NEWS BRIEF
US$18.5 million to repair roads in five parishes
FORTY contracts totalling US$18.5 million were signed at Jamaica House yesterday under phase one of the National Road Services Improvement Programme.
Prime Minister Portia Simpson Miller told the signing ceremony that the Inter-American Development Bank will fund 54 per cent of US$9.9 million of the cost, while 46 per cent – US$8.4 million – will be provided by the Government of Jamaica.
Simpson Miller said the contract signing signals the commencement of an enhanced routine maintenance programme that will cover 1,800 kilometres, or one-third of the country’s main roads. She said that for too long the people of Jamaica have had to deal with poor road conditions and that the initiative by the government would bring about much-needed improvements.
The parishes to be covered under the programme include Manchester, Portland, St Catherine, St Thomas and Westmoreland.
‘Tony’ Welsh verdict likely today
A verdict in the murder trial of People’s National Party activist Milton “Tony” Welsh, who is accused of stabbing to death a young man in his yard, should be handed down today, after more than a week of testimony.
Justice Marjorie Cole-Smith of the Kingston Home Circuit started summing up the matter for jurors on Friday and should conclude today, by which time the case will go to jurors.
Welsh is on trial for stabbing to death Damion Hussey, 21, after accusing him of stoning a bus with supporters of Dr Peter Phillips while travelling in Golden Spring, St Andrew on January 15.
PM in Washington
PRIME Minister Portia Simpson Miller left the island yesterday afternoon for an official visit to Washington.
Simpson Miller will return to the island on Wednesday. During her absence, Robert Pickersgill, the minister of housing, transport, water and works, will be in charge of the government.