Kenneth Campbell, a man with a history of criminal offenses, has been remanded in custody following fresh allegations of stabbing a woman in St James, Jamaica. Charged with wounding with intent, Campbell appeared in the Parish Court on Thursday, where his plea for bail was denied. His attorney, Albert Morgan, was notably absent, preventing any renewed application for bail. The court’s decision was influenced by Campbell’s prior convictions, which cast a shadow over his case. Additionally, it was revealed that Campbell had previously been under investigation for murder and was granted pre-charge bail in that case. However, he was returned to custody after allegedly committing the recent stabbing. The incident reportedly occurred on June 15 on Barnett Lane Avenue, where the victim claimed Campbell grabbed her from behind, demanded sex, and stabbed her with a ratchet knife when she resisted. The attack left her hospitalized. Campbell is expected to remain in the Freeport lockup until his next hearing on December 3.
分类： society
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Renalon Villafana wins gold award at Queen’s Commonwealth Essay Competition
Renalon Villafana, a 16-year-old form five business student from Tabaquite Secondary School in Trinidad and Tobago, has achieved a remarkable milestone by winning a gold award in the 2025 Queen’s Commonwealth Essay Competition (QCEC). This competition, one of the oldest and most esteemed international writing contests, saw a record-breaking 53,434 entries from 56 Commonwealth countries this year. Renalon’s winning essay, titled *The Haunting Tales of Claxton Bay*, creatively retold a local folklore about Maria, a tragic figure said to haunt the Solomon Hochoy Highway. Renalon’s narrative skillfully intertwined the tale of Maria, a Spanish foreman’s daughter who died tragically while trying to save her Indian lover, with themes of love, loss, and cultural heritage. Renalon, who is also a school prefect and budding entrepreneur, expressed his joy and gratitude for the recognition, attributing his success to divine guidance. Beyond his literary achievements, Renalon is the founder and CEO of Reon Graphics, a graphic design business that recently celebrated its first anniversary. He also runs a vehicle sales venture and hosts graphic design classes, showcasing his entrepreneurial spirit. Renalon’s leadership extends to his role as student council president, where he has spearheaded community initiatives such as beach cleanups and visits to children’s and elderly homes. His parents, Sandy and Ronald Villafana, expressed immense pride in their son’s accomplishments, recalling his determination and academic excellence from a young age. Renalon aspires to study business management at university, aiming to further develop his entrepreneurial skills while continuing to inspire his peers with his mantra: ‘There are opportunities wherever you go. You have to know when to take them and trust in God.’
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Khan urges UTT graduates to help improve society
At the University of Trinidad and Tobago (UTT) graduation ceremony held on November 18, 2025, Attorney Israel Khan SC, a distinguished legal figure and president of the Criminal Bar Association of TT, received an honorary Doctor of Laws degree. The event, hosted at the National Academy for the Performing Arts (NAPA) in Port of Spain, saw Khan addressing the graduates with a powerful message: to leverage their education for the betterment of society. Khan emphasized the critical role of the justice system, highlighting the plight of over 300 individuals languishing in legal limbo for more than a decade while awaiting trial. He described this as a moral failure, unfair to both the accused and the victims’ families. Additionally, Khan pointed to the unresolved inquests of more than 1,000 police-involved shootings over the past 30 years, calling it a miscarriage of justice. He urged the graduates to take action against systemic inequalities and to uphold the principles of fairness and accountability. Khan also reminded the graduates of their roots, encouraging them to support future generations and perpetuate a cycle of progress. Alongside Khan, other honorees included businessman and fashion designer Peter Elias, educator Jamwant Maharaj, and songwriter Gilman Figaro, each recognized for their contributions to their respective fields.
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Trelawny higgler dies after motorcycle crash
A devastating road accident in Trelawny, Jamaica, has claimed the life of a local higgler, marking the 20th road fatality in the parish this year. The incident occurred on Thursday afternoon along the North Coast Highway. David Junior Myers, a 45-year-old resident of Zion district, tragically lost his life after his Champion motorcycle collided with a stationary Ford Ranger truck. Reports indicate that Myers lost control of his bike around 5:30 pm while traveling along the Hague roadway, resulting in a severe crash. He sustained multiple critical injuries and was rushed to the hospital, where he was later pronounced dead. The Trelawny police have initiated a thorough investigation to determine the exact cause of the accident. This incident highlights the ongoing issue of road safety in the region, prompting concerns about the need for stricter traffic regulations and public awareness campaigns.
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Bear attack on Canada school children injures 11
A devastating grizzly bear attack in the remote Bella Coola area of British Columbia, Canada, left 11 people injured, including children as young as nine, authorities reported on Friday. Among the victims, two are in critical condition, while two others sustained serious injuries. The incident occurred on Thursday afternoon along the Old Trail, according to Corporal Madonna Saunderson, a spokesperson for the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP).
The Nuxalk First Nation, a local Indigenous community, confirmed the attack on their Facebook page, warning residents of an ‘aggressive bear in the area.’ Acwsalcta School, operated by the Nuxalk Nation, announced its closure on Friday due to the incident. Veronica Schooner, a parent, shared with the Canadian Press that her son narrowly escaped injury as the bear targeted others in the group.
