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KINGSTON, Jamaica — The National Education Trust (NET), an official agency operating under Jamaica’s Ministry of Education, Skills, Youth and Information, commemorates its sixteenth anniversary this Thursday. This milestone celebrates the organization’s sustained dedication to enhancing the nation’s educational landscape through strategic partnerships and infrastructure development.

The anniversary observance carries the thematic focus: “Rebuilding, Reinvesting, Reaffirming: 16 Years of Partnerships Driving National Impact.” According to an official statement released Wednesday, NET has played a pivotal role in mobilizing critical resources for Jamaica’s education sector by cultivating strategic alliances with donors, investors, and international development partners. These collaborations have enabled the organization to address systemic gaps and adapt to the evolving requirements of educational institutions across the island.

Central to NET’s operational mandate is the comprehensive management of educational infrastructure projects. The organization spearheads construction initiatives, facility rehabilitation, and modernization efforts to establish safe, inclusive, and conducive learning environments for both students and educators nationwide.

The anniversary celebrations commenced with a special church service at Christian Fellowship World Outreach Inc. last Sunday, where government officials delivered commendations. Parliamentary Secretary Senator Marlon Morgan acknowledged NET’s substantial contributions to national development through education, expressing the ministry’s appreciation for the organization’s sixteen years of service and anticipating continued collaborative progress.

Permanent Secretary Dr. Kasan Troupe highlighted NET’s exceptional responsiveness during recent challenges, specifically noting the organization’s critical role in addressing the aftermath of Hurricane Melissa. Dr. Troupe praised the leadership of Chairman Professor Andrew Spencer and Executive Director Mrs. Latoya Harris-Ghartey, recognizing the entity’s significant impact through the hashtag #TREND.

Professor Spencer referenced the official proclamation of “NET Day” by Governor-General Sir Patrick Linton Allen, reaffirming the organization’s long-term commitment to educational transformation. Mrs. Harris-Ghartey emphasized the foundational role of faith in NET’s operations, acknowledging the dedication of their team and partners in rebuilding schools and reinvesting in educational spaces.

The Trust has reaffirmed its commitment to expanding educational infrastructure investments, strengthening community partnerships, and supporting the sustainable development of Jamaica’s education system for future generations.

KINGSTON, Jamaica — A foreign national facing serious allegations of issuing graphic death threats against his former landlord’s daughter has been ordered to remain in custody following a heated bail hearing in the Kingston and St Andrew Parish Court.

Shawn Hosang, who has already spent eight months in detention, stands accused of two criminal offenses: overstaying his immigration permit and utilizing electronic communication systems for malicious purposes. The defendant’s legal representative attempted to secure his provisional release by emphasizing his role as sole caregiver for his 72-year-old mother and noting that the prosecution’s case file wouldn’t be finalized until March.

These appeals were met with firm opposition from crown prosecutors, who presented disturbing evidence of threatening communications allegedly sent by the accused. According to court documents, Hosang utilized WhatsApp messaging platforms to deliver terrifying threats targeting the complainant’s daughter throughout late 2024 and early 2025.

Among the explicit messages presented in court was one from December 2024 that stated: “Just be prepared for your daughter to be slaughtered, I swear,” followed by even more graphic violence. Subsequent messages from February 2025 contained similarly chilling content, with one voice message allegedly featuring Hosang’s recognizable voice declaring: “I am actually going to have your daughter killed, you can’t be surprised.”

The prosecution emphasized that the victims continue to live in genuine fear of the accused and raised substantial concerns about potential witness intimidation should Hosang be released. Presiding Judge Alwayne Smith ultimately denied bail, citing the severity of the threats and the ongoing risk to the complainants. The case has been adjourned until March 26 for further proceedings.

Jamaican law enforcement authorities have apprehended two individuals in connection with significant criminal activities following an early morning operation in Trelawny. The coordinated police action occurred in the Mendez Town area on Tuesday at approximately 8:30 AM, resulting in the discovery of both counterfeit United States currency and an unlicensed firearm.

According to official reports, specialized police units executed a precisely targeted raid on a residential property as part of an ongoing investigation. During their systematic search of the premises, officers uncovered a concealed Smith & Wesson Springfield 9mm pistol along with accompanying ammunition hidden within furniture. The weapon, classified as prohibited under Jamaican firearm regulations, was found strategically placed inside a couch within the residence.

In addition to the illegal firearm, authorities recovered multiple counterfeit US banknotes of substantial denomination. The sophisticated operation demonstrates the continued vigilance of Jamaican police forces against financial crimes and weapons violations that threaten community safety.

Both suspects, identified as one male and one female resident, were immediately taken into custody following the discoveries. They currently remain detained at a secure facility while investigators pursue multiple lines of inquiry regarding the origin and intended use of both the counterfeit currency and the unauthorized weapon. Forensic analysis of the evidence is underway to determine potential connections to broader criminal networks operating within the region.

