Morning Bites: 5 things to know for Wednesday; Teachers on edge; Khanice Jackson; Kartel juror; Clovis Toon; Breaking News and more

Morning Bites: 5 things to know for Wednesday, March 8, 2023 Education sector on edge, Opposition calls press conference There is uncertainty about what will happen in the education sector today as teachers step up their demand for a better wage offer from Government amid signals that it could [lead to an all-island shutdown of schools](. Teachers have been [protesting since Monday]( in at least five parishes over the wage negotiations, and the Jamaica Observer was told of planned sit-ins and sick-outs by the educators up to today when delegates of the Jamaica Teachers’ Association will vote to either accept or reject the Government’s wage offer. In the meantime, the Shadow Minister of Education and Training, Senator Damion Crawford has called a press conference for 10 this morning to discuss the state of the education sector and ongoing unrest amongst teachers islandwide. Vybz Kartel juror for sentencing His sentencing having been [postponed twice in four days]( Livingston Caine, the juror accused of offering $500,000 to the jury foreman to influence other jurors to return a not guilty verdict against dancehall artiste Vybz Kartel in his high-profile murder trial, is to return to court today when it is expected that he will be sentenced. Having been postponed last Thursday as Caine was reportedly hospitalised, sentencing was again put off again on Monday in the Kingston and St Andrew Parish Court when it was revealed that the social inquiry report requested by defence lawyers was not prepared. Khanice Jackson murder accused returns to court The issue of bail for Robert Fowler, the St Catherine mechanic accused of the [2021 killing of 20-year-old accounting clerk Khanice Jackson]( of Independence City, Portmore, will come up for mention again in the Supreme Court today. The issue of bail or whether a guilty plea will be accepted in lieu of a trial will likely be discussed. One of the lawyers representing Fowler said at his last court appearance that discussions had started with the prosecution in an effort to forgo a trial. Advertisement West Indies seek to level Test series versus South Africa Unfazed by their first Test defeat, West Indies are seeking an improved performance, especially from their batsmen, as they [look to win the second Test that begins at the Wanderers on Wednesday]( and avoid their ninth straight Test series defeat to South Africa. The Caribbean side found themselves in with a chance on the third day of the opening Test when they mowed the hosts down for 116 in their second innings, but the resulting target of 247 proved beyond West Indies, the run chase collapsing just after tea for 159, to leave them with an 87-run loss. US to relax COVID testing rules for travellers from China The Biden administration is [preparing to relax COVID-19 testing restrictions for travellers from China]( as soon as Friday, according to two people familiar with the decision. The people, who were not authorised to comment publicly and spoke on the condition of anonymity, said the administration has decided to roll back the testing requirements as cases, hospitalisations and deaths are declining in China and the US has gathered better information about the surge. ICYMI: WHILE YOU WERE SLEEPING Eight years, no new taxes Jamaicans will, for an eighth straight year, be [faced with no new taxes](. National Minimum Wage to be increased in April – Clarke Finance and Public Service Minister Dr Nigel Clarke has announced that the [national minimum wage will be increased in April](. Major water park coming for Kingston waterfront - Clarke A major water park is to be [constructed on the Kingston waterfront]( as the Government continues its push to redevelop the downtown business district while creating recreational spaces for Jamaicans. CLOVIS TOON TODAY IN HISTORY Joe Frazier defeats Muhammad Ali On this day in 1971, Joe Frazier defeated Muhammad Ali by decision in what was billed as “The Fight of the Century” at Madison Square Garden in New York. For more stories, visit our website at www.jamaicaobserver.com or [sign up for our e-paper](. [Twitter]( [Facebook]( [Website]( Copyright © 2023 Jamaica Observer, All rights reserved. Our mailing address is: 40 - 42 1/2 Beechwood Avenue Kingston 5 Want to change how you receive these emails? You can [update your preferences]( or [unsubscribe from this list](.