作者: admin

  • Chinese businesswoman injured in St Andrew home invasion, security officer shot

    Chinese businesswoman injured in St Andrew home invasion, security officer shot

    KINGSTON, Jamaica – A violent home invasion targeting a Chinese businesswoman on Haining Road in St Andrew escalated into an armed confrontation on Wednesday morning, leaving both the victim and a responding security officer injured.

    According to police reports, the incident occurred at approximately 9:00 AM when three armed assailants forced entry into the woman’s residence shortly after she arrived home. The perpetrators confronted the businesswoman, striking her in the head with a firearm while demanding money.

    Hawkeye Security personnel responded to a distress signal activated from the premises. Upon arrival, the security team encountered intense gunfire from the suspects, triggering an exchange of shots. During the confrontation, one Hawkeye officer sustained a leg injury from a grazing bullet and was transported to a medical facility for treatment.

    The assailants fled the scene using multiple escape routes—two suspects on foot while the third commandeered the victim’s Toyota Hiace vehicle. The stolen vehicle was subsequently discovered abandoned after colliding with a utility pole along Oxford Road, where the final suspect made his escape on foot.

    Law enforcement authorities indicated that preliminary investigations suggest robbery as the primary motive behind the attack. The investigation remains ongoing to determine whether additional valuables were stolen beyond the vehicle.

    Both victims received medical attention for their injuries, with the businesswoman treated for head trauma resulting from the firearm assault. Police continue to pursue active leads in the case.

  • MLSS reaffirms commitment to accessibility as Jamaica marks International Day for persons with disabilities

    MLSS reaffirms commitment to accessibility as Jamaica marks International Day for persons with disabilities

    Jamaica has launched a comprehensive national initiative to rebuild the country as a fully accessible society, marking the International Day for Persons with Disabilities with concrete policy actions and firm governmental commitments.

    At a national public forum hosted at The Summit in Kingston, Minister of Labour and Social Security Pearnel Charles Jr. declared accessibility a fundamental human right and critical component of national development strategy. “Today, we affirm that accessibility is a right, a national priority, and a core pillar of sustainable development,” Minister Charles stated emphatically. “Creating an accessible Jamaica is not the work of just one ministry; it is the work of a nation.”

    The minister emphasized that with approximately 15% of Jamaica’s population living with disabilities, their full inclusion represents both a moral imperative and an economic opportunity. The initiative aligns directly with Jamaica’s Vision 2030 national development plan, positioning accessibility as essential for harnessing the nation’s complete innovative capacity and talent pool.

    Dr. Christine Hendricks, Executive Director of the Jamaica Council for Persons with Disabilities, moderated the forum and framed the discussion as a national call to action. “Universal Design must guide every decision we make as we reconstruct physical spaces, strengthen digital systems, and modernise public services,” Dr. Hendricks asserted. “Accessibility is not an accommodation—it is a fundamental requirement for national development.”

    The ministry unveiled a three-pillar strategy for national accessibility transformation:

    Digital Inclusion: Implementing WCAG 2.1 AA accessibility standards across government platforms, conducting comprehensive digital accessibility audits, and expanding assistive technology training programs for visually and hearing impaired citizens.

    Physical Infrastructure Enhancement: Strengthening enforcement of the updated Jamaica Building Code (2023), retrofitting public facilities using standardized accessibility checklists, and modernizing public transportation systems to ensure universal access.

    Service Delivery Improvement: Increasing certified Jamaican Sign Language interpreters, promoting plain-language communication protocols, and implementing disability sensitization training for all frontline public-sector employees.

    The forum featured a panel of national stakeholders including representatives from the Architects Association of Jamaica, the Office of the Prime Minister, and the Jamaica Association for Persons with Intellectual Disabilities, demonstrating cross-sectoral commitment to the accessibility agenda.

  • CGWTU wants clear timeline on agreed wage increases

    CGWTU wants clear timeline on agreed wage increases

    The Contractors and General Workers Trade Union (CGWTU) has issued a formal demand for immediate clarity and accountability regarding protracted delays in implementing wage increases and arrears for daily-rated workers at the San Fernando City Corporation. Union President General Ermine De Bique Meade characterized the ongoing postponements as completely unacceptable in a December 3rd statement.

