作者： admin

In a notable shift from typical vendor-municipality dynamics, the leadership at Constant Spring Arcade has expressed conditional support for a potential increase in vendor fees. Carlene Spencer, President of the Vendors’ Association, stated that such an increase would be welcomed provided the additional revenue is directly allocated by the Kingston and St Andrew Municipal Corporation (KSAMC) toward critical infrastructure improvements at the facility.

The endorsement came during a consultation meeting held Friday, which also served as the reopening ceremony for newly refurbished bathrooms. Spencer specifically cited these upgrades as a tangible reason for her support, noting, “I’m okay with the increase, I welcome an increase—because of changes, because we get two brand new bathrooms.” She identified running water and the development of a dedicated car park as the next essential projects to enhance vendor comfort and operational efficiency.

Acknowledging the economic pressures of the present time, Spencer demonstrated a pragmatic understanding of the KSAMC’s financial constraints. She referenced the mayor’s point that current operational overheads at the arcade surpass the revenue collected from fees. “We can understand that… We were here preparing to hear we are going to have to pay more. As for me, I am anticipating that,” she remarked, adding a philosophical perspective: “Things and time change. So if we have to pay more, we pay more.”

Beyond infrastructure, Spencer praised the consultative forum for providing a platform to voice concerns. She expressed profound gratitude for the bathroom renovations, describing their previous state as “deplorable” and labeling the completion of the project as genuine “progress.”

The association president also addressed internal challenges within the vendor community. She highlighted an issue where some individuals retain shop spaces they no longer actively use due to slow sales, thereby preventing new, eager entrepreneurs from accessing prime business locations. Concluding her remarks, Spencer issued a call to action for her fellow vendors, urging them to consistently meet their rental obligations on time to ensure the arcade’s sustained viability.

Jamaica’s judicial system has reinforced its stance on child sexual assault cases as the Court of Appeal decisively rejected a convicted rapist’s attempt to overturn his guilty verdict. The offender, currently serving a 15-year sentence for raping a five-year-old girl, had challenged his conviction based on claims of insufficient evidence regarding penetration and unreliable testimony.

The case originated in December 2022 when the Clarendon Circuit Court jury found the man guilty after he was discovered in the act by the victim’s grandmother. The shocking incident occurred in the family’s living room where the grandmother encountered the assailant positioned atop the child with both their lower garments removed. The court imposed the statutory minimum sentence of 15 years imprisonment in January 2023, mandating that he serve at least 10 years before parole eligibility.

In his appeal, the convicted man argued that the trial judge improperly rejected a no-case submission and provided inadequate jury instructions, claiming these errors resulted in an unfair trial. However, a three-judge appellate panel thoroughly examined the trial transcripts and legal arguments during hearings on March 2-3 before delivering their unanimous decision.

The appellate court emphasized the clarity and competence of the victim’s testimony, noting that the eight-year-old child at the time of trial demonstrated sufficient intelligence and understanding of truth-telling obligations. Her explicit description of the assault—stating the man put his ‘private part’ into her ‘vagina’—provided unambiguous evidence of penetration, which the court noted requires only the slightest degree to constitute rape under Jamaican law.

While medical evidence showed no bruising, bleeding, or swelling, and revealed the child’s hymen was not intact, physicians testified that such findings are variable in child sexual assault cases. The court highlighted that the grandmother witnessed both the assault in progress and subsequent distress, including the child crying during bathing and the presence of fluid on her underwear.

The judiciary affirmed that the jury had reasonable grounds to convict based on the totality of evidence, including the eyewitness account and victim testimony. The appeals court determined no miscarriage of justice occurred and ordered that the conviction and sentence stand unchanged, with the incarceration period calculated from the original sentencing date of January 25, 2023.

NEGRIL, Westmoreland — A wave of optimism has swept through Negril’s business community following the official launch of the Negril Carnival, unveiled at Kenny’s Italian Café last Saturday. The festival is positioned as a critical economic catalyst for the renowned Jamaican resort destination, which has faced recent challenges including the departure of major events and tourism setbacks from Hurricane Melissa.

Scheduled for Sunday, April 5th at Long Bay Beach Park, the carnival will showcase a vibrant road march and an expansive beach party featuring live entertainment. The event has garnered significant corporate backing, with industry leaders emphasizing its importance for local recovery.

Jerome Walters, Brand Manager for Campari Group, articulated a strong commitment to both the event and the broader revitalization of Negril. “Entertainment never truly departed from Negril,” Walters stated. “Our mission is to invest substantially in this Carnival to guarantee a massive, enjoyable, and atmospherically rich experience. Campari has a storied history with Carnival celebrations, and we are dedicated to ensuring this iteration is monumental. With projections of up to 5,000 attendees, we are investing to deliver an unparalleled patron experience. This partnership is about giving back and fueling a resurgence that sees hotels at full capacity and local entrepreneurs thriving.”

Kenny Johnson, the lead promoter for Negril Carnival, highlighted the event’s long-awaited return and its potential community impact. “The staging of a Carnival has been absent from Negril for an extended period,” Johnson noted. “This initiative is designed to generate substantial economic benefits for the area through increased hotel occupancy and job creation. I urge widespread participation and support from residents, particularly those in Westmoreland, to make this a success for our entire community.”

The initiative received formal endorsement from Damian Salmon, President of the Negril Chamber of Commerce, who praised the aligning energies. “The current vibe in Negril is exceptional, and introducing a Carnival fits this momentum perfectly,” Salmon remarked. “This event will be instrumental in reactivating our local economy, maintaining our vibrant energy, and encouraging the return of visitors who hold a deep affection for Negril. We extend our gratitude to Kenny Johnson and his team for their visionary leadership in this endeavor.”

The launch event also served as a demonstration of cross-sector collaboration, with prominent figures from Campari Group, J Wray & Nephew Limited, and executives from Princess Hotels and Royalton Hotels & Resorts in attendance, signaling a unified front for Negril’s economic and cultural renewal.