The British Columbia Emergency Health Services reported that seven of the injured did not require hospitalization. As of late Thursday, the bear remained at large, prompting the Nuxalk Nation to advise residents to stay indoors. The British Columbia Conservation Officer Service has assumed control of the investigation, though it remains unclear whether the bear has been located. The community continues to grapple with the aftermath of this tragic event.
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Gov’t, private sector commit over $1 billion to support tourism workers after Melissa
In a significant move to support tourism workers impacted by Hurricane Melissa, Jamaica’s Tourism Minister Edmund Bartlett has announced that over $1 billion has been secured through a combination of government funding and private sector contributions. Speaking at a press briefing at Moon Palace Jamaica in Ocho Rios, Bartlett revealed that the government has allocated $600 million, while private sector partners have pledged more than $400 million, with recent reports indicating their contributions are already exceeding initial commitments.
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Give cops their due rank
The Trinidad and Tobago Police Service (TTPS) is grappling with a deepening crisis as unresolved promotion disputes continue to undermine morale and efficiency. Police Commissioner Allister Guevarro recently shed light on the severe impact of these delays, emphasizing the loss of experienced officers due to mandatory retirements and the squandering of millions invested in succession planning. The issue, which predates Guevarro’s tenure, has reached a critical juncture, with legal battles further complicating the situation. On November 18, the Court of Appeal reserved its ruling in a lawsuit filed by 30 second-division officers, while a separate case involving 169 first-division officers remains adjourned. The promotion process, governed by a labyrinth of constitutional provisions, regulations, and departmental orders, is described as convoluted and often misunderstood even by senior officials. This has led to frequent rule violations, accusations of cronyism, and widespread demoralization within the force. With over 2,357 officers awaiting promotion and backlogs stretching for years, the system is in dire need of legislative reform. Commissioner Guevarro has called for urgent intervention to overhaul the process, ensuring fairness and efficiency in recognizing merit and service.
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Govt scraps degree requirement unlocking promotions for hundreds of prison officers
The Bahamas government has eliminated the degree requirement that previously hindered promotions within the Department of Corrections, a move that has already facilitated over 400 promotions, with an additional 400 anticipated. National Security Minister Wayne Munroe highlighted that this policy shift has addressed a years-long backlog and filled critical supervisory roles that were left vacant despite officers’ decades of service. Speaking at the BDOCS Long Service and Good Conduct Awards Ceremony at Government House, Munroe emphasized that the degree mandate was unique to the corrections department, unlike other law enforcement agencies such as the Defence Force or Police Force. He criticized the former rule, stating that it unfairly stalled experienced officers who lacked formal academic credentials, even if they had over 15 years of service. The reforms, which began with over 1,000 personnel, introduced a new career path that values both qualifications and experience, allowing officers to advance based on their service time and performance. Munroe noted that the changes have already resulted in promotions across all ranks and the confirmation of trainees to full correctional officer status. He also mentioned that similar promotion evaluations are ongoing in other agencies under the Ministry of National Security.
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Mexican man accused of murder girl on yacht to enter plea before Supreme Court in December
A 39-year-old Mexican man, Brigido Munoz, accused of murdering 20-year-old South African woman Paige Bell on a super yacht in Eleuthera, has been informed that he will enter a plea before the Supreme Court in December. Munoz, from Monterrey, Mexico, signed his voluntary bill of indictment on a murder charge before Chief Magistrate Roberto Reckley. The case has been transferred to Justice Guillimina Archer Minns, with the next court appearance scheduled for December 12. Munoz was also served a notice of alibi. The tragic incident occurred on July 3 aboard a yacht docked in Harbour Island, Eleuthera. Authorities discovered Bell’s body with visible injuries in the engine room after 1 pm that day. Munoz, who allegedly attempted suicide, sustained serious injuries to his arms and was treated at a local clinic. Both Munoz and Bell were crew members on the vessel. Bell’s parents, John and Michelle, expressed their profound grief, stating that their daughter’s murder ‘stole their world.’ Inspector Deon Barr is prosecuting the case.
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PSA receives 10% offer by CPO
In a significant development for public sector employees, Public Services Association (PSA) President Felisha Thomas announced on November 21 that the union has received a formal offer of a ten per cent salary increase from Chief Personnel Officer (CPO) Daryl Dindial. The offer comes after a crucial meeting between the PSA and the CPO, marking a pivotal moment in ongoing negotiations.
Thomas, addressing the media post-meeting, expressed satisfaction with the outcome, stating, ‘Another promise made, another promise delivered.’ This statement reflects the union’s persistent advocacy for better compensation for its members. Earlier, Thomas had voiced skepticism about the meeting’s agenda, particularly after learning that a presentation on the state of the economy would be part of the discussions.
Prior to the meeting, the PSA had formally communicated its position to the CPO’s office, emphasizing that the union was not at the initial stages of negotiations. Instead, the PSA sought a clear mandate from the Minister of Finance to present a ten per cent salary increase offer. Thomas highlighted the union’s commitment to finalizing negotiations swiftly, aiming to ensure that members receive their increased earnings by Christmas.
‘We have in our hand, delivered by the acting CPO, an offer of ten per cent which the PSA will be responding to by this afternoon,’ Thomas confirmed. She reiterated the union’s primary objective: to conclude negotiations promptly and secure financial benefits for its members. This development underscores the PSA’s proactive approach in advocating for public sector workers’ rights and economic well-being.