    The dispute centers on collective agreements signed back on April 24th covering the periods 2014-2016 and 2017-2019. According to the union, the Chief Personnel Officer (CPO) provided firm assurances that new wage rates would be implemented by August with outstanding arrears settled before Christmas. Neither commitment has been fulfilled to date.

    The CPO’s explanations for the delay have evolved over time, initially citing administrative transition issues, then awaiting the national budget, and finally claiming no directive had been issued by the Finance Minister even after budget delivery. The union condemns these shifting justifications as a pattern of systematic delay and excuses that has left workers in financial limbo.

    Complicating matters further, the San Fernando City Corporation allegedly never received signed agreements or implementation instructions from the CPO’s office. The union itself had to provide these documents to the corporation’s CEO just four weeks ago.

    The situation highlights apparent disparities in treatment between worker groups. While the Public Services Association (PSA) secured a ten percent increase with expedited processing on December 2nd, CGWTU-represented workers continue waiting for resolutions dating back over a decade. President Meade emphasized this contrast, noting her union’s outstanding agreements significantly predate those of other labor groups currently negotiating for the 2020-2022 period.

    The union specifically referenced the Finance Minister’s own budget presentation pledge to ratify April-signed agreements for various public sector groups including both Port of Spain and San Fernando City Corporations. Workers now await concrete action matching these political assurances.

  • PM to PNM: Tell Trinidad and Tobago, how long was radar compromised?

    PM to PNM: Tell Trinidad and Tobago, how long was radar compromised?

    Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar has launched a forceful counteroffensive against opposition criticism regarding the installation of U.S. radar systems, accusing the former People’s National Movement (PNM) government of deliberate security negligence that enabled criminal operations for over a decade.

    In a December 3rd statement, the Prime Minister reframed the national security debate by challenging the PNM to disclose how long they had been aware of Trinidad and Tobago’s compromised radar capabilities. Rather than addressing opposition concerns about sovereignty, Persad-Bissessar shifted focus to what she characterized as systemic security failures during PNM’s tenure.

    The newly operational radar at ANR Robinson International Airport in Tobago represents a significant upgrade in surveillance capabilities, specifically targeting narcotics trafficking, arms smuggling, and unauthorized migrant movements from Venezuela. Another complementary system is scheduled for installation in Trinidad, creating comprehensive coverage previously unavailable to national security forces.

    Persad-Bissessar presented a damning chronology of PNM’s governance, linking the party’s period in power to what she described as ‘horrendous’ crime statistics: over 5,000 murders, widespread sexual violence, and rampant violent robberies. She attributed these security failures to deliberate tolerance of drug cartels and sanction-evading Venezuelan criminal networks.

    The Prime Minister’s challenge includes four specific demands: disclosure of when PNM first learned of radar system vulnerabilities, publication of names of businessmen with dual affiliations to PNM and drug cartels, explanation of why previous radars failed to detect illegal ship-to-ship oil transfers, and clarification whether current anti-American rhetoric stems from criminal pressure rather than national interest concerns.

    This confrontation occurs amid escalating tensions between the United States and Venezuela, with Washington accusing Caracas of narco-terrorism activities. The Prime Minister characterized PNM’s questions about the new radar as a ‘desperate’ attempt to obtain sensitive security information that could benefit criminal financiers associated with the opposition.

  • Found dead in bed – Gasparillo woman’s throat slit

    Found dead in bed – Gasparillo woman’s throat slit

    The peaceful community of Gasparillo has been shattered by the brutal murder of 74-year-old Sookhdaya “Chandra” Jury, who was discovered with her throat slit in her San Fabien Road home on December 1. The horrific finding was made by her daughter after repeated calls went unanswered, despite the two having communicated via video chat less than an hour earlier.

    The tragedy strikes just days before the sixth anniversary of her husband Lesley Hosein’s murder, who was killed by bandits in Sangre Grande in 2017. Jury’s brother, 80-year-old Mohan, expressed profound shock, revealing they had spent time together the previous night as she prepared for a Friday trip to visit her daughter in Canada.

    Police investigations revealed no signs of forced entry or robbery, leading relatives and residents to suspect the perpetrator was someone known to the victim. Adding to the mystery, Jury’s cellphone was later recovered in the washroom of a local Gasparillo bar.

