um Shane Daling of I >> stewardship I I suspect that the minister needs to have a look at his is um stewardship ship of the FLA and the minister says I've had a look and I have confidence in him. I really don't see any allegations against the FLA that says he should go.

[00:30:16]>> Very well.

[00:30:16]>> Insurship is what I said.

[00:30:18]>> All right.

[00:30:20]>> How bullets are managed, how bullets are treated, you I hear this theory. Up until now, we haven't confirmed that there are no missing bullets. We are told that yeah, the bullets have been accounted for. Where are they?

[00:30:36]>> Very well. They're in the vault, I think. But >> you think we need proof?

[00:30:40]>> I'm not there. I don't know. Uh, but yeah, that's the analysis on the top stories of the week. Very heated discussion with these two gentlemen as usual. And of course, after the break, we have the Minister of Energy to speak to us about the national blackout that took place on Friday. Stay tuned.

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[00:32:13]Honorable Delroy Chuck in his sectoral presentation this Wednesday, June 10 at 2 p.m. will outline the successes and plans of the Ministry of Justice and Constitutional Affairs in building a stronger justice system for Jamaica.

[00:32:27]Tune in to Nationwide 90 FM and on our YouTube channel to hear a live broadcast of this presentation. That's the Minister of Justice and Constitutional Affairs live sectoral presentation this Wednesday, June 10, 2026 at 2 p.m. Live on Nationwide 90 FM.

[00:32:47]This broadcast is brought to you by the Ministry of Justice and Constitutional Affairs, balancing rights and responsibilities.

[00:33:08]12:33. Thank you so much for staying with us. It is the week that was and of course it's now time for the segment called the movers and shakers. If anyone was shaken, if anyone was moved, it would be the entire country who were who was in darkness on Friday night. The energy minister expects a full report on the island's blackout within 30 days and he was speaking at an emergency briefing on Saturday as he called on the JPS to give a full transparent account of the failure. The outage happened between the hours of 9:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m. And of course, the minister says a independent investigation of the situation would be carried out. The JPS CEO, Hugh Grant, says the failure was triggered by a significant lightning strike in the corporate area. However, he says what remains unknown is how a single failure resulted in a cascading disruption of the entire power grid. Joining me now for this to discuss this is the Minister of Energy himself, Daryl Vas. Good afternoon, sir.

[00:34:09]>> Afternoon to you, sir.

[00:34:11]>> Yeah, man. Thank you for joining us on the weekend. Yes.

[00:34:14]>> Uh, first of all, you you asked for a full report within 30 days. What happens if JPS does not give you that full report in 30 days?

[00:34:21]>> Put put it this way. There is a there is a protocol that is dictated by the OR act and regulations which require a preliminary within 48 hours of the incident and 30 days. for that in statute.

[00:34:39]>> Um, >> so you're you're you're you can compel them to give that because it is >> well you are remember especially for your listeners you know >> that the JPS is regulated by independent authority called office of utilities.

[00:34:54]>> Yes ma'am minister that's not the difficulty and I know you can ask for it. I know you can compel them to give you that report in 30 days. What I'm asking is what if they don't give you that report after the 30 deadline? I'm not quite sure what the what the um what the the the the the access but I would expect that the O are having oversight they would have definitely um sanctions for that >> but I'm I'm confident based on the discussion that I had yesterday with the JPS and OR that it will be forthcoming >> very >> um um and as I said before the fact of the matter is that that is only one part of the person because once we get that yes I still want a independent consultant that to be agreed on to come and assess independently what has caused this >> and when you say independent consultant minister you're not talking somebody from the O you're talking >> that's correct I mean working in tandem with the O and JPS obviously to get the reports etc but to review those reports and I tell you why. We have had six of these incidents starting from 2006.

[00:36:11]>> Mhm. uh we had I think 2006, 2007, 2008 and I think we had 2012 >> and 2016 April >> and 2016 April where the technology has reached to especially in 2026 we should not be in this position and JPS has already admitted that basically what transpired was a isolated incident in Rockfort due to inclement weather, lightning strike, whatever you want to call it. And that moved from Rockport to Hunts Bay, which is obviously in the same uh geographic area of Kingston and St. Andrew. But the concern is that it went past there without any of the systems isolating it right through all the way down the coast to Bog in St. museums and to all the other uh uh um power plants.

[00:37:10]>> Yes.

[00:37:11]>> On top of which it affected the independent power producers uh suppliers to JPS. So it was an absolute complete complete breakdown of the grid.

