分类： society

KINGSTON, Jamaica – Justice Paulette Williams, a Judge of Appeal, has called for heightened sensitivity and care in addressing the plight of homeless individuals and those grappling with mental health issues. Her remarks came during the opening of the Michaelmas Term of the Court of Appeal in downtown Kingston on September 22, where she highlighted the persistent challenges posed by such individuals within the court’s environment.

The Island Traffic Authority (ITA) has reported a concerning increase in road fatalities for the first nine months of 2025, with 289 lives lost in 253 fatal crashes. This marks a six percent rise in deaths and a nine percent increase in fatal accidents compared to the same period in 2024. The surge in fatalities is primarily attributed to private motor car drivers and passengers, pedal cyclists, and pillion passengers. Notably, 67 private motor car drivers and 47 passengers have died this year, up from 48 and 32 respectively in 2024. Pillion passenger fatalities rose from nine to 14, while pedal cyclist deaths nearly doubled from 12 to 21. Motorcyclists, however, saw a decline in fatalities, dropping from 90 to 82, though they still account for 28 percent of all road deaths. Vulnerable road users, including pedestrians, cyclists, motorcyclists, and pillion passengers, represent 58 percent of fatalities. Pedestrians alone account for 18 percent of deaths, with 52 fatalities recorded this year. The gender disparity remains stark, with males comprising 84 percent and females 16 percent of the fatalities. The ITA’s latest statistics underscore the urgent need for enhanced road safety measures to curb this alarming trend.

MONTEGO BAY, St James — After decades of dedicated service at Cornwall Regional Hospital (CRH), Richard Lawrence and Sharon McLean are stepping into retirement, leaving behind a legacy of commitment and resilience. The duo, along with 31 other retirees from various regions, were honored at a luncheon hosted by the Western Regional Health Authority (WRHA) on Thursday. Lawrence, who served as a senior security supervisor for 42 years, expressed his bittersweet feelings about retiring before the hospital’s ongoing rehabilitation project is completed. ‘It was my dream to see the hospital open while I was working,’ he shared. ‘But I know when the time comes, they might invite me to see the progress.’ Lawrence, who spent over 25 years as a senior supervisor, reflected on his career with pride, emphasizing how his work enabled him to support his family and nurture his children’s successful careers. ‘All this came through the work at Cornwall Regional Hospital,’ he said. ‘I don’t have any regrets.’ His colleague, Sharon McLean, a chief medical technologist with 40 years of service, also shared her mixed emotions. McLean, who endured health challenges due to the hospital’s mold-infested environment, expressed relief that future staff will not face the same hardships. ‘I was there suffering for a long time,’ she recalled. ‘But I am happy that people will not experience what we had experienced.’ McLean, whose motto is ‘By our skills, we save lives,’ takes pride in her contributions to saving lives through her laboratory work. Both retirees are now looking forward to new chapters in their lives, with Lawrence expressing gratitude for his family’s support and McLean planning to channel her energy into new endeavors. The luncheon concluded with the presentation of plaques and heartfelt appreciation from WRHA Manager Simone Douglas-Cluney, who praised the retirees for their unwavering dedication and service.

MANDEVILLE, Manchester — Bellefield High School is making significant strides toward eliminating its shift system, a long-standing challenge for the institution. The recent inauguration of an eight-classroom block, constructed at a cost of $75 million through independent funding, marks a pivotal step in this journey. Principal Paul Grant emphasized the need for an additional 16 classrooms to fully transition to a whole-day operation mode for its 1,400 students.