    The murder has sent shockwaves through the close-knit community where Jury was described as a quiet, warm, and loving person who frequently welcomed villagers into her home. Neighbor Amir Sahadath, who had been socializing with Jury hours before the murder, expressed both grief and fear, noting the killer remains at large.

    This incident marks the latest in a disturbing pattern of violence against elderly citizens in Trinidad. Earlier this year, 77-year-old Sam Seegulam was found dead in Longdenville in October, 64-year-old Fanglin Zuo was murdered in Tobago in September, and married couple Kumari and Nasheed Baksh (60 and 67 respectively) were found dead in their Cumuto home in January.

  • Nursing home owner denies suicide claim, says resident cut himself shaving

    Nursing home owner denies suicide claim, says resident cut himself shaving

    A significant discrepancy has emerged between law enforcement reports and a nursing home administration regarding an incident involving an elderly resident. Patricia Moxey, proprietor of Pat’s Senior Citizen Nursing Home and Daycare Centre on Soldier Road, has publicly challenged a police classification of an attempted suicide, asserting that the event was a minor shaving accident that was dramatically misrepresented.

    According to Moxey, an 80-year-old male resident, who has resided at the facility for approximately six months and maintains full mental capacity for personal grooming, merely nicked his wrist while shaving himself—a routine activity he performs independently. She characterized the subsequent reporting as a disproportionate overreaction, stating the incident ‘was put out wrongly’ and that excited frustrations led to a false narrative. The resident, described by staff as alert and pleasant, has no history of self-harm behaviors.

    Contrasting this account, police officials reported that officers responded to a call on Monday morning around 7am after the man was discovered with injuries to his left wrist, suspected to be self-inflicted with a sharp object. Medical personnel on scene assessed the wounds as superficial. A student nurse involved in the discovery detailed that she noticed a small ‘nip’ during morning care routines, provided basic first aid by applying pressure and bandaging the wound, and subsequently reported the matter to her supervisor, who then contacted emergency services. The nurse expressed surprise upon learning the incident was being investigated as an attempted suicide, having believed she was reporting a minor accident.

    Police Press Liaison Chief Superintendent Sheria King confirmed the classification remains based on the active investigation but encouraged anyone with additional information to come forward. The resident has since returned to the nursing home and is resting comfortably under close monitoring, with regular family visits continuing.

  • PNM mourns death of Garvin Simonette

    PNM mourns death of Garvin Simonette

    Trinidad and Tobago’s political landscape is mourning the loss of former temporary senator Garvin Simonette, who passed away on December 2 following health-related complications. The prominent legal professional and political figure came from a distinguished lineage of public service, being the son of the People’s National Movement’s inaugural general secretary Nicholas Simonette and Hummingbird Medal Silver recipient Irma “Mother Ipyana” Simonette.

    Simonette’s political journey began with his initial appointment as temporary government senator in 2016, followed by another term in 2018. His parliamentary service extended until August 2019, during which he established himself as a meticulous researcher known for delivering scholarly discourses during legislative debates.

    The former senator’s career encountered significant turbulence in August 2019 when revelations emerged about a prior drunk driving charge in the United States. This disclosure prompted his immediate resignation from the Senate and subsequent deselection as public administration minister-designate, a position he was scheduled to assume following the cancellation of his swearing-in ceremony.

    Beyond politics, Simonette built an impressive legal career specializing in company, commercial, and taxation law. His professional expertise gained recognition not only within Trinidad and Tobago but across regional and international legal circles, where he was respected for his technical proficiency and professional conduct.

    The PNM party memorialized Simonette as an individual deeply committed to national development, emphasizing his family’s legacy of social activism and his personal dedication to serving as an effective representative for his constituents.

  • PM, UNC mourns as Daphne Phillips dies

    PM, UNC mourns as Daphne Phillips dies

    The United National Congress (UNC) and Trinidad and Tobago’s political community are mourning the passing of Dr. Daphne Phillips, a foundational member and former government minister who died on December 3. Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar, who served alongside Phillips in former Prime Minister Basdeo Panday’s cabinet from 1995-2001, issued an emotional tribute through the UNC, honoring her late colleague’s multifaceted legacy.

    Dr. Phillips distinguished herself as Minister of Community Development, Culture and Women’s Affairs during her tenure, simultaneously holding the portfolio of Minister in the Ministry of Community Empowerment, Sport and Consumer Affairs. Her career spanned multiple domains including academia, nursing, and policymaking, earning her recognition as both a mentor and patriot.

