In a significant development in St James, Jamaica, law enforcement authorities have formally charged Shamara Forrester, also known as “Toots,” believed to be the mastermind behind a notorious robbery syndicate operating in the parish. Forrester, a resident of Railway Lane in Montego Bay, was apprehended on Sunday and initially charged with illegal possession of ammunition. Senior Superintendent Eron Samuels, head of the St James police, revealed the details during the monthly council meeting of the St James Municipal Corporation.
作者: admin
-

St James man charged with wounding with intent
A violent altercation in Bamboo Lawn, Lilliput, St James, has led to criminal charges against a 33-year-old man. Duran Adlam, a radio operator from Ocean Heights, Lilliput, is accused of wounding with intent following a brutal attack on Sunday, April 20. According to police reports, the incident occurred around 8:00 pm when the victim was ambushed by Adlam and a group of assailants. The attackers reportedly stabbed and beat the man, who managed to flee to avoid further harm. The suspects fled the scene on foot, leaving the victim with severe stab wounds to his face and head. Emergency services transported the injured man to the hospital, where he was admitted in serious but stable condition. Adlam was later apprehended by law enforcement and formally charged. Authorities are currently finalizing his court date as the investigation continues.
-

Two eliminated as UWI’s King & Queen of Integration moves into high gear
KINGSTON, Jamaica — The University of the West Indies (UWI) witnessed a thrilling showcase of talent last Thursday as the inaugural Integration King & Queen competition progressed to its next stage. After a rigorous elimination round, only six contestants remain in the race to claim the prestigious titles. The event, organized by the Guild of Students, aims to celebrate and spotlight the diverse talents within the UWI campus. The evening kicked off with electrifying performances at George Allyne Hall, where students gathered to cheer for their peers. Jada Lee Dawkins, a freshman, delivered a captivating rendition of Alicia Keys’ ‘If I Ain’t Got You,’ while Jaydar ‘Newzene’ Mitchell, a Science and Technology student, wowed the audience with a heartfelt rap inspired by a past relationship. Mitchell’s performance garnered the most enthusiastic response of the night. Other standout performers included Peter-Jaun ‘Kod3’ Palmer, Ryel Jones, and Zineil ‘Pablo’ Blackwood, who showcased their unique skills. However, Kaheil ‘KJ’ Brown and Eladio ‘Volture’ Coltas were eliminated based on judges’ feedback and audience reactions. Brown reflected on his journey, emphasizing the importance of confidence and stage presence. The competition, judged by music industry veterans Makiri Myrie and Jermaine ‘Tu Finga’ Parchment, continues on October 23, promising more excitement and talent.
-

Tropical Storm Jerry intensifying, as it closes in on Leeward Islands
BRIDGETOWN, Barbados (CMC) – Tropical Storm Jerry is gaining strength as it moves closer to the Leeward Islands, prompting weather warnings across the region. According to the latest update from the National Hurricane Center in Miami, the storm’s center was positioned near latitude 15.9 North, longitude 59.1 West at 11:00am local time. Jerry is currently advancing west-northwest at approximately 18 mph, with a predicted shift toward the northwest by late Thursday. A slower northward trajectory is expected to follow on Friday and Saturday. Forecasts indicate that the storm’s center will likely pass near or northeast of the northern Leeward Islands later Thursday. Maximum sustained winds have reached 65 mph, with higher gusts reported. Meteorologists anticipate further intensification, potentially elevating Jerry to hurricane status by late Friday or Saturday. In response, the government of Antigua and Barbuda has issued a Tropical Storm Warning for Barbuda. Additionally, a Tropical Storm Watch is in effect for Antigua, Anguilla, St. Kitts, Nevis, Montserrat, St. Barthelemy, St. Martin, Sint Maarten, Saba, St. Eustatius, Guadeloupe, and surrounding islands. A Tropical Storm Warning signifies that tropical storm conditions are expected within the specified area within 12 hours, while a Watch indicates possible conditions within 48 hours. The National Hurricane Center advises residents in the northern Leeward Islands, as well as the British and U.S. Virgin Islands, to closely monitor Jerry’s progression.
-

Ricki Di Lova pushes new track
KINGSTON, Jamaica — In the vibrant world of dancehall music, where the 1980s saw the rise of controversial figures like Shabba Ranks and Ninjaman, Ricki Di Lova found inspiration in the lighthearted artistry of Professor Nuts and Lieutenant Stitchie. The Florida-based toaster now channels this playful spirit into his latest single, ‘Stand Pipe,’ produced under his label, Turbulence Intl Productions. Embracing the tradition of double entendre, Ricki Di Lova crafts an uptempo track designed to bring joy and laughter to dancehall enthusiasts. ‘Too much dark songs inna di dancehall. We are already living in trying times. ‘Stand Pipe’ brings a buzz! When di people hear it, dem get lively. It makes people feel good an’ stand up an’ rock!’ he exclaimed. Growing up in Kingston during the 1970s, Ricki Di Lova was immersed in the sounds of roots-reggae and hardcore dancehall. However, it was the emergence of humorous tracks like Professor Nuts’ ‘Inna di Bus’ and Lieutenant Stitchie’s ‘Wear yuh Size’ in the 1980s that reshaped his musical perspective. These songs not only dominated dancehall scenes but also secured consistent radio play. Ricki Di Lova believes ‘Stand Pipe’ carries the same versatility and appeal. ‘This song is perfect for di summer and all-year long. Di riddim brings a get up an’ dance vibe an’ di lyrics are fun. I’m trying to bring some humour into dancehall so people can ‘fulljoy’ themselves,’ he said. Through ‘Stand Pipe,’ Ricki Di Lova aims to inject a dose of levity into a genre often overshadowed by darker themes, offering listeners a chance to revel in the lighter side of life.
-

