作者： admin

Jamaica’s forensic capabilities have received significant validation following the successful prosecution of former Parliament member Jolyan Silvera, whose conviction for murdering his wife relied heavily on ballistic evidence analysis. Superintendent Miguel Bernard, head of the Jamaica Constabulary Force Ballistics Unit, emphasized that the case demonstrates the world-class competence of Jamaican forensic experts in both securing convictions and exonerating the innocent.

Bernard, in an exclusive interview with JCF Senior Communications Strategist Dennis Brooks, stated: ‘This outcome reinforces the technical proficiency of our forensic specialists and underscores the maturity of Jamaica’s entire forensic system. Our experts possess the qualifications, skills, and analytical objectivity to produce evidence that withstands international scrutiny.’

The breakthrough in the November 2023 case emerged when forensic pathologists at the Institute of Forensic Science and Legal Medicine identified suspicious injuries during Melissa Silvera’s autopsy. Their diligence led to the recovery of projectiles from the victim’s body, which were subsequently transferred to ballistics experts for analysis.

Through meticulous testing and comparison exercises in January 2024, forensic specialists determined that the ballistic signatures on the recovered bullets matched the unique markings of Silvera’s firearm. The evidence proved conclusive enough that Silvera changed his plea following the forensic revelation. The findings underwent independent verification by a United Kingdom-based expert, who confirmed their validity.

Beyond celebrating technical achievements, Bernard highlighted crucial investigative lessons from the case. ‘This demonstrates the vital importance of proper crime scene documentation and preservation,’ he noted, explaining that a single photograph taken by first responders revealed critical ballistic evidence that helped reconstruct the forensic timeline.

The superintendent issued a public appeal for citizens to assist law enforcement by preserving crime scenes until forensic teams can conduct proper analysis, emphasizing that such cooperation enhances Jamaica’s overall justice system capabilities.

FALMOUTH, Jamaica – Municipal authorities in Trelawny are escalating enforcement actions against unauthorized construction projects and delinquent commercial taxes, emphasizing public safety and regulatory compliance. Mayor Collen Gager issued a firm directive to developers during the Trelawny Municipal Corporation’s March 12 monthly assembly at Falmouth’s Artisan Village, demanding immediate regularization of all unpermitted structures.

Mayor Gager revealed that formal notices have been dispatched to multiple property owners operating without construction approvals. He warned that the Corporation would intensify monitoring efforts, with site inspections led by the CEO and Commercial Services Department personnel already underway. ‘Our Council is determined to bring every non-compliant structure into full regulatory adherence,’ Gager stated.

The urgency of building code compliance was highlighted through recent meteorological events. ‘Hurricane Melissa reminded us that climate resilience cannot be compromised,’ Gager emphasized. ‘Future storms will come, and we must construct buildings that are not only safer but fundamentally stronger.’

Parallel to building regulation efforts, the Mayor addressed outstanding tax obligations for commercial signage and billboards. He cautioned businesses against last-minute removals of long-established advertisements, urging proactive settlement of arrears. Notably, Gager adopted a conciliatory approach toward financially strained operators, affirming, ‘The Corporation welcomes dialogue with all business owners. We are ready to negotiate feasible payment arrangements—no one will be turned away.’

Concurrently, the Municipal Corporation announced a parish-wide outreach initiative to improve property tax collection. Field teams will visit Rio Bueno (March 18), Albert Town (March 19), and Duncans (March 20) to facilitate compliance and address resident inquiries.

Gina Tomlinson-Williams, currently Director of Organizational Development and Change at Jamaica Public Service (JPS), has charted a remarkably unconventional career trajectory that began in classroom education rather than corporate halls. Her professional journey—spanning roles as regional auditor, customer service manager, and strategic planner—demonstrates the power of adaptability and purpose-driven career evolution.

Speaking at a STEM workshop hosted by the University of the West Indies, Mona—where she once studied—Tomlinson-Williams shared insights from her nonlinear path. The event, part of a $16 million partnership between UWI and JPS Foundation, offered reduced-cost STEM preparation for Caribbean Advanced Proficiency Exam students, lowering fees from $5,000 to $1,500 for five years.

