Morning Bites: 5 things to know for Wednesday: Exports rise; JPS; Paulwell's missing daughter; Today's Weather; Clovis Toon; Breaking News and more

Morning Bites: 5 things to know for Wednesday, September 27, 2023 Exports up 36.6% Jamaica’s earnings from total exports were valued at [US$879.5 million for January to May 2023]( while spending on imports was US$3.1 billion. The information was released on Tuesday by the Statistical Institute of Jamaica (STATIN) which revealed that the value of total exports increased by 36.6 per cent when compared to the $644.1 million earned in the corresponding 2022 period. STATIN noted that the value of imports increased by 3.8 per cent when compared to the US$3 billion spent during the corresponding period in 2022. JPS no longer accepting cheques for bill payments The Jamaica Public Service Company (JPS) has said that due to an increase in fraudulent activities it will no longer be accepting cheques for bill transactions via payment agencies and at its offices effective today, Wednesday, September 27. JPS said the decision was arrived at after consideration and consultations with its partners. It said other payment options – cash, debit and credit card, direct bank transfers among others will continue to be accepted by these payment agencies. Psychiatric report expected for wife accused of killing cop husband Manchester housewife Kacey-Ann Roxanne Blair, who is charged with the murder of her husband, Constable Damien Blair, will return to the Home Circuit Court in downtown Kingston today. An [outstanding forensic psychiatric report is expected]( to have been completed for the proceedings. Based on this, the trial judge will make a determination as to whether or not the defendant is fit to plead. According to a police report, about 6:25 pm on May 29, Constable Damien Blair was reportedly shot with his licensed pistol, allegedly by his wife, inside the family house in Somerset, Manchester, before further wounds were inflicted to him with a hammer. Advertisement ‘No progress’ in search for Paulwell’s missing daughter and mom Member of Parliament for East Kingston and Port Royal, Phillip Paulwell, says the authorities are [nowhere closer to finding his missing 10-month-old daughter Sarayah and her mother]( 27-year-old Toshyna Patterson. The two were last seen at their Gilmore Drive, Kingston 20 home on the morning of September 9 but have not been seen since. Saka joins Arsenal's growing injury list Bukayo Saka has [joined Arsenal's growing injury list]( after Mikel Arteta revealed the England forward is struggling with a foot problem. Saka limped off in the closing stages of Sunday's 2-2 draw against north London rivals Tottenham. TODAY'S WEATHER FORECAST It is expected to be partly cloudy this morning, according to the Meteorological Service of Jamaica. In the afternoon, showers and thunderstorms are anticipated mainly across southern and northwestern parishes. ICYMI: WHILE YOU WERE SLEEPING WATCH: ‘I am desperate’ - Meddik's mom makes emotional plea for return of daughter Millicent McCurdy, mother of missing artiste Stephanie 'Meddik' Williams, issued an emotional plea during a peaceful protest on Tuesday, seeking assistance in obtaining information about her daughter's whereabouts. $58.2 billion added to budget; $1.7 billion set aside for local gov't elections - Clarke More than $58 billion has been [added to the national budget]( following Tuesday’s tabling in the House of Representatives of the Third Estimates of Expenditure for the 2023/24 fiscal year, by Finance and Public Service Minister, Dr Nigel Clarke. Reggae Girlz fall short in Olympic bid - lose to Canada in second leg Cloe Lacasse and Jordyn Huitema scored, and [Canada defeated Jamaica 2-1]( on Tuesday night in the second leg of the teams' Olympic qualifier to secure a berth at next summer's Paris Games. CLOVIS TOON TODAY IN HISTORY Taliban take power in Afghanistan On this day in 1996, in Afghanistan, the Taliban, a band of former seminary students, drove the government of President Burhanuddin Rabbani out of Kabul, captured the capital and executed former leader Najibullah. 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](.