KINGSTON, Jamaica — The Kingston and St Andrew Parish Court addressed multiple cases on Tuesday, all arising from family disputes. One notable case involved George McDonald, who faced charges of assault causing bodily harm. However, the proceedings were delayed as the complainant, McDonald’s brother with whom he resides, was absent from the courtroom. Judge Paula Blake Powell emphasized the importance of the complainant’s presence, stating, ‘If he were here, the matter could have been finished today, perhaps.’ The case was rescheduled for January 20th, with McDonald instructed to inform his brother of the new date. In a separate incident, two women and a 16-year-old boy appeared before Judge Blake Powell. The female defendant, charged with assault causing bodily harm, is related to the complainants as their sister or aunt. She allegedly bit her nephew on the shoulder and scratched him with a knife. It was disclosed that the accused and complainants also live together. The mother of the injured child expressed a desire for mediation to resolve the family conflict. The court referred the family to restorative justice, with a follow-up hearing set for December 17th.