In a notable ruling at the Kingston and St Andrew Parish Court on Tuesday, Judge Paula Blake Powell suspended a ganja-related case against a minor due to significant concerns about the teenager’s welfare. The young defendant appeared in court without any family members but was accompanied by an adult co-accused, both facing charges related to ganja offenses. A vigilant police officer, recognizing the minor’s age and lack of guardianship, promptly informed the judge. Further investigation revealed that the teenager’s legal guardians reside in a distant city, and the minor had been staying with an adult sibling. The sibling was summoned to court to represent the teen but, upon arrival, failed to provide basic information such as the minor’s date of birth or their mother’s full name. This raised serious concerns for Judge Blake Powell, who directed the investigating officer to file a care and protection application in the family court. The judge emphasized the need for proof that the child’s welfare was being properly addressed. As a result, the criminal charges against the minor have been temporarily suspended pending further review by the family court. Meanwhile, the adult co-accused pleaded guilty to charges of possession and dealing in ganja and was fined $1,300 and $2,600, respectively.
作者： admin
-
Man sent to anger management after hitting stepchild with broom
KINGSTON, Jamaica — A stepfather has been mandated to undergo counseling following allegations of physically assaulting his 10-year-old stepchild with a broom. The incident led to a court appearance in the Kingston and St Andrew Parish Court on Tuesday, where the defendant faced Judge Paula Blake Powell. The child’s mother, who shares additional children with the accused, was also present in court. The prosecution alleged that the defendant struck the child with the broom, resulting in a bleeding wound. The defense argued that the injury was minor, but Judge Blake Powell emphasized that neither the defense attorney nor herself were qualified to make medical assessments. She instructed the defense to await the official medical report before drawing conclusions. The court referred the defendant to the family court for counseling focused on anger management and conflict resolution.
-
Levy warns of Q3 perfect storm: US meat price collapse and Hurricane Melissa bite into JBG’s recovery
Jamaica Broilers Group (JBG) President and CEO Chris Levy has issued a stark warning about the company’s upcoming third quarter, citing a dual crisis of collapsing US meat prices and the disruptive effects of Hurricane Melissa on its core Jamaican market. Despite a recent operational turnaround that slashed US production costs by a third, Levy emphasized that external shocks now pose the greatest threat to recovery. This warning contrasts sharply with JBG’s strong Q1 performance, which saw a $1.6 billion profit, attributed to the initial success of its operational overhaul. However, Levy cautioned that this momentum is unlikely to continue, predicting a “bumpier” path to full-year recovery. The company’s Q2 results, expected by mid-December 2024, will include a significant $40 billion asset revaluation aimed at rebuilding shareholder equity. Meanwhile, Q3, covering the period ending January 31, 2025, is expected to be particularly challenging, with US meat prices plummeting and Jamaican revenues projected to dip by 5-6% due to the hurricane’s impact. While JBG’s main revenue driver, Best Dressed Chicken, is expected to remain resilient, its Hi-Pro division, which supplies baby chicks and feed, is likely to face significant challenges. Despite operational improvements in the US meat business, falling prices may negate these gains. Levy confirmed that strategic reviews are underway, including potential difficult decisions for the US meat business, with a possible exit still on the table. The company’s ability to navigate these turbulent economic and environmental conditions will be critical to its full recovery.
-
PM’s meeting with Arawak Cay vendors ‘like a photo op’
Arawak Cay vendors affected by a recent fire expressed dissatisfaction with a meeting held with Prime Minister Philip “Brave” Davis, describing the discussions as lacking substance and more of a public relations exercise. Rodney Russell, president of the Arawak Cay Conch, Fish, Vegetable, and Food Vendors Association, criticized the outcome, stating that no significant commitments were made to support the affected business owners. Russell’s stall, Red Snapper, was among six structures completely destroyed in the blaze, with two others sustaining damage. While the government outlined plans to construct temporary structures within 60 days, Russell emphasized the absence of a concrete long-term strategy. He argued that decisions should be made in partnership with vendors rather than dictated by officials unfamiliar with their needs. Prime Minister Davis, who shared photos of the meeting on social media, pledged his government’s support and commitment to rebuilding the site. However, vendors like Teshell Mackey, owner of On the Edge, expressed concerns about the lack of financial assistance and clarity on long-term plans. Mackey estimated rebuilding costs at $230,000 and highlighted the urgency of support to retain employees and sustain livelihoods. Deputy Prime Minister Chester Cooper acknowledged that detailed assistance plans are still under discussion, leaving vendors uncertain about their future.
