分类： society

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.

KINGSTON, Jamaica — The Miss Universe Jamaica Organization has expressed profound sorrow over the untimely death of Tyra Spaulding, a cherished finalist in the 2023 competition. The 26-year-old accountant was discovered at her residence on Tuesday evening, hanging from her bed frame with a pink curtain around her neck. Authorities are currently investigating the incident as a suspected suicide. In a heartfelt statement released on Thursday, the organization described Spaulding as more than just a contestant, highlighting her vibrant personality, intelligence, and inspiring nature. ‘Tyra’s grace and spirit left an indelible mark on everyone she encountered,’ the statement read. The organization, along with reigning Miss Universe Jamaica, Dr. Gabrielle Henry, and National Directors Mark McDermoth and Karl Williams, extended their deepest sympathies to her family, friends, and loved ones. ‘We join them in mourning her loss and celebrating her extraordinary life and legacy. May she find eternal peace,’ the statement concluded. Spaulding was also known for her advocacy in mental health and suicide prevention, adding a poignant layer to this tragic event.

KINGSTON, Jamaica — The Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) has escalated its efforts to capture Courtney Ashley, alias ‘Bloodstain,’ the alleged leader of the Bottom Marverly Gang. Ashley, 40, is wanted for his involvement in multiple violent crimes, including murder and assault. His last known residence is Abby Close, Leas Flat, Red Hills in St Andrew.

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 has drawn significant attention to the issue of human exploitation in the region. According to police reports, Catnott, who was working as a driver for a ride-share company in November 2024, encountered the teenager during one of his trips. Upon learning that she had run away from home, he allegedly offered her a modeling job at his massage company. This offer, however, turned out to be a ruse for exploitation. After exchanging contact information, the girl was reportedly coerced into performing sexual acts for money with various clients in the corporate area, with Catnott allegedly collecting the proceeds. The situation came to light in February 2025 when a family member located the teenager and reported the matter to the police, initiating an investigation. On September 17, officers from the Jamaica Constabulary Force’s Counter-Terrorism and Organised Crime Investigation Branch (C-TOC) conducted a raid at Catnott’s residence, leading to his arrest. Acting Senior Superintendent of Police Victor Barrett emphasized the JCF’s commitment to safeguarding vulnerable individuals. ‘The Jamaica Constabulary Force is working tirelessly to locate and arrest individuals who exploit children and prey on the most vulnerable in our country,’ Barrett stated. ‘Public support and information on these individuals are crucial to our investigations; they must be brought to justice.’ The police have indicated that investigations into Catnott’s operations are ongoing, with efforts to identify and apprehend other individuals involved. Catnott was formally charged on Monday, September 22, and is scheduled to appear before the Kingston and St Andrew Parish Court on Friday, September 26, 2025. Authorities are urging members of the public with information about human trafficking or other organized crimes to contact C-TOC at 876-967-1389, the National Intelligence Bureau at 811, Crime Stop at 311, or their nearest police station.