分类： society

KINGSTON, Jamaica—The People’s National Party (PNP) has expressed profound sorrow over the passing of Trelawny Parish Court Judge Ruth Lawrence, who died on Tuesday evening at the Falmouth Public General Hospital. In a statement issued on Wednesday, Opposition Spokesperson on Justice, Zuleika Jess, highlighted Judge Lawrence’s exceptional contributions to Jamaica’s legal system. ‘Judge Lawrence’s passing is a profound loss for our nation. She was a paragon of integrity and compassion, leaving an enduring legacy in the legal profession. My heartfelt condolences go out to her family, friends, judicial colleagues, and the broader legal community,’ Jess remarked. The PNP emphasized Lawrence’s distinguished career, noting her unwavering dedication to justice and her profound respect for individual rights. ‘Her exemplary service embodied the principles of fairness and equity, earning her the admiration of her peers and the gratitude of those she served. Her legacy will undoubtedly inspire future generations of legal practitioners and public servants across Jamaica,’ the party stated. Judge Lawrence’s life and work stand as a testament to her commitment to justice, leaving a lasting impact on the nation’s legal landscape.

Justin Heath Smith, widely known by his stage name Austin Wolf, has been handed a 19-year prison sentence for his involvement in luring minors into illegal sexual activities and engaging in prohibited sexual conduct. The 44-year-old adult film actor was also ordered to undergo 10 years of supervised release and pay a $40,000 fine. The sentencing was delivered by US District Judge Paul A. Engelmayer, who oversaw Smith’s guilty plea. US Attorney Jay Clayton emphasized the severity of Smith’s crimes, stating, ‘Justin Heath Smith’s crimes against children are horrible. He targeted kids as young as seven, and every New Yorker wants him off our streets for as long as possible.’ Smith’s actions included arranging meetings with minors for sexual exploitation, recording illicit encounters, and distributing child pornography. Investigations revealed that Smith possessed over 1,291 files of child pornography, some depicting infants and toddlers. His arrest followed a federal search warrant executed at his residence, preventing a planned encounter with a purported seven-year-old child. Smith’s case underscores the ongoing efforts by law enforcement to combat child exploitation and protect vulnerable minors.

As the search for 12-year-old Jayden Smith enters its fifth day, his aunt and guardian, Ann-Marie Thompson, has vehemently denied allegations of mistreatment being the cause of his disappearance. Thompson, who has cared for Jayden since he was five, emphasized her dedication to his well-being, stating, ‘I got his birth certificate, ensured he was fully immunized, and supported his academic success.’ Jayden, the top student and valedictorian at Bethabara Primary School, went missing last Friday after attending classes at Manchester High School. Thompson addressed rumors linking his disappearance to a minor incident involving her two-year-old grandson, clarifying that the injury was accidental and that she had not been harsh with Jayden. She speculated that Jayden might be grappling with guilt over the incident, given his reserved nature. Thompson also condemned prank calls about Jayden’s whereabouts, which have added to her distress. The search, involving firefighters, police, soldiers, and community members, has yet to yield credible leads. Manchester High School Principal Jasford Gabriel expressed hope for Jayden’s safe return, noting the emotional toll on his classmates. Thompson appealed to the public for information, describing Jayden as a loving, humble, and helpful child. The community remains united in their efforts to bring Jayden home.

KINGSTON, Jamaica — The Financial Investigations Division (FID) is ramping up its nationwide public-education initiative to address financial crimes by enhancing awareness and understanding among Jamaican citizens. Under the Financial Investigations Division Act, the FID has introduced a series of media-driven programs to educate individuals, businesses, and regulated entities on the mechanisms of financial crimes, how to identify red flags, and the proper channels for reporting suspicious activities. Key components of the campaign include the “FID in Action” radio series, broadcast on Nationwide 90FM every first and third Friday at 8:20 am; “Follow The Money,” an audiovisual podcast released monthly on the FID’s YouTube channel, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and Amazon Music; and the “Money Mule Awareness” campaign, which incorporates news stories, digital advertisements, and townhall-style engagements. Dennis Chung, Chief Technical Director of the FID, highlighted the pivotal role of public education in curbing financial crime. He stated, “Public education is a frontline tool in Jamaica’s fight against financial crime. By equipping people with knowledge about the law, common schemes, and warning signs, we can reduce victimization and deter involvement in illegal activities such as fraud, money laundering, and money-mule operations. Our goal is to simplify complex topics into actionable advice for all Jamaicans.” The FID has recently intensified its focus on vulnerable groups, including young professionals, the unemployed, and small business owners, warning them about the risks of allowing their accounts to be used for illicit fund transfers. Such actions are illegal under the Proceeds of Crime Act (POCA) and can lead to criminal charges. The FID urges the public to report suspected financial crimes via email at contact@fid.gov.jm or by calling 876-928-5141.

