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In a courtroom drama that unfolded in St James, Jamaica, Romaine Christie found himself at the center of a legal battle over an alleged theft of three mobile phones. Christie, who appeared before Parish Judge Natiesha Fairclough-Hylton on Wednesday, faced charges of simple larceny following an incident in September. According to court records, Christie entered a Montego Bay store, requested to inspect three Samsung phones, and then abruptly fled with the devices. The theft was promptly reported, leading to Christie’s arrest and subsequent charges. During the hearing, Christie’s father pleaded for leniency, vowing to compensate for the stolen items. Christie himself claimed that his actions were driven by a desire to fund his mother’s impending eye surgery. However, Judge Fairclough-Hylton expressed skepticism, noting that despite Christie’s claims, the surgery had not been paid for. Christie countered that the procedure was postponed due to his mother’s elevated blood pressure. The case was referred to mediation, where Christie agreed to reimburse the complainant. The judge granted bail set at $150,000 with up to three sureties and scheduled the next hearing for January 14, 2026.

In response to the widespread devastation caused by Hurricane Melissa, the Electoral Office of Jamaica (EOJ) has announced the temporary suspension of fees for replacing Voter ID cards. This decision, effective immediately, aims to alleviate the financial strain on citizens who lost or damaged their identification during the storm.

Glasspole Brown, the Director of Elections, emphasized the critical role of Voter ID cards in daily life and the necessity of facilitating their replacement during this challenging period. ‘We understand the profound impact of the hurricane on individuals and families across the island. The Voter ID card is a vital document for many, and we are committed to ensuring its replacement is accessible and free of charge,’ Brown stated.

The EOJ also reported operational adjustments in several severely affected parishes, including Manchester, St Elizabeth, Westmoreland, Hanover, St James, and Trelawny. Offices in these areas are currently operating with reduced hours, from 9:00 am to 12 noon, Monday through Friday. Meanwhile, offices in Black River, St Elizabeth, and Savanna-la-Mar, Westmoreland, remain temporarily closed due to infrastructural damage.

Citizens in need of services are encouraged to visit other EOJ constituency offices, with a comprehensive list available on the EOJ’s website or by contacting the head office directly. The EOJ has assured the public that normal operating hours will resume gradually as essential services are restored. The organization remains steadfast in its commitment to supporting Jamaicans through this recovery phase, ensuring uninterrupted access to electoral services.

The Derek Walcott Library, located at the Sir Arthur Lewis Community College in St. Lucia, has been officially added to the UNESCO Memory of the World Regional Register for Latin America and the Caribbean. This prestigious recognition was announced during the program’s annual regional meeting held in Lima and Cusco, Peru. Among 71 nominations from 15 countries, 29 were approved, with the Derek Walcott Library standing out for its cultural and historical significance. The UNESCO Memory of the World Programme aims to protect documentary heritage at risk of being forgotten, damaged, or lost. The inscription highlights the profound value of Sir Derek Alton Walcott’s personal collection, offering a unique glimpse into the life, influences, and creative genius of the Nobel Laureate. The library houses Walcott’s original bookshelves, including works he authored, gifts from peers, and materials reflecting his engagement with Caribbean literature, art, theatre, history, and global cultures. Donated to the college in 2020 by Sigrid Nama, the collection serves as a preserved record of Walcott’s creative legacy and the broader literary conversations that shaped him. The Saint Lucia National Commission for UNESCO also acknowledged Kathy Birch-McDiarmed, head librarian of the Hunter J Francois Library, for her role as vice president of the Memory of the World Committee for Latin America and the Caribbean. Her efforts continue to support the protection and promotion of documentary heritage across the region. This recognition underscores the importance of preserving the Derek Walcott Library as a vital repository of Caribbean literary memory and cultural heritage.

KINGSTON, Jamaica — A 17-year-old boy has been formally charged in connection with a violent carjacking that occurred on Slipe Road in Kingston 5 on the evening of Sunday, October 12. The teenager faces multiple charges, including robbery with aggravation, possession of a prohibited weapon, and using a firearm to commit a felony. According to reports from the Half-Way-Tree police, the incident unfolded between 11:00 pm and midnight when the boy and his accomplices, posing as passengers, hailed a ride from a popular ride-sharing service. Shortly after entering the vehicle, one of the suspects allegedly held a knife to the driver’s neck while another brandished a firearm. The teen is accused of forcibly removing the driver from the car before fleeing with the vehicle, which contained a bag holding $50,000 in cash and electronic devices valued at $60,000. The driver promptly reported the incident to the authorities, prompting an immediate investigation. The suspect was later apprehended during a targeted police operation and formally charged after a questioning session conducted in the presence of his attorney and guardian. His court appearance is currently being scheduled.