ONE-MINUTE READS ... News from across Jamaica

J'CANS IN UKRAINE URGED TO CONTACT EMBASSY

Opposition spokesperson on foreign affairs and foreign trade, Lisa Hanna, has urged Jamaicans in the Ukraine and surrounding countries to register with the Jamaican embassy in Germany so they can be assisted if the tensions in that region spirals out of control.

Hanna, in a media release yesterday, said that the parliamentary opposition is aware that Jamaica's "highly competent and dedicated foreign service representatives" are making concerted efforts to ensure the protection of Jamaicans in the region.

"Therefore, we urge all Jamaicans there, including our students, to register with our embassy in Germany to receive important, timely information on travel protocols and assistance," Hanna said.

The build-up of an estimated 100,000 Russian troops near Ukraine has fuelled speculation that Russia could invade Ukraine "any day".

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NZINGA KING TRIMMING RULING LIKELY THIS WEEK

Director of Public Prosecutions Paula Llewellyn said that her office will this week issue a ruling in the matter involving Nzinga King, who was allegedly trimmed by a cop after being taken into police custody.

The Independent Commission of Investigations (INDECOM), which conducted a probe into the matter, sent the file to the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) on November 11 for a ruling.

Llewellyn yesterday said that her team is "making sure that we have all the relevant information to make an informed decision".

She said that her team was awaiting "an important report from the forensic lab, which we only received this week". The report, she said, was not provided by INDECOM.

"All being well, I and my team will now be able to complete the ruling which will be sent back to INDECOM later this week," Llewellyn said.

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Some MPs asked to stay away from Parliament tomorrow

Restrictions have been placed on the number of legislators who will be allowed to attend tomorrow's ceremonial opening or Parliament, which will mark the start of the 2022/2023 Parliamentary Year.

Limits have also been placed on the number of dignitaries who will be allowed into the Parliament.

Edmund Bartlett, leader of the House, said that the opening of Parliament will take place in strict adherence to the Ministry of Health and Wellness' COVID-19 guidelines.

"As you know, we are still in a pandemic and the protocol in relation to social distancing in the chamber is still to be maintained. We regret that the number of members who will be able to participate directly in this opening will again be constrained by these considerations, and we are happy that members have responded well so that we will be able to comport with the requirements of the protocols," Bartlett said.

At tomorrow's opening, Governor General Sir Patrick Allen will deliver the Throne Speech, which will outline the Government's plans and programmes for the next fiscal year.

The 2022/2023 Estimates of Expenditure will be tabled in the afternoon by Finance Minister Dr Nigel Clarke.