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ST CATHERINE, Jamaica — A tragic incident unfolded in the Rio Cobre, Bog Walk Gorge, St Catherine, on Wednesday afternoon, prompting investigations by the Inspectorate and Professional Standards Oversight Bureau (IPROB) and the Independent Commission of Investigations (Indecom). The victim, identified as 73-year-old Melton Smith, a farmer from Mickelton Meadows, Linstead, was a suspect in an alleged abduction and carnal abuse case. According to police reports, Smith was being transported from Linstead to Spanish Town around 1:00 pm when he reportedly leaped from the police vehicle near the Flat Bridge area, plunging into the Rio Cobre. Despite efforts by the Jamaica Constabulary Force and the Fire Brigade to rescue him, Smith was pronounced dead after being rushed to the hospital. The circumstances surrounding his death have raised questions, leading to a thorough probe by the authorities.

KINGSTON, Jamaica — A casual weekly dominoes game among friends has evolved into a significant humanitarian initiative. The Shats Domino Group, a close-knit WhatsApp community of business owners and long-time friends, has transformed their Monday gatherings in Cherry Gardens, St Andrew, into a powerful force for good. Known for their spirited dominoes matches and lively debates on local and global issues, the group has now channeled their camaraderie into raising over $2.75 million for Hurricane Melissa recovery efforts in Jamaica. Carlton Hume, the group’s president, reflected on the shift, stating, ‘It just dawned on us that maybe we can do something more meaningful. What started as a simple fundraiser has turned into something truly wonderful.’ The funds will be donated to American Friends of Jamaica (AFJ), an organization praised by the group for its extensive work across the island. Dwight Moore, a member of the group, emphasized that giving back has always been a core value among the diverse members. In a heartening gesture, AFJ has pledged to match the donation. Caron Chung, AFJ’s Executive Director, expressed deep gratitude during Monday’s meeting, where she received the $2.75 million cheque. ‘It’s incredible to see this group take the initiative to support Hurricane Melissa relief. Their generosity is truly inspiring,’ she remarked. This initiative highlights how a shared passion can unite people to make a profound impact in times of crisis.

KINGSTON, Jamaica — Winnie Harlow, the internationally acclaimed model and entrepreneur of Jamaican heritage, has taken decisive action to aid communities devastated by Hurricane Melissa in Jamaica. Partnering with DJ Diplo, the non-profit organization CORE, and the local grassroots group BREDS in Treasure Beach, Harlow spearheaded efforts to deliver critical supplies to those most affected by the storm.

During the murder trial of constable Noel Maitland on Wednesday, a senior forensic officer faced challenges under cross-examination regarding the chain of custody for a toothbrush allegedly belonging to Donna-Lee Donaldson, the missing social media influencer and entrepreneur. Donaldson, who vanished on July 12, 2022, is presumed dead, and Maitland, her policeman boyfriend, is being tried for her murder and for preventing the lawful burial of her body. The trial is taking place in the Home Circuit Court in Kingston. Prosecutors are relying heavily on circumstantial evidence, including bloodstains found on three items in Maitland’s Chelsea Manor apartment in St Andrew, the last known location where Donaldson was seen. On Tuesday, the forensic officer confirmed that the blood found in the apartment matched Donaldson’s DNA, which was compared using samples from her parents and a toothbrush allegedly belonging to her. However, during cross-examination, Maitland’s attorney, Chadwick Berry, questioned the forensic officer about the handling of the toothbrush before it reached the Institute of Forensic Science and Legal Medicine for testing. The officer admitted she was unaware of who handled the toothbrush or when it was touched before delivery to the lab. The officer also discussed the complexities of DNA transfer, noting that factors such as surface type, contact duration, and individual skin cell shedding rates influence whether DNA transfer occurs. She emphasized caution when addressing hypothetical scenarios, such as DNA transfer via doorknobs, stating that without specific testing and analysis, she could not definitively confirm such events.

ST ELIZABETH, Jamaica — The National Works Agency (NWA) has issued a stern warning to motorists and pedestrians traveling through the main road near Lacovia, Newton, and Vauxhall in St Elizabeth. The agency highlighted that persistent rainfall over recent days has caused significant damage to sections of the roadway, with mud and debris posing serious hazards. The Rice Piece community has been particularly affected, with the NWA emphasizing the increased risks for those navigating the area. Authorities are urging the public to exercise extreme caution and remain vigilant while using these routes. The NWA is actively monitoring the situation and has pledged to address the issues promptly to ensure safety for all road users.

Members of Jamaica’s Parliament, particularly those representing areas affected by bauxite mining, have expressed strong dissatisfaction with the $400 million allocated to the Bauxite Community Development Programme (BCDP). During a recent House of Representatives session, they argued that the sum, drawn from the Capital Development Fund (CDF) managed by the Jamaica Bauxite Institute, is woefully inadequate to address the needs of mining communities. The funds, to be disbursed at $100 million annually from 2025 to 2028, amount to just $4-5 million per constituency each year, a figure MPs described as a mere drop in the bucket. The motion, though approved after a lengthy debate, faced sharp criticism from opposition members. Peter Bunting, MP for Manchester Southern, labeled the allocation an ’embarrassment,’ emphasizing that it falls far short of addressing the extensive damage caused by decades of mining. He highlighted the post-apocalyptic state of some communities, where abandoned open pits and environmental degradation persist. Dr. Kenneth Russell, MP for St Ann South East, echoed these concerns, citing poor relations between mining companies and residents, as well as the adverse effects of noise, dust, and unsafe roads. Damion Crawford, MP for St Catherine North Western, warned of the looming crisis as the bauxite industry nears the end of its productive lifespan, stressing the absence of a viable post-bauxite development plan. Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Mining Floyd Green acknowledged the challenges but defended the industry’s contributions to Jamaica’s development, citing the construction of towns, schools, and community centers funded by bauxite revenues. He pledged to address environmental concerns and ensure no new mining pits are left unrehabilitated.