Over 50 scholarship recipients from the J Wray & Nephew (JWN) Foundation recently participated in a transformative workshop aimed at equipping them with essential skills for their academic and professional journeys. The event focused on effective communication, wardrobe essentials, and business etiquette, preparing students for the transition from high school to university and from university to the workplace. The one-day session also emphasized self-care and personal development, ensuring participants are well-rounded individuals ready to face life’s challenges. Corporate and image consultant Althea Laing, a trailblazer in the fashion industry and Jamaica’s first supermodel, delivered an inspiring presentation on the importance of first impressions, professionalism, and self-confidence. Laing, who defied stereotypes in her career, encouraged the students to celebrate their uniqueness and build meaningful networks. The workshop also included professional headshots by LH Multimedia, enhancing the recipients’ online professional presence. JWN Foundation General Manager Garfene Grandison highlighted the initiative’s goal to leave a lasting impact on students, particularly those from underserved and rural communities. The day concluded with an awards ceremony, marking the first time the foundation hosted a workshop of this nature. Makeup artist Shanique Ellington and her team provided glam makeovers, while Ellington emphasized the value of versatility in business and entrepreneurship. Participants, including Ruth-Ann Alexander and Tisayra Jones, expressed gratitude for the invaluable lessons and experiences gained. The event underscored JWN Foundation’s commitment to empowering young individuals to excel in their personal and professional lives.

Three bright students from Melrose Primary and Junior High have been honored with scholarships by the Kiwanis Club of Barbican, aimed at alleviating the financial burden of textbooks and other school-related expenses for the 2025-2026 academic year. The recipients, Nia-Lea Williamson, Mahalia Powell, and DeAndre Spence, were celebrated during an awards ceremony held on August 19 at the Jamaica Employers’ Federation headquarters on Ruthven Road in St Andrew. The scholarships, part of the Norris Crooks Scholarship programme, are named in memory of the club’s late esteemed president, Norris Crooks. Each scholarship provides financial assistance of up to $30,000 to students preparing for the Primary Exit Profile (PEP) examinations. The initiative underscores the club’s commitment to fostering educational opportunities and supporting young learners in their academic journeys.

KINGSTON, Jamaica — The Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) has issued a statement to address what it terms as ‘misleading commentary’ regarding the implementation of body-worn cameras (BWCs) for its officers. The JCF reaffirmed its commitment to the nationwide deployment of BWCs, attributing delays to procurement complexities and budgetary limitations rather than any reluctance within the police force.

In a tragic incident in Inverness, Alexandria, Jamaica, a 26-year-old maintenance worker, Chanardo Wilmot from Mile End, Ocho Rios, has been formally charged with murder. The victim, identified as 34-year-old Chadroy Nash, a tiler from St Dacre, Alexandria, succumbed to multiple stab wounds sustained during an altercation on Wednesday evening. According to the Alexandria Police, the incident unfolded around 8:50 pm when Wilmot allegedly encountered Nash in the company of his girlfriend. A heated argument ensued between the two men, culminating in Wilmot reportedly using a knife to inflict fatal injuries on Nash. Despite being rushed to the hospital, Nash was pronounced dead shortly after arrival. Following a thorough investigation, Wilmot was apprehended and formally charged on Friday, September 26. Authorities are currently finalizing the court date for the accused, who now faces serious legal consequences for the alleged crime.

At the 80th Session of the United Nations General Assembly Debate, Grenada’s Prime Minister Dickon Mitchell delivered a compelling address on the transformative power of education. Mitchell emphasized that education is the ultimate equalizer, capable of turning innovation into inclusion and conflict into cooperation. He described education as a bridge from limitation to possibility, sharing his personal journey from a small village in Grenada to the global stage of the UN.

KINGSTON, Jamaica — Authorities have formally charged 38-year-old Alcon Bartley from the Windsor district of Siloah, St. Elizabeth, with wounding with intent following a violent altercation in his community earlier this year. The incident, which occurred on February 23 around 2:00 pm, involved Bartley and another man engaging in a heated argument. During the confrontation, Bartley allegedly retrieved a firearm from his waistband and discharged multiple shots, striking the other individual. The victim sustained injuries and promptly reported the incident to law enforcement. Bartley was subsequently apprehended and subjected to an identification parade, where the injured party positively identified him as the perpetrator. After a thorough interrogation, investigators proceeded to charge Bartley with the offence. His court appearance is currently being scheduled as the legal process moves forward.