In a landmark ruling on Tuesday, the Supreme Court found Andrew “French” Wright, Oneil Hope, and Rudolph Barnes guilty of multiple counts of fraud, including conspiracy to defraud, acquisition and use of criminal property, and larceny as a servant. The charges stem from a $222 million fraud scheme against INSPORTS, a government sports agency, between 2010 and 2017. The case was uncovered following an internal audit and subsequent investigation by the Major Organised Crime and Anti-Corruption Agency. Wright, a former financial controller at INSPORTS and a prominent party promoter, was arrested in 2013 while contesting his dismissal from the agency. He was convicted on 13 counts of fraud by Justice Ann-Marie Lawrence-Grainger in the Home Circuit Court in Kingston. Hope and Barnes were found guilty on eight and 11 counts, respectively. Attorneys for Wright and Hope have announced plans to appeal the verdict, citing multiple grounds for challenging the decision. Wright’s legal team argued that his earnings were from his party promotion business, Chug It, but the court dismissed this claim, stating that INSPORTS funds were “intertwined” with his personal finances. The court also highlighted evidence of fraudulent invoices and unauthorized payments, leading to significant financial losses for INSPORTS. All three defendants have been remanded until their sentencing on November 21. Meanwhile, three former INSPORTS employees were acquitted of any wrongdoing.

KINGSTON, Jamaica — Pearnel Charles Jr, Jamaica’s Minister of Labour and Social Security, has called on citizens to recognize and celebrate the profound contributions of the nation’s senior citizens. In his address marking the United Nations International Day of Older Persons on October 1, Charles Jr emphasized that older individuals are not merely passive members of society but active agents of change. He stressed the importance of amplifying their voices in policy-making, combating age discrimination, and fostering inclusive communities. This year’s theme, ‘Older Persons Driving Local and Global Action: Our Aspirations, Our Well-being and Our Rights,’ underscores the critical role seniors play in shaping societal progress. The observance coincides with Senior Citizens Month in September, themed ‘Respect, Protect, Empower, Connect,’ which highlights the dignity, rights, and aspirations of older persons while promoting intergenerational unity. Charles Jr articulated that respecting seniors affirms their aspirations, protecting their well-being safeguards their dignity, empowering them ensures their influence in policy, and connecting generations builds inclusive societies. Globally, the population aged 60 and above has surged from 541 million in 1995 to 1.2 billion in 2025, with projections reaching 2.1 billion by 2050. In Jamaica, it is estimated that by 2030, 15% of the population will be over 60, with life expectancy increasing to 73 years, up from 65 in 1995. This demographic shift necessitates enhanced healthcare, robust support systems, and opportunities for meaningful engagement. The minister reaffirmed the government’s dedication to advancing the National Policy for Senior Citizens, bolstering healthcare collaborations, expanding digital literacy, and creating systems to ensure every senior is respected, protected, empowered, and connected.

In a somber turn of events, Trelawny Parish Court Judge Ruth Lawrence was declared deceased on Tuesday evening at the Falmouth Public General Hospital. According to a reliable police source, Judge Lawrence was found unresponsive at her residence in Coral Spring, Trelawny, and was swiftly transported to the hospital around 7:50 PM. Preliminary investigations revealed no visible signs of physical trauma on her body, leaving the cause of her sudden demise shrouded in mystery. Upon arrival at the hospital, members of the Jamaica Constabulary Force were observed managing the scene. Superintendent Velonique Campbell, Commander of the Trelawny Police Division, officially confirmed the judge’s passing but refrained from providing further details, stating, ‘It is still early days.’ The community and legal fraternity are left in shock, awaiting further clarity on the circumstances surrounding her untimely death.