-
High-speed chase ends with man killed by police in morning Kemp Road shoot-out
Tensions flared in Kemp Road yesterday morning following a dramatic police chase that culminated in the fatal shooting of a man in his early 30s. The incident, which unfolded in a densely populated neighborhood, sent residents scrambling and drew a heavy police presence. According to authorities, the deceased was the sole suspect struck during the confrontation, while three other occupants of the vehicle managed to flee on foot. The chaotic scene left bystanders bewildered, with some recounting hearing gunfire and others uncertain about the events leading up to the shooting. Children watched from windows as officers cordoned off the area, and one distraught mother likened the turmoil to the trauma of losing her son in a police shooting two years prior. Investigators later examined the suspects’ damaged silver vehicle, which bore shattered windows and a detached front bumper. Senior Assistant Commissioner of Police Roberto Goodman revealed that the chase began after officers responded to a ShotSpotter alert reporting gunfire on St James Road. The suspects allegedly opened fire on police, prompting officers to return fire in self-defense. A firearm was reportedly recovered from the vehicle, and the deceased, believed to be the driver, was not previously known to law enforcement. The incident adds to a recent surge of violence in the area, including a shooting last week that left three men injured. ACP Goodman urged residents to exercise caution, particularly during the upcoming holiday season, to ensure their safety.
-
Returning officer defends impartiality
Neil Campbell, the returning officer overseeing the Golden Isles by-election, has firmly defended his impartiality following a chaotic standoff over the handling of advance poll ballot boxes. The controversy erupted after Michael Pintard, leader of the Free National Movement (FNM), accused Campbell of political bias, citing his close personal ties to Prime Minister Philip ‘Brave’ Davis, whom Campbell refers to as his ‘adopted father.’ Campbell, who is responsible for supervising the vote count and ensuring legal compliance, dismissed these allegations as baseless, emphasizing that his professional conduct remains unaffected by personal relationships.
Campbell, a native of Cat Island, highlighted his extensive experience in electoral processes, having served in numerous general, local government, and labor elections. He stressed that his connections span across party lines, noting that Pintard is his cousin and that he has known FNM candidate Brian Brown since childhood. ‘I call Mr. Davis my adopted father,’ Campbell stated, ‘but my professional actions are guided by my oath to serve all Bahamians impartially.’
The dispute arose when FNM and Coalition of Independents (COI) supporters blocked the removal of ballot boxes, claiming officials had deviated from an agreed-upon transportation procedure. Parliamentary Commissioner Harrison Thompson intervened, asserting that the voting process had been orderly and lawful, with agents witnessing and signing off on every step. Thompson described the confrontation as ‘deeply regrettable’ and called for ‘sober judgment and responsible leadership.’
Campbell revealed that the hostility has shaken senior civil servants, with some now reluctant to participate in future elections. Despite the tension, a compromise was reached to allow party agents to accompany the ballot box, ensuring transparency. Campbell’s steadfast defense of his integrity underscores the challenges of maintaining impartiality in politically charged environments.
