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KINGSTON, Jamaica — The legal case involving Dr. Carl Bruce, the medical chief of staff at the University Hospital of the West Indies (UHWI), and his colleague, neurosurgeon Dr. Roger Hunter, faced an adjournment on Monday. The delay was requested by Dr. Bruce’s legal team, who cited insufficient time to prepare after receiving case documents recently. Dr. Hunter’s attorney, Hugh Wildman, expressed no objection to the postponement but emphasized his client’s readiness to proceed. ‘We could have started today if they were prepared,’ Wildman remarked. Dr. Hunter voiced his disappointment, highlighting concerns over the efficient use of judicial resources. ‘We are surprised by their lack of readiness, especially since the police have been involved since November last year,’ he stated. Dr. Bruce faces charges of malicious destruction of property and assault following an alleged incident during Dr. Hunter’s surgical preparations in April. The case, which Dr. Hunter previously declined to mediate, is set to resume on February 9.

In a significant step toward enhancing domestic violence intervention, members of the Jamaica Constabulary Force’s (JCF) Domestic Violence Intervention Unit recently completed a comprehensive training program. Conducted in collaboration with the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), the three-day initiative took place at the Sea Garden Hotel in Montego Bay, St James, from September 24 to September 26. The program targeted centre managers and liaison officers, equipping them with advanced skills and knowledge to address domestic violence more effectively. Key focus areas included the Domestic Violence Policy, standard operating procedures, the impact of social media on domestic violence, and the critical role of mental health in intervention efforts. Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) Jacqueline Dillon, head of the JCF’s Domestic Violence Intervention Programme, emphasized the dual purpose of the training as both a refresher and a wellness initiative. She highlighted the importance of ensuring officers are mentally prepared to handle the complexities of domestic violence cases. Detective Sergeant Damion Hammond, sub-officer in charge of the unit, underscored the timeliness of the training, noting the increasing prevalence of domestic violence in Jamaica. He expressed confidence that the program would enhance the quality of service provided to citizens. Participants, including Sergeant Desiree McLeod from the St Elizabeth Domestic Violence Intervention Centre, praised the training for its relevance and depth, particularly the mental health awareness segment. Sergeant Moesha Allen, liaison officer for the St Andrew South Division, pointed to a rise in domestic violence reports as evidence of growing community trust in the police. Sergeant Kester Fennel of the St Catherine North Division urged victims to seek help, assuring them of professional and empathetic support. The training also benefited from contributions by the Ministry of Health and Wellness, the Court Administration Division, and the Bureau of Gender Affairs. Established to address global population and reproductive health challenges, the UNFPA remains committed to combating gender inequality and gender-based violence worldwide.

KINGSTON, Jamaica — The National Museum Jamaica (NMJ), a division of the Institute of Jamaica (IOJ), is set to host its first-ever Heritage Debate on October 3, in collaboration with the Jamaican Association for Debate and Empowerment Limited (JADE). The debate will center on the provocative question: ‘Should Jamaican Patois Be Considered an Official Language?’ This event marks a departure from the traditional Heritage Lecture, which has been a staple of National Heritage Month activities organized by the Ministry of Culture, Gender, Entertainment, and Sport. Stephanie Rose, Assistant Outreach Officer at NMJ, explained to JIS News that the shift to a debate format aims to create a more interactive and engaging platform for cultural discourse. ‘We wanted to encourage more participation and dialogue, allowing people to express their views in a museum setting,’ she said. The debate will feature teams from Holy Trinity High School and Pembroke Hall High School, competing at the IOJ Lecture Hall in downtown Kingston. Rose emphasized that the target audience remains high school and tertiary students, as the discussion will be more formal and suited to their educational level. The topic was chosen after extensive consultation with educators, who expressed strong interest in the subject. ‘Patois has been debated at various levels, but never in a museum environment where students can openly share their perspectives,’ Rose added. The event will be moderated by Professor Sonjah Stanley Niaah from the University of the West Indies, Mona, and will be streamed live on the NMJ YouTube channel.

In a tragic turn of events, Constable Ezroy Boothe, a police officer from St Elizabeth, Jamaica, has passed away following a severe motorcycle accident. The incident occurred on Friday evening along the Lacovia main road, where Boothe lost control of his private motorbike and collided with a pole. He sustained critical injuries, including multiple fractures to both legs, internal damage, and significant blood loss. Boothe was immediately rushed to Black River Hospital, where he remained in critical condition until his death on Monday. Superintendent Coleridge Minto, head of the St Elizabeth police, had earlier appealed to the public for blood donations to aid Boothe’s recovery. Plans were also underway to transfer him to another medical facility for advanced treatment. The Jamaica Constabulary Force has expressed deep sorrow over the loss of one of their own, highlighting the dangers faced by law enforcement officers in the line of duty.