In a startling incident that has raised significant security concerns, thieves infiltrated the Central Board of Health compound located on Lower All Saints Road. The break-in, which took place between 18:00 on September 25 and 06:00 on September 26, was discovered by an employee on Friday morning. The perpetrators forced their way into the premises through multiple access points, leaving behind a trail of destruction. Reports indicate that the intruders pried open a door to gain access to a storeroom, making off with a sander valued at approximately EC$300. Additionally, the woodwork department was not spared, as a wooden window was forcibly opened and the area was thoroughly ransacked. This incident has prompted a reevaluation of security measures at the compound, with authorities and staff alike expressing deep concern over the vulnerability of the facility. The Central Board of Health is now working closely with law enforcement to investigate the breach and implement more robust security protocols to prevent future occurrences.
分类: society
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Four mass shootings in 24 hours across U.S.
A series of devastating mass shootings unfolded across the United States over a single 24-hour period this past weekend, leaving communities in Texas, Michigan, Pennsylvania, and North Carolina reeling. The most tragic of these incidents occurred in Grand Blanc, Michigan, where a former Marine stormed a Mormon church, killing four individuals and injuring eight others before being neutralized by law enforcement. The assailant, identified as an Iraq war veteran, rammed a pickup truck into the church building and ignited a massive fire, completely destroying the structure. Similarly, the North Carolina shooter was also reported to be an Iraq war veteran, highlighting a troubling pattern among the perpetrators. These incidents are part of a broader trend of mass shootings in the U.S., including a deadly spree in 2023 that resulted in five fatalities and 56 injuries, as well as a particularly violent Labor Day weekend in Chicago in 2025, which saw eight deaths and 58 people shot. Authorities and communities are grappling with the recurring violence, calling for urgent measures to address the crisis. Sources for this report include ABC News and demstate.com.
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4 Mass shootings occur in the United States over 24 hrs
A harrowing series of mass shootings unfolded across the United States over the past weekend, with four separate incidents occurring within a 24-hour span. The tragedies struck in Texas, Michigan, Pennsylvania, and North Carolina, leaving communities in shock and mourning. The most devastating attack took place in Grand Blanc, Michigan, where a former Marine targeted a Mormon church, killing four individuals and injuring eight others before being neutralized by law enforcement. The assailant reportedly drove a pickup truck into the church building and ignited a massive fire, resulting in the complete destruction of the structure. Authorities have identified the gunmen in both the North Carolina and Michigan shootings as Iraq War veterans. This weekend’s violence echoes previous mass shooting sprees in the U.S., including a 2023 incident that claimed five lives and injured 56, as well as a particularly deadly Labor Day weekend in Chicago in 2025, which saw eight fatalities and 58 people shot. The recurring nature of such tragedies underscores the ongoing debate over gun control and mental health support in the country. Sources for this report include ABC News and demstate.com.
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Gov’t officials remind Dominicans that unity fuels progress
As Dominica approaches its 47th Independence Day, leaders are urging citizens to embrace unity and purpose as the foundation for continued national progress. Finance Minister Dr. Irving McIntyre emphasized the importance of collective effort during the opening ceremony of the Independence celebrations at the State House Conference Centre. ‘Progress without purpose loses its meaning. True progress is about people, equity, and nation-building,’ he stated. Dr. McIntyre highlighted the need for partnerships between the government, private sector, civil society, and the diaspora to achieve shared success. ‘When we collaborate and pool our talents, there is no limit to what Dominica can achieve,’ he added. He called on citizens to strengthen their patriotism, celebrate cultural traditions, and work together to shape the nation’s future. Culture Minister Gretta Roberts echoed these sentiments, reflecting on the theme ’47 Years of Progress and Purpose.’ She noted the challenges and opportunities each decade has brought, pointing to investments in infrastructure, democracy, and community development. Roberts emphasized the importance of the Dominican spirit, which she described as the true measure of progress. Major projects like the International Airport, Marina, and Cable Car Project were cited as symbols of advancement, but Roberts stressed that the resilience and creativity of the people remain Dominica’s greatest asset.
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48-hour curfew extended in sections of the Kingston Eastern
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.
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67-year-old man mowed down on North Coast Highway
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.
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Prosecutors recommend over 11 years in prison for ‘Diddy’ in prostitution case
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.
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Suspected mastermind of Argentina livestreamed femicide detained in Peru
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.
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WATCH: Vox pop on mental health
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.
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Florida executes man for 1990 double murder
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.