[00:37:26]>> Yes. So you you want the independent consultant more than likely someone international with the expertise to come and give a full assessment of these reports >> and and not only that the fact is that it it it should not happen because there are safeguards in place that the JPS put in place expecting that it would have worked and the fact that it did not work and it didn't work to the extreme of being able to lock down the entire grid is totally unex acceptable to 2026 especially as I said before with where we are with technology and what uh what what the the safeguards are >> indeed uh minister I have to ask you who pays for this consultant to come and give this independent report. Well, in fact, the truth the truth of the matter is that that will be a matter between the OR and the the um >> JPS >> and JPS. And of course, you know that we do have a emergency disaster fund that is is paid for by the the the the the customers of JPS.

[00:38:30]>> So, what what what I can tell you for sure, it won't be a cost. It won't be a cost to government.

[00:38:35]>> Very well. Uh >> and on top of which JPS has a responsibility.

[00:38:41]Yes.

[00:38:41]>> Mhm.

[00:38:42]>> To get to the bottom of this and to make sure that no reoccurrence of this will happen again.

[00:38:50]>> Indeed.

[00:38:50]>> Indeed. Especially in this particular uh uh era that we are. It shouldn't happen.

[00:38:56]>> Indeed. And and minister many people they're saying these reports are very much needed because they can't understand why this would be happening in 2026. Will those reports be made public? The full report 100% 100% >> both the independent one and the one that you should get in 30 days.

[00:39:12]>> Listen, listen. My commitment to the Jamaican people as always is full transparency and accountability. JPS had a problem and they must explain the problem and the government must be satisfied with the response as to what caused the problem and what is the solution that will make sure that we do not have another situation like this under my tenure as minister under my government or any other minister or any other government. It is unacceptable in today's world of technology that something like this could have happened.

[00:39:49]It's an embarrassment.

[00:39:51]>> Mhm.

[00:39:51]>> To the government. It has reputational damage to the country. Not to mention the millions and millions and hundreds of millions of dollars that were lost by business persons small and large and all other types of businesses on the on on on the weekend. Minister, I'm glad you went there because with those losses, will you push for JPS to have some compensation to those households, those businesses that suffered loss?

[00:40:20]>> So, the the the the act doesn't speak specifically to that cuz that's the first question that I asked. Mhm.

[00:40:26]>> But I do believe that JPS out of good faith should entertain legitimate uh uh uh requests and proof once proof can be uh uh given because I mean you have seen what is happening on social media, small business people, the little uh pine chicken man, the roundrobing man, the little people who have them bar on a Friday night that depend on on on on the on the business on a Friday and Saturday night and on on the weekends. Yes.

[00:40:54]>> So I'm very cognizant of that. But what I can say clearly is in the new electricity act.

[00:41:02]>> Yes.

[00:41:02]>> Which is due for 2027, a complete overhaul of the OR is going to be done in tandem with that.

[00:41:12]>> Let me ask let me ask you this way, Minister. that complete overall because you're heading to where I want to ask you under the overall of the OUR and the new electricity act that we should have.

[00:41:23]Will you be pushing for legislation therein to have compensation mechanisms for persons who continue to suffer with their fridges being uh damaged business 110%. Not only that, it it is not only about having it in legislation. Yes, >> it's about being able to enact it and the OR needs that the teeth to be able to do that without just being able to say that this is what should happen but it doesn't happen.

[00:41:58]>> Yes. Yes. So what you're looking forward to is a complete overhaul of the entire structure of the OR and the legislation that governs the OR as the independent regulator and more power for the minister because the fact of the matter is that it it is only because of my stridident personality why we have been able to do some of the things we have been able to do because I have to use moral persuasion because I don't have the power >> as minister to enforce and enact and instruct. So it's frustrating to me.

[00:42:39]>> Right. You saw it in Berlin, you saw it in Melissa and you've seen it now >> and the telecommunication sector as well.

[00:42:45]>> Absolutely. So the fact is that I mean as I said before this is a perfect time.

[00:42:52]We have another year and as I said before we have consultants on uh on um on board that are looking at the license itself and also looking at the restructuring of very well minister >> what will be required for the old >> I have two journalists in studio with me who have questions for you as well >> minister um I know you addressed it at your press conference uh yesterday but it's not going away the conspiracy theorist says you were one of the first government minister ers to board that American aircraft carrier that was in our ports.

[00:43:27]>> When the aircraft carrier gone, it carried Jamaica power with it and they believe there's a link between this the two. I'm giving you another opportunity, Minister, to address that.

