Caribbean News
Jamaica prepares for local government elections
Rashaed Esson
Staff Writer
#Jamaica, November 25, 2023 – Local Government elections are just around the corner and Jamaica is in preparation mode for a potentially hot competition on Election Day.
In readying for the typically heated running for divisional councilors and mayors, as is the nature of local government elections, the Electoral Office of Jamaica (EOJ), as of November, commenced the recruitment process for elections day workers, as reported by The Jamaica Information Service (JIS).
The electoral office has been appealing to Jamaicans to apply for positions on Election Day, due, under the law, on or before February 28th, 2024, about three months from now.
Glasspole Brown, Director of Elections, informed the media that EOJ since the start of the recruitment process, training has begun. However, there are still many people than have the chance to be a part of the election process, especially given the positions available.
The available positions include presiding officers, poll clerks, supervisors and polling station security assistants
(PASSA) or or one-day police officers, as they are called.
Not only that, there are also positions for logistical support as well as short term employment within the Information Technology Department and Field Operations Department and in officers; this is for additional work before and after Election Day.
Upon starting the recruitment process, EOJ set a goal for approximately 28,000 people which they are now close to reaching.
“So far, the response has been very good, we are close to our target, but we continue to recruit because we have to go through a process of training these individuals,” expressed Brown.
He added that after training there may be a number of the recruits who do not make the cut due to not meeting the standard required to work on Election Day, hence the continuation of recruitment. Brown further pointed out that the EOJ will be prepared before the year’s end.
This term’s Local government election comes after three postponements, when the bill allowing the delay was passed earlier this year in February, reports say. Jamaica’s Prime Minister Andrew Holness indicated that the election WILL be held In February or next year, as it is due.
In fact, further postponement was answered with heavy pushback from the opposition, which expressed that it is in contradiction to true democracy.
Local government elections in Jamaica are constitutionally (under the law) due every four years and were last held in November of 2016. The next due date was November 2020, but due to COVID-19, it was put off, despite the holding of general elections two months prior in September.
Caribbean News
Sandals Resorts and Beaches Resorts celebrate a night of wins, and take home a total of 16 titles at the 32nd Annual World Travel Awards
Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands (October 6th, 2025) – CaribCon, the Caribbean conference celebrating culture, innovation, and creativity, will welcome some of the region’s most influential voices to its inaugural edition in the Turks and Caicos Islands. The event, set to be a dynamic gathering of thought leaders and cultural icons, will feature impactful panel discussions, inspiring and intimate fireside chats and a flow of knowledge from some of the Caribbean’s brightest and best in the creative sector.
Elizabeth “Lady” Montano
Jamaica’s own Dr. Terri-Karelle Johnson, celebrated communications specialist, media personality, and global keynote speaker, will headline CaribCon as the official keynote speaker. Known for her ability to connect authentically and inspire audiences worldwide, Dr. Reid will share her insights on Caribbean identity, storytelling, and the power of representation in shaping global narratives. Another highlight of CaribCon will be the presence of Elizabeth “Lady” Montano, mother and former manager of soca superstar Machel Montano. Lady will launch her award-winning book, King of Soca, in which she is positioned as the ultimate insider, chronicling the evolution of one of the Caribbean’s most iconic entertainers. She will also share her invaluable experiences on nurturing talent, building a brand, and sustaining longevity in the competitive music industry in an intimate fireside chat. Adding further star power to the event is Simon Baptiste, CEO of Question Mark Entertainment, co-founder of ODOS, a global collective network spanning over 1000 professionals in 35 countries, film director, talent manager and creative strategist. Baptiste will bring his expertise to conversations on shaping the region’s creative sector and talent.
Simon Baptiste
“CaribCon is where the Caribbean’s voices, ideas, and creativity converge,” says Omega Simmons, founder of CaribCon and CEO of SOS Media. “Having leaders like Terri Karelle, Lady Montano, and Simon Baptiste share their stories and expertise truly embodies the spirit of this event. Their presence reinforces the power of Caribbean culture to inspire and influence on the world stage.” CaribCon will take place at the Shore Club in Providenciales, the Turks and Caicos Islands, from October 23rd to 26th. Attendees can look forward to networking opportunities, panel discussions, and meaningful dialogue to foster an ecosystem that develops the region’s creative sector and propels it onto the global stage.
Sponsors are:
Signature Experience Partners: Ministry of Tourism, Experience Turks and Caicos, and The Shore Club.
Other sponsors: PPID, Invest TCI, InterCaribbean Airways, Subtronic Sounds, Spotlight Communications.
Hotel partners: Ocean Club Resorts, Waterloo Hotel Management, The Somerset on Grace Bay and Ports of Call Resort.
For more information, tickets, and updates, visit www.caribcon.co or follow @caribconhq on all social media platforms.
For more information please email: contact@caribcon.co
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