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A targeted shooting incident in Mount Salem, St James sent shockwaves through the community on Tuesday afternoon, leaving one male victim hospitalized with serious injuries. The attack occurred in broad daylight along the main roadway near Brunswick Lane, an area now under intense police scrutiny.

Preliminary investigative reports indicate this was not a random act of violence. Evidence suggests the victim was deliberately followed by armed assailants who opened fire in a calculated assault. The severity of the victim’s injuries prompted immediate emergency response, with medical personnel rushing him to a nearby medical facility where he remains in serious condition.

Law enforcement authorities have secured substantial sections of the crime scene as forensic investigations continue. Yellow police tape cordons off critical areas where investigators are documenting ballistic evidence and gathering witness accounts. The Jamaica Constabulary Force has yet to establish a motive for the attack or identify potential suspects, with investigations ongoing.

This incident marks another episode in St James’s ongoing challenges with violent crime, particularly gun-related offenses. Community members express growing concern over public safety as police intensify their presence in the area. The investigation continues as authorities pursue all leads regarding this targeted shooting.

KINGSTON, Jamaica—A powerful testament to the transformative power of correctional rehabilitation emerged at the recent Planning Institute of Jamaica’s Best Practice Symposium for Social and Community Development. Taneka Stewart-Blake, formerly incarcerated at South Camp Adult Correctional Centre, credited structured rehabilitation programs for providing her with essential skills and renewed life purpose.

During her three-year incarceration from May 2022 to March 2025, Stewart-Blake overcame initial despair by engaging in educational opportunities. She earned multiple certifications including social studies, customer service through HEART/NSTA Trust, data operations, and biology—where she achieved top student honors. These qualifications directly facilitated her successful employment transition post-release, with data entry skills proving immediately applicable in her inventory management position.

The emotional dimension of rehabilitation proved equally crucial. Stewart-Blake emphasized the overwhelming support from family, neighbors, and coworkers who embraced her return without stigma. Her 83-year-old mother cared for her daughter throughout the incarceration period, while her church community provided spiritual solace during challenging times.

Commissioner of Corrections Brigadier (Retired) Radgh Mason highlighted that such success stories demonstrate the effectiveness of holistic rehabilitation approaches. The Department of Correctional Services implements comprehensive programs focusing on education, vocational training, psychosocial support, and spiritual development to reduce recidivism and promote successful societal reintegration.

South Camp Adult Correctional Centre specifically offers academic certification and skills training in cosmetology, sewing, data operations, customer service, and dance. Stewart-Blake’s advice to others emphasizes mindset transformation: “It all has to do with your mental state. If you set your mind to change, it can happen.”

ST JAMES, Jamaica — A brutal double homicide has abruptly terminated an extended period of tranquility within the Norwood Zone of Special Operations (ZOSO), compelling local law enforcement to initiate a comprehensive investigation. The grim discovery occurred Tuesday morning when residents located the bullet-riddled corpses of two unidentified males, a scene that starkly contrasts with the area’s recent history of peace.

Prior to this incident, the Norwood ZOSO had maintained an impeccable security record, registering zero homicides or shooting incidents throughout 2025. This followed an equally peaceful 2024 during which the community similarly reported no murder cases, making Tuesday’s violence particularly shocking.

According to official statements from the St James police department obtained by Observer Online, authorities were alerted after local inhabitants stumbled upon the gruesome scene. Preliminary reports indicate that residents had previously heard auditory evidence of violence—described as ‘what sounded like gunshots’—echoing through the neighborhood on Monday night.

Law enforcement personnel responding to the emergency call confirmed the discovery of two deceased individuals, both exhibiting multiple fatal gunshot wounds. The investigation remains ongoing as police work to identify the victims and establish motives behind the killings that have disrupted the community’s prolonged spell of safety.

KINGSTON, Jamaica — Jamaica’s intellectual sports community has embarked on an ambitious national initiative with the formal launch of the 2026 Strategic Thinkers Campaign by the Jamaica Draughts Association (JDA). The campaign debuted at a competitive gathering hosted at the Junction Draughts Club in St. Elizabeth, attracting over 65 participants comprising elite players and distinguished personalities from across the draughts community.