Addressing fifth- and sixth-form students, the executive emphasized the growing disadvantage of single-specialization careers. ‘Many organizations now seek professionals with multidimensional backgrounds,’ she advised, urging openness to diverse opportunities. ‘The world needs people willing to ask better questions, test bold ideas, and learn from failure.’

Tomlinson-Williams’ own academic journey included a first degree in General Physics and Electronics, followed by a master’s in Computer-Based Management Systems—a program she jokingly called herself a ‘guinea pig’ for. Her professional development accelerated through roles at New Horizon Computer Learning Centre and Carreras, where she gained exposure to manufacturing, IT, business processes, and HR before joining JPS in 2007.

Her path wasn’t without challenges. A major car accident forced her to relearn walking, followed by redundancy at Carreras. These experiences, she noted, profoundly shaped her perspective: ‘Having worked and returned to do that master’s was a game-changer. The maturity you bring to learning when paying from your own pocket creates stark difference.’

Now celebrating nearly 20 years at JPS, where she has held positions from business analyst to her current executive role, Tomlinson-Williams credits her Carreras experience during British American Tobacco’s acquisition for teaching her international organizational standards and processes.

The 47-year-old executive, mother of twin toddlers, shared three critical professional principles that guide her: adaptability, commitment to continuous learning, and cultivated empathy. ‘I had to learn to think from customers’ perspectives and understand their expectations,’ she reflected.

Beyond corporate responsibilities, Tomlinson-Williams finds fulfillment in mentoring through JPS Foundation’s programs and personal coaching. ‘Seeing people find their purpose and align with it is deeply fulfilling,’ she stated. ‘It feels like I’m talking to my former self, offering what I didn’t receive at that age.’

KINGSTON, Jamaica—In a significant educational initiative, Merl Grove High School served as the host venue for the culminating event of the 2026 Mathematics Problem-Solving Competition on March 12. The finale brought together over 100 exceptional students from primary and secondary institutions across Kingston, St James, and Westmoreland parishes.

This academic competition featured participation from 37 schools strategically selected from communities within seven designated Zones of Special Operations (ZOSOs)—areas identified as vulnerable and high-risk regions. Participants received extensive recognition through trophies, plaques, medals, and specialized mathematics manipulatives designed to foster active learning, enhance student engagement, and deepen conceptual mathematical understanding.

The competition operates under the Inter-Ministerial School Support Strategy, with funding provided through the Violence Prevention Programme. This collaborative effort partners with the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office alongside the British High Commission to address broader social challenges.

Dianne McIntosh, Executive Director of Citizens Security at the Ministry of National Security and Peace, revealed to JIS News that since its 2020 inception, the initiative has demonstrated measurable positive impacts within targeted communities. “The approach integrates multiple agencies to address violence and crime through educational interventions,” McIntosh explained. “Strategic priorities focus on psychosocial activities that help youngsters manage emotional wellbeing, process trauma, and simultaneously address literacy and mathematical gaps.”

Dr. Lamar Edghill, Senior Education Officer in the Ministry’s Standards Development Unit, emphasized the program’s alignment with national efforts to promote STEAM/STEM disciplines. “We are in the fifth revolution requiring innovative technological approaches,” Edghill stated. “STEAM/STEM represents the optimal pathway forward, moving beyond traditional career preparation toward developing adaptable skills for uncertain futures.”

The initiative forms part of Jamaica’s broader crime reduction strategy, with educational improvement serving as a critical component. Edghill noted that enhanced academic performance, particularly in problem-solving mathematics, directly supports reduced crime rates within ZOSO communities.

This competition coincides with National Mathematics Month observances throughout March, organized under the theme: ‘Mathematics for All: Building Communities, Confidence, Competence, and Creativity.’ The Ministry of Education is coordinating numerous mathematics-focused activities across participating schools to reinforce these objectives.