The Jamaica Constabulary Force has emphasized its commitment to combating organized crime through targeted interventions, with this operation representing another successful effort to remove illegal weapons and counterfeit money from circulation. Local community leaders have expressed support for the police action, acknowledging the importance of such measures in maintaining public security.

KINGSTON, Jamaica — A significant legal confrontation unfolded in the Kingston and St Andrew Parish Court this Tuesday, spotlighting tensions between judicial reforms and law enforcement practices. Defense attorney Vincent Wellesley issued a compelling appeal for stricter adherence to Jamaica’s Bail Act, contending that authorities are systematically disregarding statutory provisions designed to protect suspects’ rights.

The controversy emerged during proceedings concerning a client of Wellesley’s who has remained in custody since January 29 after being detained at Sangster International Airport. According to Wellesley, his client was transferred to Kingston the following day and informed he would be held until February 8 without formal charges being filed—a situation the attorney characterized as legally untenable.

Wellesley invoked the 2023 Bail Act, which explicitly permits bail at three distinct stages: pre-charge, post-charge, and post-conviction in specified circumstances. ‘If the investigation remains incomplete, he qualifies for pre-trial bail,’ Wellesley asserted, emphasizing that continued detention without charges violates both the legislation and constitutional safeguards.

Responding to these claims, a representative from the Major Organised Crime and Anti-Corruption Agency (MOCA) defended the detention under Section 39(1) of the Justices of the Peace Act (last amended in 2018). This provision allows Justices of the Peace to remand individuals suspected of certain offenses for multiple days when deemed necessary.

The MOCA representative justified the seven-day remand request by identifying the detainee as a person of interest in an active, multi-jurisdictional fraud investigation involving millions of dollars. She cited flight risk concerns, noting his multiple addresses and airport apprehension, and confirmed plans for an identification parade and imminent questioning.

Presiding Judge Alwayne Smith endorsed Wellesley’s concerns, observing that the Bail Act was deliberately founded on constitutional principles. Judge Smith highlighted specific requirements that bail must be addressed within 48 hours of detention and identification parades conducted within 150 hours of arrest.

Following deliberations, both parties agreed to schedule a question-and-answer session, after which formal charges may be filed. The case has ignited broader discussions about the implementation of Jamaica’s progressive bail reforms and the balance between investigative necessities and individual rights.

Jamaica’s legendary Floyd’s Pelican Bar, an iconic tourism landmark situated offshore St. Elizabeth, has triumphantly reopened after sustaining severe damage from consecutive hurricanes Beryl and Melissa. The celebrated bar, constructed on stilts in the Caribbean Sea, has been restored through a collaborative partnership between local stakeholders and beverage giant Red Stripe.

The reopening ceremony, themed ‘Southside Resurrection,’ signifies a crucial milestone in revitalizing the south coast’s tourism-dependent economy and supporting adjacent communities. The rehabilitation project forms part of Red Stripe’s broader corporate initiative to bolster community tourism and assist small business recovery throughout Jamaica.

Floyd Forbes, the bar’s founder and namesake, expressed profound emotional relief following the devastation. “Witnessing the catastrophic post-hurricane damage left me uncertain about reconstruction possibilities,” Forbes acknowledged. “The collaborative assistance from Red Stripe and community members transformed recovery into reality. Observing boats returning today sparked genuine happiness. We’re fully prepared to host visitors once more.”

The bar’s prolonged closure had created economic ripples across a network of local entrepreneurs including boat operators, tour guides, artisans, and food vendors who depend significantly on daily tourist visits. With the landmark’s restoration, economic normalcy has returned for numerous families whose livelihoods are intrinsically connected to the attraction.

Red Stripe’s involvement extended beyond structural repairs to address broader community needs. Local tour guide Ackeem Blake, who transports visitors to the bar daily, celebrated resumed operations after weeks of forced inactivity. “Many of us faced unemployment following the storms, so reactivated business brings tremendous relief,” Blake stated. “Pelican Bar consistently supports community welfare—when it thrives, everyone benefits.”

Jason Henzell, proprietor of Jakes Hotel in Treasure Beach, emphasized the establishment’s socioeconomic significance. “Pelican represents more than merely a watering hole—it embodies community tourism in practice,” Henzell emphasized. “Red Stripe intervened decisively after both hurricanes without hesitation. This establishment sustains thousands of livelihoods. Numerous families can provide sustenance thanks to Floyd and Pelican’s cultural representation.”

Early indicators show renewed economic activity throughout Parottee Bay, with fishermen, craftspeople, and vendors resuming regular operations as visitors recommence the brief marine pilgrimage to this beloved Jamaican institution.