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KINGSTON, Jamaica — The National Fisheries Authority (NFA) is urging participants of its Safety at Sea Training Programme to disseminate the knowledge they’ve acquired to fellow fishers within their communities. Launched in 2022 as part of a five-year Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), the initiative has already reached numerous fishers across the island, equipping them with essential maritime safety techniques. Shellene Berry, Senior Director of Extension Services for the NFA’s Capture Fisheries Branch, emphasized the programme’s profound impact, despite the seemingly modest number of direct participants. She highlighted the ‘trainer of trainers’ approach, encouraging beneficiaries to educate their peers, crew members, and broader fishing communities. Berry spoke at a recent JIS Think Tank event held at the agency’s television department in Kingston. The programme aims to bolster the resilience of fishers and safeguard the sustainability of Jamaica’s fisheries resources. Berry noted that the ripple effect of knowledge-sharing fosters behavioural change, ensuring that safety practices are not only communicated but also implemented. Kyle Shaw, a facilitator in the programme and head of the Caribbean Maritime University’s Department of Professional Training and Certification, reported that fishers have been highly receptive to new safety knowledge. Participants have been introduced to basic medical equipment, first aid practices, and legal responsibilities, including the law of tort. Shaw explained that boat owners and captains have gained a deeper understanding of their liabilities and the importance of proper crew equipment and safety protocols. The programme comprises two components: safety at sea training administered by the Caribbean Maritime University and scuba diving open water certification through the University of the West Indies Marine Lab. Interested individuals can contact the NFA at 876-948-9014 for details on accessing the programme in their parish.

In a landmark ruling on Tuesday, Andrew Wright, O’Neil Hope, and Rudolph Barnes were found guilty of multiple charges related to a massive fraud scheme targeting the Institute of Sport (InSports). The case, which dates back to 2017, involved the embezzlement of $222 million from the governmental agency. Supreme Court Justice Ann-Marie Lawrence-Grainger delivered the verdict, convicting Wright, a former financial controller at InSports and a well-known promoter of the French Connection and Chug It party series, on 13 counts of fraud. Barnes was found guilty of 11 counts, while Hope faced conviction on eight counts. Among the three women implicated in the case, Sherene Farquharson and Andrea Picton were acquitted, but Karita Davis, accused of facilitating the cashing of fraudulent cheques for Wright, remains at large. The three convicted men have been remanded in custody and are scheduled for sentencing on November 21. Further details on this high-profile case will be published in the Jamaica Observer on Wednesday.

In a significant step to combat gender-based violence, Spain’s leftist government has approved a groundbreaking bill to classify vicarious violence as a distinct criminal offense. Vicarious violence, defined as harm inflicted on women through their loved ones—often children or close relatives—by a partner or ex-partner, has been a growing concern in the country. Equality Minister Ana Redondo emphasized the urgency of addressing this issue, stating, ‘This form of violence is not currently recognized in our legal system. Given the reality, it is crucial to define and incorporate it.’ Since 2013, 65 children in Spain have been murdered in acts of vicarious violence, highlighting the severity of the problem. Beyond extreme cases, such violence can manifest in subtler forms, such as withholding prescribed medication, preventing children from participating in activities they enjoy, or returning them to their mothers in unsanitary conditions. The proposed amendment to the criminal code would classify vicarious violence as a gender-based aggravating circumstance, with penalties ranging from six months to three years in prison. Additionally, abusers would be prohibited from publishing materials that could further traumatize victims. The bill, championed by Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez’s government, which has prioritized feminism and gender equality, now faces the challenge of gaining parliamentary approval despite lacking a majority. Spain has long been a leader in addressing gender-based violence, with its 2005 law introducing specialized courts, free legal aid, emergency housing, and prosecution without requiring a formal complaint from the victim.

KINGSTON, Jamaica — The Statistical Institute of Jamaica (Statin) has announced a two-week delay in the publication of its preliminary 2022 Population and Housing Census results. Originally slated for release on Tuesday, the findings will now be disclosed on October 15, coinciding with the Caribbean Community’s (Caricom) Statistics Day. This regional event underscores the critical role of data in shaping policy and fostering development across the Caribbean. The new release date also heralds the resumption of Statin’s Quarterly Press Briefings, a platform designed to enhance public engagement, transparency, and dialogue with key stakeholders. The census data, eagerly awaited by policymakers and planners, is poised to inform Jamaica’s national planning, resource distribution, and development strategies in the years ahead. As the nation’s principal authority on economic, social, demographic, and environmental data, Statin’s findings are integral to Jamaica’s progress and decision-making processes.

MANCHESTER, Jamaica — The search for Jayden Smith, a missing 12-year-old student from Manchester High, persisted into Tuesday afternoon, with a coordinated effort involving firefighters, police officers, and local volunteers. The operation focused on the Perth area of Mandeville, where teams conducted door-to-door inquiries and inspected unoccupied buildings in hopes of locating the boy. Fitzroy Donaldson, District Officer at the Jamaica Fire Brigade, confirmed that despite extensive efforts, no credible leads have emerged to determine Jayden’s whereabouts. The search was temporarily suspended just before 3:00 pm. Jayden has been missing since Friday when he left school. Authorities issued a high alert on Saturday, describing him as having a dark complexion, slim build, and standing approximately 152 centimetres (five feet) tall. The community remains on edge as the search is expected to intensify in the coming days.