[00:43:38]>> Right. So there there are three conspiracy theories out there. I did your own first. So that that vessel left Jamaica at 8:00. That vessel is on the way to New York and uh to Florida going through to New York on its continued tour. So it left here 12 hours prior to the to the to the power cut. And the fact of the matter is that it is of course said because of the situation and the geopolitical situation that there's some connection Cuba etc etc. Absolutely ludicrous. It's a part of a tour and it's gone and it's absolutely on its way to Florida as I said and New York. The other one is the situation with the oil in Jamaica and of course the international situation with the with with the supply of oil that has nothing to do with it. We have our supplies through pressure jam and they have their supplies through their independent power suppliers. And of course the the the the the last one was the issue of the fire that started just before or just after at the JDF apart camp which again is to completely coincidental but of course people tie the two things together to say that there was some some some scheme or some plot to to to to do whatever they were doing to upset the the Minister seems to have a little bit of technical difficulty there. Uh but wanted Jan to pose a question.

[00:45:16]>> I want the the point I was making earlier that the JPS has built in a redundancy system that prevents the overloading of the system. So whenever it sees or projects that there's overloading, that system just chops that area. So, it's clear to me >> that it didn't work. Why didn't it work?

[00:45:38]Was it a man-made error? Wasn't somebody on the board seeing that the system is becoming overloaded to >> do we have the minister back on the line?

[00:45:48]>> All right, we're not getting >> I suspect that's what the investigation will will that's what the investigation is.

[00:45:53]>> But, you know, given the Oh, the minister is back.

[00:45:55]>> Yeah.

[00:45:55]>> Okay. Let me pose the question to you quickly.

[00:45:58]>> Let me let me just finish with that point. Yes. And and the the last thing is a cyber attack which has been muted as well especially with the advent of AI etc etc. The JPS has clearly stated yesterday at the press conference that it was a system failure and what should have happened with the isolation of particular incidents at a particular location should not spread through the entire system. They have admitted that it did happen. It shouldn't have happened and I expect that the preliminary report due by Monday afternoon will basically start to unfold the information as to what exactly was the system failure but it was a internal system system failure and I'm I'm confident of that.

[00:46:45]>> Uh Minister I have to go but quickly how how confident now are you in the J in JPS? Uh June 1 marked the start of the hurricane season. We were told that you know we can manage but little lightning and we had a national blackout. How confident are you now in the JPS for this hurricane season?

[00:47:02]>> I I raised that at the at the press conference yesterday to indicate that we are in day six or yesterday was day six.

[00:47:09]Today is day seven and coming out of Melissa and the response that we were able to give in Melissa. I do not want a situation where the confidence of the people of Jamaica start to to to to to uh decrease um as a result of this particular situation. And therefore I'm expecting them to give us an early update and to give us a reassurance that this situation was a one-off. It has been remedied and what needs to be put in place to make the safeguards are there because as we know people are still very very uh suffering from anxiety. Yes. And when you have a situation like a white islandwide power cut that brings back the memories of Melissa and of course people are still on edge. So now minister, so now minister, you have quite rightly highlighted that people may have um started losing confidence in the power company, but you as the minister of energy, have you lost confidence in the JPS?

[00:48:09]>> I have a I have a good working relationship coming out of Melissa. I am giving them the benefit of the doubt to to to give me a report um in short order and also to tell me and show me what safeguards are in place to remedy whatever took place. And the bottom line is that I just ask for the people of Jamaica to continue to have a little confidence and trust in me to make sure that I can make make them comfortable to know that I'm on top of J. Is it fair to say then, Minister, that the outcome of your confidence really depends on that 30-day report that you've asked for?

[00:48:46]>> Yes. Well, not even that. I'm even more I'm even more focused on the 48th hour preliminary report because we, as I said, when when I went into the command room yesterday, I was seeing everything real time and they were able to show me exactly what took place on the on the screen. Uh um so the bottom line is they shouldn't need uh no extraordinary amount of time to to to to backtrack on the system and to see exactly what took place. They've already said that there was particular damage at the Rockport station as a result uh and some conductors were damaged which have isolated. The question is, the question is why wasn't everything else isolated from that particular incident so that we could have continue to have full electricity over the night.

[00:49:34]>> Very well, Minister. Have to go. Have to leave it there. Thank you so much for >> All right. But you'll be you'll be hearing from me. Don't worry. This this is this is not this is not going to be a nine day wonder.

[00:49:43]>> Very well. Yes.

