分类： society

KINGSTON, Jamaica — A St Andrew resident has become the latest multi-millionaire after clinching the staggering $229 million Lotto jackpot. The winning numbers—5, 8, 11, 17, 27, and 30—were drawn on Wednesday, August 13, 2025, marking a life-altering moment for the fortunate winner.

A heated morning dispute at the Barnett Street transport center in Montego Bay, Jamaica, resulted in a court appearance for Tavon Thompson on Wednesday. Thompson faced charges of assault causing bodily harm before Judge Natiesha Fairclough-Hylton at the St James Parish Court. The incident, which occurred on August 23 around 9:50 am, began when the complainant boarded a PPV bus where Thompson was seated. According to court documents, as the complainant passed Thompson, the latter allegedly raised his leg, causing the complainant to stumble over his foot. Thompson then reportedly pushed the complainant in the face. After the complainant took his seat, Thompson exited the bus and attempted to pull the complainant through the window, resulting in pain and swelling to the complainant’s right hand. A physical altercation ensued outside the bus, during which Thompson allegedly held the complainant in a necklock while gripping his left arm. The confrontation attracted a crowd, prompting nearby police officers to intervene. Both men were taken to the Barnett Street Police Station, where Thompson was arrested and charged. During the court proceedings, Thompson revealed that he had also filed a report against the complainant, though this matter was not addressed in court. Judge Fairclough-Hylton set the next hearing date for October 15, when the cross-case is expected to be reviewed. Thompson’s bail was extended until then.

KINGSTON, Jamaica — The Independent Commission of Investigations (Indecom) has launched probes into three separate fatal shooting incidents that occurred between Wednesday and Thursday, claiming the lives of four men. These incidents have further escalated concerns over police-related fatalities in the country.

In a landmark verdict, a French court has sentenced Pascal Lafolie, 58, to 30 years in prison for the 1994 murder of 17-year-old Nadege Desnoix, marking the resolution of one of France’s longest-standing cold cases. The trial, held in Laon, northern France, concluded on Thursday with Lafolie receiving the maximum sentence. He must serve two-thirds of his term before being eligible for parole. Lafolie, who has a history of rape and sexual assault convictions, was arrested in 2021 after DNA evidence linked him to the crime. Despite his claims of innocence and attempts to shift blame onto his deceased brother, investigators found no evidence to support his defense. The breakthrough came when Lafolie’s DNA, collected in a domestic violence case, matched genetic material found on a hairband worn by Desnoix at the time of her death. The case had remained unsolved for decades, with investigators initially exploring leads involving her boyfriend and notorious serial killer Michel Fourniret. Desnoix’s body was discovered in Chateau-Thierry, near her school, with a nylon cord and a freshly picked rose found beside her. The autopsy revealed no signs of sexual assault. Lafolie’s conviction brings closure to a case that has haunted the Aisne region for over three decades.

KINGSTON, Jamaica — The National Fisheries Authority (NFA) has successfully trained 200 fishers nationwide through its Safety at Sea Training Programme, a collaborative initiative launched in 2022. The programme, developed under a memorandum of understanding with the Caribbean Maritime University (CMU) and the University of the West Indies (UWI), focuses on two critical components: safety at sea and safe diving practices. Designed to enhance the skills and resilience of fishers, the training equips participants with essential knowledge and tools to navigate the sea safely and sustainably.

A severe traffic accident occurred on Spur Tree Hill in Manchester, Jamaica, late Wednesday night, leaving one driver hospitalized. According to preliminary reports, the incident involved a Toyota Wish and a sand-laden truck. The driver of the Toyota, attempting to overtake the truck on a downhill stretch, reportedly swerved to avoid an oncoming vehicle, resulting in a collision with the back of the truck. The truck, heavily loaded with sand, did not stop at the scene. Police speculate that the truck driver may have been unaware of the crash due to the vehicle’s weight and load. Investigations are ongoing to determine the exact circumstances of the accident.

A severe two-vehicle accident occurred on the Winston Jones Highway near Marshall’s Pen in Mandeville, Jamaica, early Thursday morning, leaving two individuals injured. The incident took place around 7:49 am when a Honda Vezel and a Honda Grace, traveling in opposite directions, collided. According to eyewitnesses, the Vezel was attempting to overtake other vehicles when it crashed into the Grace. The impact forced the Vezel off the road, causing it to spin out of control. A female passenger in the Grace sustained serious injuries and was rushed to the hospital for immediate medical attention. Meanwhile, the driver of the Vezel was trapped inside his vehicle. A local resident from Marshall’s Pen intervened, using a crowbar to pry open the jammed door and free the driver. A nurse on the scene provided first aid before the driver was transported to the hospital shortly after 8:00 am. Emergency services, including police and firefighters, responded promptly to manage the situation and clear the roadway to restore normal traffic flow.

KINGSTON, Jamaica — A 35-year-old taxi operator, Andre Catnott from Longwall, Stony Hill, has been formally charged with the trafficking of a 16-year-old girl. The case, which has drawn significant attention, underscores the ongoing issue of human trafficking in the region. According to law enforcement officials, Catnott allegedly exploited the teenager after she ran away from home in November 2024. Posing as a driver for a ride-share company, he reportedly offered her a modeling job at his massage business, only to coerce her into engaging in sexual acts with clients for financial gain. Catnott is accused of managing these transactions and profiting from the exploitation. The teenager was eventually located by a family member in February 2025, leading to a formal police investigation. On September 17, officers from the Jamaica Constabulary Force’s Counter-Terrorism and Organised Crime Investigation Branch (C-TOC) executed a raid on Catnott’s residence, resulting in his arrest. Acting Senior Superintendent Victor Barrett of C-TOC emphasized the force’s commitment to safeguarding vulnerable individuals, stating, ‘The Jamaica Constabulary Force is working tirelessly to locate and arrest those who exploit children and prey on the most vulnerable in our country.’ Catnott was formally charged on September 22 and is set to appear in the Kingston and St Andrew Parish Court on September 26, 2025. Authorities are continuing their investigation to identify and apprehend additional individuals involved in the operation. The public is encouraged to report any information related to human trafficking or organized crime to C-TOC at 876-967-1389, the National Intelligence Bureau at 811, Crime Stop at 311, or their nearest police station.

KINGSTON, Jamaica — Authorities have implemented a stringent 48-hour curfew across specific areas within the Kingston Western Police Division. The curfew commenced at 6:00 pm on Thursday, September 25, and is scheduled to conclude at 6:00 pm on Saturday, September 27. The designated boundaries encompass a significant portion of the region, stretching from the Kingston Harbour at Greenwich Farm Fishing Village to Ocean Boulevard near the Kingston Craft Market in the south. To the west, the curfew zone extends along an imaginary line from the Kingston Harbour through East Avenue and Maxfield Avenue, reaching the intersection of Rousseau Road. The northern boundary follows Rousseau Road from Maxfield Avenue to Lyndhurst Road, while the eastern perimeter traces Lyndhurst Road, Studio One Boulevard, Slipe Road, Orange Street, North Street, Princess Street, West Queens Street, West Street, Harbour Street, and Ocean Boulevard, ultimately returning to the Kingston Harbour. Residents within these boundaries are mandated to remain indoors during curfew hours unless granted explicit permission by the ground commander. This measure aims to enhance public safety and maintain order in the affected areas.