The event showcased exceptional talent, notably featuring Shavier Jaddo, the JDA’s National Youth Champion, who delivered a commanding performance. Jaddo secured a decisive 6-0 victory against Justin Angus in traditional Jamaican Draughts and triumphed 2-0 over Samuel Peirce in International Draughts-100. These wins reinforce his status as the premier Under-20 Jamaican draughts competitor.

International Grandmaster Wayne Reid, who holds multiple titles including 2025 JDA National Champion and 2017 Pan-American Champion, demonstrated his expertise with a 6-0 win against Samuel Peirce in Jamaican Draughts-64. Peirce faced additional challenges, suffering another 6-0 defeat against Top Master Jermaine Delattibudiere.

The JDA has announced its selection of national representatives for international competitions, with Reid, Federation Master Jermaine Hutchinson, Delattibudiere, and Jaddo chosen to compete in the forthcoming Pan American Championships.

Beyond competition, the Association emphasizes the cognitive benefits of draughts, citing documented improvements in strategic thinking, problem-solving capabilities, and mathematical proficiency among youth participants. In February, the JDA will establish two new draughts clubs at Iona and Brown’s Town High Schools, implementing specialized training programs designed to enhance critical thinking skills.

The Association’s 2026 calendar includes significant international engagements, notably the 10×10 Pan-American Championship in Suriname this April and the American Pool Checkers Association National Tournament scheduled for July in Memphis, Tennessee. The next local event will be held at Sabina Park’s Stingers Camp with partial sponsorship from Caribbean Jewellers Limited. The JDA continues to seek additional sponsorship partnerships to support the expansion of draughts throughout Jamaica.

KINGSTON, Jamaica — A police operation in the Highlight View community resulted in a fatal shooting early Tuesday morning, claiming the life of a man identified as a known criminal affiliate. The deceased, 33-year-old Doshane Mitchell, also known as “Puku” from Greenwich Town, was killed during an exchange of gunfire with law enforcement officers.

According to official reports, the incident unfolded when a police team, while conducting a premises clearance operation, received intelligence about an armed individual at a nearby location. Upon arriving at the scene, officers encountered Mitchell exiting a building. The law enforcement personnel identified themselves, at which point Mitchell allegedly directed a firearm toward them and discharged multiple rounds.

The police team implemented evasive maneuvers and returned fire. Mitchell retreated into the dwelling where he subsequently collapsed while still clutching the weapon. Medical personnel transported him to the University Hospital of the West Indies, where he was pronounced dead by attending physicians.

Authorities recovered a modified Glock 19 9mm pistol equipped with an illegal switch attachment from the scene. The weapon contained a magazine loaded with three 9mm cartridges. Police intelligence indicates Mitchell was utilizing the location as a displacement hideout following increased law enforcement pressure in his home territory.

Background investigations revealed Mitchell’s extensive criminal history, including previous arrests and charges for armed robbery and murder filed by Kingston Eastern police. Law enforcement records indicate his affiliations with multiple criminal organizations including the Fifth Street Gang in Greenwich Town, the 110 Gang operating in McIntyre Villa, and the Mad and Mean Gang based in Highlight View.

During the same operation, police apprehended five additional men believed to be associated with the Mad and Mean Gang. The operation forms part of ongoing efforts to combat gang violence and organized crime in the Kingston metropolitan area.

KINGSTON, Jamaica — Emergency services responded to a significant traffic incident Tuesday morning when a Toyota Regius Ace van and a commercial truck collided at the junction of Lyndhurst Road and Beechwood Avenue in St Andrew.

The collision occurred approximately at 8:45 AM local time as both vehicles approached the intersection from perpendicular directions. Preliminary investigations indicate the Toyota van was traveling eastbound along Lyndhurst Road toward Maxfield Avenue while the truck proceeded along Beechwood Avenue in the direction of Half-Way Tree Road.

Impact forces resulted in substantial damage to both vehicles, particularly the Toyota van which required towing services to clear the scene. Emergency medical personnel transported the van operator to a nearby medical facility for treatment of undisclosed injuries. Medical authorities have not yet released information regarding the driver’s condition or the severity of sustained injuries.

Traffic enforcement units have initiated a standard investigation to determine contributing factors to the collision. The incident caused temporary disruption to morning traffic flow through the busy intersection, with normal traffic patterns resuming approximately two hours following the accident. No additional injuries have been reported among other motorists or pedestrians in the vicinity.