[00:49:44]>> All right. Good. Good. Looking forward to the further updates. Up next, winners and losers of the week.

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[00:51:12]minutes, nine minutes going up to the hour of 1:00. And of course, it's now the time, many people's favorite segments, where we hear from Arthur and Durant, their winners and losers of the week. And I'm going to also ask them to tell me what they're looking forward to in the week ahead as well. So, let me start with you, Durant, your winner and loser of the week.

[00:51:33]>> My biggest winner is the JPS. I mean that >> your biggest winner.

[00:51:37]>> Your winner, >> sorry, your biggest >> My biggest loser is JPS. and the fact that they cause a island wide blackout by virtue of their system, the redundancy that is built in the system not proving its case or not proving the point.

[00:51:54]>> My my biggest winner, >> where is it? Oh, the Parliament of Jamaica in tableabling the Integrity Commission report and proving the naysayers wrong that the Parliament of Jamaica is complicit in not wanting the report to see the light of day. So, that's my winner and loser.

[00:52:14]>> All right, got you. You're wer um the JPS would be my loser.

[00:52:20]Unfortunate.

[00:52:21]I know the people at JPS went the extra mile to get back power after Hurricane Melissa. For us to be 7 months post a category 5 storm and more than 99.9% of people still have power. That is extraordinary.

[00:52:39]>> The people remember Hurricane Katrina um in the US. Um what was the other hurricane recently? Well, Puerto Rico was people in Puerto Rico were out of power. more a year.

[00:52:51]>> So they did the service that the Jamaica needed post Melissa. It's unfortunate that I have to count them as a loser this time around. My winner for the week would have been the DPP and the decision to put this um policeman involved in the Granville shooting so quickly. So those were my winners and losers.

[00:53:13]>> Very well. I thought you'd say Indiccom as well because they are the ones that compile the report. in the com has sent reports to the DPP and it has taken 6 months before a ruling has been handed down from >> very well and what are you looking forward in the week ahead?

[00:53:28]>> Well, it is going to continue with the um parliament's sectoral presentation that is remains very interesting and I think that that's where my focus is for this week.

[00:53:40]>> Very well. Udant >> JPS and the report that they're supposed to be submitting to the office of utilities regulation tomorrow a point that I had wanted to raise with the minister because he said he went to the command room saw what was happening showed what was happening and it's a systemic problems now I'm saying or I'm of the opinion if a systemic problems and the system is built in with redundancy didn't someone see that unplugging the Huntsby old harour from the national grid to prevent it or them compromising the national grid. So for me it's beyond a system error. It's also man-made. Somebody should have been there to unplug those two system to prevent them from undermining the national grid.

[00:54:34]>> Well, let us see what the report says.

[00:54:35]Yes. Uh I I'll leave it to the experts there. Well, you've heard it ladies and gentlemen. the biggest loser of the week coming in on the back end of the week.

[00:54:43]Uh, everyone was totally fine until Friday night. JPS became the biggest loser there. Of course, on the other end, the winners, you have the Parliament of Jamaica for tableabling the Integrity Commission's report on the Firearm Licensing Authority. And the other winner of the week being, remind me again, the other winner being the DPP for having leveled those charges in record time, as Arthur puts it. Of course, uh what I'm looking forward to the week ahead is the World Cup. It's unfortunate though that the United States, Mexico, and Canada, who should be hosting this World Cup together, this feels like the lamest buildup to the World Cup. Um but nevertheless, I'm still looking forward to it.

[00:55:28]Notwithstanding that the regga boys did not book their ticket to the World Cup, many people have started to put the flags on their business places, their motor vehicles, and of course people like Durant looking around for their jerseys. Well, >> 3x.

[00:55:42]>> Well, I wasn't going to say the sighted here, but if you want to. Uh, so, of course, last week, um, newssh heavy, but of course everything got blindsided, or should I say blacksided by the power outage throughout the entire Ireland.

[00:55:58]But for this week, what we're looking forward to, at least myself, is the start of the World Cup. Yeah. Well, that's all the time we have. Special thanks to editor at large at the Jamaica Observer Arthur Hall for joining me and of course veteran journalist himself Duran P. Thank you so much sir for joining me. Always a pleasure to hear the riveting debates from both these gentlemen. I could just sit down and not host and just listen to both of them go at it. Uh but special thanks to you our listeners or viewers uh those of you who made this show possible. Thank you so much for listening to us. It is the week that was. I'm S Bernard. Stay tuned 12:00 again next week Sunday. Take care.