Students urged to use social media for growth and development
KINGSTON, Jamaica — Shanika Crosdale, a former Deputy Head Girl at Edwin Allen High School in Clarendon, is calling on students to harness the power of social media for their academic and personal growth. Now a sixth-form student, Shanika emphasizes the importance of using platforms like TikTok and YouTube as educational tools rather than mere sources of entertainment. In an interview with JIS News, she highlighted the availability of online tutors, past papers, and other resources that can significantly aid in learning. Shanika, who excelled in all seven of her CSEC subjects, credits her success to the strategic use of social media. She urges students to balance their time between entertainment and education, ensuring they make the most of the opportunities available to them. Shanika also stresses the importance of honoring parental investments in education by focusing on academic achievements. Another student, Rickoy Thomas, who passed eight CSEC subjects, echoes this sentiment, advising students to remove distracting apps if they hinder their studies. The Ministry of Education, Skills, Youth, and Information supports these efforts by providing online resources through its website and the e-Resources app, offering a wealth of learning materials for students, teachers, and parents. Additionally, the ministry collaborates with platforms like Google Play and BookFusion to provide approved digital reading materials and educational resources. Shanika and Rickoy’s insights underscore the potential of social media as a valuable educational tool when used responsibly.
-

Antigua welcomes ceasefire between Israel, Hamas
ST JOHN’S, Antigua (CMC) – The government of Antigua and Barbuda has expressed its support for the recently announced ceasefire between Israel and Hamas, facilitated through the mediation efforts of the United States, with backing from Qatar, Egypt, and Turkey. In a statement released on Thursday, the government aligned itself with the United Nations Secretary-General, France, China, and Saudi Arabia in advocating for an immediate and sustainable cessation of hostilities, alongside unimpeded humanitarian access to affected regions.
The government emphasized that this ceasefire represents a critical opportunity to address urgent humanitarian needs, restore essential services, secure the release of hostages and detainees, and ensure the complete withdrawal of Israeli forces from occupied Palestinian territories, including Gaza. These measures, the statement noted, are fundamental to achieving long-term security and stability in the region.
Furthermore, Antigua and Barbuda urged all parties to seize this fragile moment to forge a credible political pathway toward a just and comprehensive peace. The government reiterated its commitment to the two-state solution, envisioning an independent and sovereign Palestinian state coexisting peacefully alongside Israel. The statement concluded by affirming the nation’s dedication to supporting these efforts in accordance with international humanitarian law.
-

Forex: $161.53 to one US dollar
In the latest financial update from Kingston, Jamaica, the US dollar experienced a minor decline in value on Thursday, October 9. According to the Bank of Jamaica’s daily exchange trading summary, the US dollar concluded the trading day at $161.53, marking a decrease of eight cents from its previous rate. This subtle dip reflects ongoing fluctuations in the global currency market. On the other hand, the Canadian dollar showed a slight upward trend, closing at $116.10, up from $116.06. Similarly, the British pound also saw an increase, ending the day at $216.53 compared to its earlier rate of $215.80. These movements highlight the dynamic nature of currency exchange rates and their responsiveness to various economic factors.
-

48-hour curfew extended in sections of St Andrew
KINGSTON, Jamaica – Authorities have announced the extension of a 48-hour curfew in specific areas of the St Andrew South Police Division for an additional 48 hours. Initially implemented on Wednesday, October 8, at 6:00 pm, the curfew will now remain in effect until Friday, October 10, at 6:00 pm. The restricted zone is demarcated by imaginary lines: to the east, from Chisholm Avenue/Maxfield Avenue southward to East Avenue intersecting Marcus Garvey Drive; to the south, from the coastline at Marcus Garvey Drive near East Avenue to the Duhaney River; to the west, from the Duhaney River to Kingston Harbour; and to the north, from the Happy Grove community to the Chisholm Avenue/Maxfield Avenue intersection, following the divisional boundary. Residents within these boundaries are mandated to stay indoors during curfew hours unless granted explicit permission by the ground commander.
-

Chronixx releases new album ‘Exile’
KINGSTON, Jamaica – Renowned reggae artist Chronixx has officially launched his eagerly awaited album, ‘Exile,’ marking a significant milestone in his musical journey. The ‘Smile Jamaica’ hitmaker took to Instagram on Thursday to announce the release, sharing two posts that captivated his fans. The first post featured a striking image of the artist seated in a chair, holding a guitar just out of frame. The caption revealed the album’s 17 tracks, including ‘Exile,’ ‘Market,’ ‘Sweet Argument,’ ‘Survivor,’ ‘Family First,’ ‘I Know What You Feeling,’ ‘Saviour,’ ‘Keep on Rising,’ ‘Hurricane,’ ‘Genesis,’ ‘Don’t Be Afraid,’ ‘I and I,’ ‘Never Give Up,’ ‘Pain in Your Heart,’ ‘Resilient,’ ‘Scheming,’ and ‘Love is on a Mountain.’ In a subsequent post, Chronixx emphasized the production of ‘Track 9,’ titled ‘Hurricane,’ crediting yardmanflo for its creation. The album, which has been highly anticipated by fans and critics alike, showcases Chronixx’s signature blend of reggae, soul, and conscious lyrics, solidifying his position as a leading voice in contemporary Jamaican music.
