分类： society

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.

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.

KINGSTON, Jamaica – Authorities have prolonged a 48-hour curfew initially imposed in specific areas of the Kingston Eastern Police Division. The curfew, which commenced at 6:00 pm on Monday, September 29, will now continue until 6:00 pm on Wednesday, October 1. The restricted zone is demarcated by the following boundaries: North – an imaginary line stretching from Mountain View Primary School to Cane River Falls; East – a line from Cane River Falls to the bridge at 10 Miles Bull Bay; South – the coastline from the bridge at 10 Miles Bull Bay to Flag Circle; and West – South Camp Road from Flag Circle to Vineyard Road, extending to an imaginary line back to Mountain View Primary School. Residents within these boundaries are mandated to stay indoors during curfew hours unless granted explicit permission by the ground commander.

TRELAWNY, Jamaica — Authorities in Trelawny are investigating a tragic incident that claimed the life of a 67-year-old pedestrian on Monday night. Patrick Jackson, a renowned wood carver from Salt Marsh, Trelawny, was struck by a Toyota Voxy while attempting to cross a section of the North Coast Highway near Bogue Gate. The accident occurred around 10:30 pm, and Jackson was rushed to the Falmouth Public General Hospital, where he was pronounced dead. This incident marks the 19th road fatality in Trelawny since the beginning of the year, highlighting ongoing concerns about road safety in the region. The police are urging drivers and pedestrians to exercise greater caution to prevent further tragedies.

Federal prosecutors are pushing for a substantial prison sentence of over 11 years for Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs following his conviction on prostitution-related charges. According to People magazine, Combs was found guilty on two counts of transportation to engage in prostitution after a highly publicized federal trial. While he was acquitted of more severe charges, including racketeering and sex trafficking, prosecutors argue that his actions warrant a significant penalty. In a sentencing memorandum, they emphasized the gravity of his crimes, stating that similar cases have resulted in sentences exceeding a decade. They are recommending a term of at least 135 months, just over 11 years. The memorandum also portrays Combs as ‘unrepentant,’ citing a history of abusive behavior. Testimony from his former partner, Casandra ‘Cassie’ Ventura, was referenced to highlight his past misconduct. This recommendation starkly contrasts with the defense’s request for a sentence of no more than 14 months. Combs has already spent over a year in custody at the Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn since his arrest in September 2024 and was denied bail both before and after the trial. Judge Arun Subramanian is expected to deliver the sentence on Friday, October 3, while also considering a defense motion to overturn the conviction.

In a significant development in the investigation of a gruesome triple murder case in Argentina, Peruvian authorities have apprehended the alleged mastermind behind the crime. The suspect, known as “little J,” was detained in Pucusana, approximately 45 miles south of Lima, Peru. This arrest brings the total number of individuals detained in connection with the case to nine. Argentine Security Minister Patricia Bullrich praised the Peruvian National Police for their efforts and collaboration in capturing the fugitives. Earlier, Bullrich had announced the arrest of another suspect, Matias Ozorio, in Peru. The victims—Morena Verdi, Brenda del Castillo, and Lara Gutierrez—were found buried in the yard of a house in a southern suburb of Buenos Aires on September 24, five days after they went missing. The three young women, aged 15 and 20, were reportedly tortured and killed in a live-streamed attack on a closed social media group as a “warning” over an alleged drug theft. “Little J,” a 20-year-old Peruvian national, is believed to lead a drug gang in Buenos Aires’ Zavaleta neighborhood, while Ozorio, 23, is considered his right-hand man.

As Suicide Prevention Month concludes on Tuesday, Jamaicans have voiced their perspectives on the island’s approach to mental health challenges. In a series of interviews, opinions varied widely. Some individuals expressed concern that mental health issues are often overlooked until they escalate into crises, while others emphasized the need for greater support in schools to alleviate stress among students. When discussing personal coping mechanisms, many highlighted simple yet effective activities such as listening to music, journaling, gardening, and spending quality time with friends as their preferred methods of relaxation. The discussions underscore the growing recognition of mental health as a critical issue in Jamaica, though many believe more proactive measures are necessary to address it comprehensively.

A 64-year-old man, Victor Jones, was executed by lethal injection in Florida on Tuesday for the 1990 murders of his employers, Jacob and Matilda Nestor. This marks the 34th execution in the United States this year, the highest number since 2014. The execution took place at 6:13 pm (2213 GMT) at a state prison near Jacksonville, as confirmed by the Florida Department of Corrections. Jones had stabbed the Nestors to death during a robbery shortly after starting work at their Miami-based company. Before succumbing to his injuries, Jacob Nestor managed to shoot Jones in the head. Last week, the Florida Supreme Court rejected appeals to halt the execution, despite arguments that Jones was intellectually disabled and had suffered abuse at a notorious reform school during his teenage years. Florida leads the nation in executions this year with 13, followed by Texas with five, and South Carolina and Alabama with four each. Of the 34 executions nationwide, 28 were carried out by lethal injection, two by firing squad, and four by nitrogen hypoxia, a method criticized by UN experts as cruel and inhumane. The death penalty remains abolished in 23 US states, with three others—California, Oregon, and Pennsylvania—imposing moratoriums. President Donald Trump has advocated for expanding the use of capital punishment for severe crimes.

KINGSTON, Jamaica – Nowell Lewin Jr, a 23-year-old law student and farmer, is spearheading a transformative movement to address mental health challenges and suicide in Jamaica. Armed with determination and a phone, Lewin founded the Global Integration Society, a youth-led mental health advocacy group dedicated to dismantling the stigma surrounding mental illness in the country.

In a recent development in Kingston, Jamaica, Andrew Beacon and Anthony Spence faced further custody as their case regarding the theft of four goats from Hayes in Clarendon proceeded in the Kingston and St Andrew Parish Court on Tuesday. Beacon is accused of receiving stolen property, while Spence faces charges of unauthorized possession of property. The court highlighted that a crucial statement from the goat owner is still pending, delaying the case’s progress. The incident dates back to August 3, 2025, when police officers in Denham Town noticed a Toyota Fielder speeding suspiciously. Upon pursuit, the vehicle, allegedly driven by Spence, entered Beacon’s premises, where an attempt to close the gate was made. Four goats were discovered inside the car, leading to the arrest of both individuals. In a related decision, Judge Peter Wilson released the Toyota Fielder to its owner under a $100,000 bond, stipulating that the vehicle must remain unaltered and undisposed until the court’s final verdict. Wilson emphasized the necessity of further discussions with the owner regarding the vehicle’s loan details. The accused are scheduled to reappear in court on October 10, 2025.