    Prime Minister Persad-Bissessar emphasized Phillips’ unwavering commitment to national development, noting her pioneering work in community empowerment, women’s advancement, family strengthening, and cultural enrichment. Phillips’ political journey began with the People’s Popular Movement (PPM) under Michael Als before merging with the newly formed UNC in 1991, where she remained a steadfast supporter throughout the party’s evolution.

    This loss represents the second recent tragedy for the UNC following the November murder of councilor Romona Victor, who was killed by her common-law husband in a murder-suicide incident. The consecutive losses have created a somber period for the political organization as it remembers two significant contributors to its mission and values.

  • First Citizens launches Google Pay

    First Citizens launches Google Pay

    In a landmark move for Caribbean banking, First Citizens Group has officially launched Google Pay services in Trinidad and Tobago, marking the first deployment of Google’s mobile payment platform in the nation. The December 3 announcement positions the financial institution at the forefront of digital payment innovation in the region.

    Group CEO Jason Julien characterized the launch as a strategic commitment to advancing the country’s digital transformation ecosystem. “As a forward-thinking financial institution, First Citizens is proud to deliver Google Pay to Trinidad and Tobago,” Julien stated. “This initiative elevates payment methodologies through smarter, safer and frictionless digital experiences that align with our customers’ evolving lifestyles.”

    The newly implemented service enables customers to create digital wallets linked directly to their First Citizens credit or prepaid cards, facilitating secure contactless payments both in physical stores and online marketplaces. The bank emphasized the dual benefits for consumers and merchants, noting that retailers can expect accelerated checkout processes, diminished fraud risks, and enhanced digital-first customer experiences.

    From a technical perspective, Google Pay operates through near-field communication (NFC) technology, allowing users to complete transactions by simply holding their enabled devices near contactless terminals. The system also supports online checkout integration and peer-to-peer transactions without requiring balance transfers, maintaining direct linkage to existing card products.

    Security architecture employs tokenization technology that generates virtual account numbers for each transaction instead of transmitting actual card details. Additional protection layers include device PIN requirements, passcode verification, and biometric authentication through fingerprint or facial recognition systems.

    The introduction signals significant behavioral shifts from traditional card-based payments toward phone-enabled transactions, reflecting broader digital transformation trends in the Caribbean banking sector. First Citizens’ deployment establishes a new benchmark for digital payment infrastructure in the region while potentially influencing neighboring markets’ adoption timelines.

  • Padarath, Gonzales: Nothing unusual about joint parliamentary sittings

    Padarath, Gonzales: Nothing unusual about joint parliamentary sittings

    Senior parliamentary figures from both government and opposition have dismissed concerns about simultaneous legislative sessions scheduled for December 5th, characterizing the arrangement as routine procedure rather than extraordinary circumstance.

    Government Business Leader Barry Padarath and Opposition Chief Whip Marvin Gonzales separately affirmed that both chambers of Trinidad and Tobago’s parliament will convene concurrently within the Red House’s northern and southern chambers. This coordinated scheduling enables parallel consideration of two significant legislative measures requiring urgent attention.

    The Senate will resume deliberations on the Home Invasion (Self-Defence and Defence of Property) Bill, 2025, continuing debates initiated December 2nd. Attorney General John Jeremie, who inaugurated the discussions, will deliver concluding arguments before the legislation advances to committee review and ultimate voting. The proposed law demands a three-fifths supermajority for passage, necessitating 19 affirmative votes in the 31-member Senate. With the government controlling 15 seats, securing four additional votes from opposition and independent senators becomes crucial for enactment.

    Simultaneously, the House of Representatives will examine the Finance Bill, 2025—legislative machinery designed to implement budgetary policies recently approved by lawmakers.

    Padarath emphasized the architectural intentionality behind the Red House’s dual chambers, noting via WhatsApp message that ‘one of the main reasons there are two chambers is for occurrences like this.’ The Public Utilities Minister further asserted the government’s commitment to fulfilling legislative promises while taking a political jab at the opposition PNM party, accusing them of being ‘legislatively lazy.’

    Gonzales corroborated this perspective, referencing historical precedent for such parallel proceedings and stating simply: ‘Nothing unusual to me.’