-
5 men claim abuse while at St Dominic’s Children’s Home
Five former residents of St Dominic’s Children’s Home have initiated a groundbreaking High Court lawsuit, alleging decades of physical and sexual abuse during their time at the institution. The claimants, represented by attorneys Christlyn Moore, Adana Joseph-Wallace, and Joshua Hamlet, have named the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Port of Spain, the Attorney General, the Statutory Authorities Service Commission, and a former supervisor as defendants. The lawsuit, filed on October 10, seeks accountability for the systemic failures that enabled the abuse, which reportedly occurred between 1983 and 2006. The claimants argue that their delayed legal action stems from psychological trauma and a lack of awareness of their rights, citing the 1997 Sabga Report and the 2022 Jones Report as pivotal in their delayed recognition of the abuse. The lawsuit alleges that the defendants failed in their statutory and common-law duties to protect the children, leading to years of beatings, sexual assaults, and unsafe living conditions. The claimants are seeking damages for psychological trauma, lost educational and employment opportunities, and long-term mental health injuries. The defendants have denied liability, raising limitation defenses, and the High Court is expected to address the issue of delayed claims before proceeding with the case.
-
Jamaica’s inflation ticks up in October, driven by food prices
KINGSTON, Jamaica — Jamaica experienced a 0.7% rise in consumer prices in October 2025, primarily driven by increased costs in food and electricity, according to the latest report from the Statistical Institute of Jamaica (STATIN). This uptick pushed the annual inflation rate to 2.9% for the 12 months ending in October. The ‘Food and Non-Alcoholic Beverages’ category saw the most significant surge, climbing 1.5% month-on-month, with vegetables, tubers, and pulses recording a sharp 5.5% increase. Staples like carrots, cabbage, and sweet potatoes became notably more expensive. Additionally, the ‘Housing, Water, Electricity, Gas, and Other Fuels’ category rose by 0.8%, largely due to higher electricity rates. However, some relief came from the ‘Transport’ division, which saw a 0.3% decline due to lower petrol prices. Over the past year, inflation was primarily fueled by three sectors: ‘Food and Non-Alcoholic Beverages’ (3.0%), ‘Housing, Water, Electricity, Gas, and Other Fuels’ (4.0%), and ‘Restaurant and Accommodation Services’ (4.0%). STATIN clarified that the data was collected before Hurricane Melissa, meaning the figures do not account for any potential price impacts from the storm. As Jamaica’s national statistics office, STATIN remains the authoritative source for the country’s economic data.
-
Levy vows to pursue JBG’s fraud losses, takes ‘no option off the table’
Jamaica Broilers Group (JBG) is leaving no stone unturned in its quest to recover billions of dollars lost in a multi-year fraud at its US meat division. President and CEO Chris Levy has emphasized that all options, including potential legal action, are on the table to hold those responsible accountable. The company, now stabilized by a new management team and a pending $24-billion refinancing deal, is focused on repairing its balance sheet and seeking redress for the scandal, which forced $46 billion in adjustments. Levy acknowledged the complexity of the situation, stating, ‘No option is off the table,’ while highlighting tax opportunities as a concrete avenue for financial recovery. The company has quantified potential tax benefits and is working to restate its tax positions, though this will involve intricate negotiations with tax authorities. The fraud, described as a ‘coordinated and deliberate’ effort by former US operations leadership to hide costs and inflate profits, was uncovered by a whistleblower. Senior Vice President Ian Parsard revealed that the company is eyeing close to $30 billion in potential tax credits, with even a third of that amount significantly boosting shareholder equity. This recovery effort is crucial to rebuilding JBG’s shattered equity base, recently bolstered by a $40-billion revaluation of its Jamaican assets. Levy assured stakeholders that the internal investigation is complete, but the external mission to seek justice and financial recompense remains a top priority, signaling a potentially protracted next chapter in the JBG fraud saga.
-
France bestows highest national award on Surinamese medical doctor
In a prestigious ceremony held in Paramaribo, Suriname, Dr. Ruben del Prado, a distinguished medical practitioner, was awarded the title of “Knight of the Legion of Honor” by France. This accolade, the lowest rank in France’s highest civilian order, recognizes Dr. Del Prado’s exceptional contributions to medicine, the fight against AIDS and HIV, public health initiatives across continents, and his efforts to rejuvenate the Alliance Française in Suriname. The award was presented by French Ambassador Nicolas de Lacoste on behalf of President Emmanuel Macron, who personally endorsed the honor.