分类： society

KINGSTON, Jamaica — The Jamaican Court of Appeal has achieved an unprecedented judgment delivery rate of 560% in 2024, far surpassing international standards. This remarkable milestone was announced by Justice of Appeal Paulette Williams during the opening of the Michaelmas Term on September 22 in Kingston. Williams explained that for every 10 newly reserved judgments, approximately 56 were delivered, significantly exceeding the global benchmark of 100%.

A London-based nursery worker, Roksana Lecka, 22, has been sentenced to eight years in prison for a series of ‘gratuitous’ and ‘sadistic’ assaults on infants under her care. The shocking case, which came to light in June 2024, involved multiple acts of violence against 21 babies at two nurseries where Lecka was employed. Among the incidents, she was found to have repeatedly kicked a young boy in the face, pinched, slapped, and even toppled children headfirst into their cots. Judge Sarah Plaschkes described Lecka’s actions as deliberate and cruel, often targeting children who were peacefully occupied. Lecka admitted to seven counts of cruelty to a person under 16 and was convicted of an additional 14 counts following a trial. She was acquitted of three further charges. The abuse was uncovered after nursery CCTV footage captured her mistreating the children, prompting police involvement. Victim impact statements from parents revealed the profound emotional toll the attacks had taken, with one mother describing the infants as ‘innocent, vulnerable, and helpless.’ Lecka, who blamed her actions on cannabis addiction, apologized in a letter to the court, claiming the drug had altered her personality. However, her remorse did little to mitigate the severity of her crimes, as the judge emphasized the ‘sadistic’ nature of her conduct.

KINGSTON, Jamaica — The AIDS Healthcare Foundation (AHF) Jamaica has successfully concluded its sixth annual summer employment and training initiative, benefiting 33 young participants with scholarships totaling $5.9 million. The four-week program, conducted in collaboration with the Institute of Law and Economics (ILE), provided comprehensive training and internship opportunities aimed at fostering workplace readiness, financial literacy, leadership, entrepreneurship, and sexual and reproductive health awareness.

KINGSTON, Jamaica — Senior citizens from across Jamaica gathered for a festive celebration of National Grandparents Day, marked by camaraderie, entertainment, and heartfelt appreciation. The event, now in its third year, took place on Sunday, September 21, at the Verandah at Juici Patties Empowerment Park in Clarendon. Organized by Juici Patties in partnership with the Ministry of Labour and Social Security and the National Council for Senior Citizens (NCSC), the occasion highlighted the importance of honoring the elderly in society. Attendees enjoyed cocktails, a delectable meal, and lively music from the 1960s to the 1980s, creating a nostalgic atmosphere. Activities included joke-telling, riddle-solving, and friendly competitions, with prizes awarded for the most grandchildren and special recognition for the oldest male and female grandparents. Audrey Deer-Williams, Chief Technical Director at the Ministry, emphasized the event’s goal of promoting active and healthy aging. She praised seniors as custodians of history and culture, underscoring their continued contributions to society. Deer-Williams also highlighted government initiatives to ensure seniors are treated with dignity and respect. Edith Chin, Custos Rotolorum for Clarendon and Director of Juici Patties, expressed gratitude for the opportunity to host the event and foster intergenerational learning. She lauded the seniors for their legacy and service to the nation, reaffirming the community’s commitment to their well-being.

KINGSTON, Jamaica—In a bid to shape the future of tourism, Jamaica’s Tourism Minister Edmund Bartlett has emphasized the critical need for industry stakeholders to actively involve the nation’s youth in meaningful conversations about the sector’s evolution. This call to action was highlighted during the World Tourism Day 2025 Youth Forum, held at the Montego Bay Convention Centre in St. James, which saw the participation of over 300 students from across the island. Organized by the Tourism Ministry and its affiliated agencies, the event aimed to engage students, particularly members of Tourism Action Clubs (TAC), in substantive discussions on tourism’s role in national and global developments. This year’s forum, commemorating World Tourism Day on September 27, focused on the theme ‘Tourism and Sustainable Transformation.’ Minister Bartlett, speaking to JIS News, stressed that the event was designed to foster intellectual exchange between tourism stakeholders and the youth, encouraging them to explore sustainability in both action and thought. He highlighted the importance of young people generating innovative ideas and processes that align with sustainability practices. The Minister also praised TAC members for embracing sustainability principles, which are rooted in the pillars of planet, people, and prosperity. Donovan White, Tourism Director at the Jamaica Tourist Board (JTB), underscored the pivotal role of youth in the industry’s future. He noted that the forum provides a platform for students to learn about tourism, interact with experts, and dispel misconceptions about careers in the sector. White emphasized that tourism encompasses a diverse range of high-paying and skilled professions, including doctors, engineers, architects, and entrepreneurs, all of whom contribute to the industry’s ecosystem. The forum featured panel discussions, interactive sessions, and creative showcases, offering students a comprehensive understanding of the sector’s potential.

KINGSTON, Jamaica — The National Works Agency (NWA) has announced a temporary closure of Central Avenue in St Andrew to carry out critical drainage improvement works. The road will be shut down for 10 hours each day on Saturday and Sunday, from 8:00 am to 6:00 pm. Central Avenue, a vital thoroughfare connecting Constant Spring Road to West Avenue and providing access to Queens High School, will be inaccessible to vehicular traffic during this period. Residents needing to access their properties will be permitted entry via West Avenue. Stephen Shaw, Manager of Communication and Customer Services at the NWA, emphasized that the project aims to mitigate frequent flooding issues along Central Avenue, particularly during heavy rainfall. The works are scheduled for the weekend of October 4 and 5. Motorists are urged to exercise caution, adhere to flagmen’s instructions, and follow posted warning signs to ensure safety during the closure.

The Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) has reaffirmed its stance that every fatal encounter involving its officers is deeply regrettable. In a recent statement, the JCF announced the imminent arrival of 1,000 body-worn cameras, marking a significant step toward enhancing transparency and accountability in law enforcement. This development follows the fatal shooting of Jamar Farquharson on September 15 in Clarendon, an incident the JCF described as ‘most unfortunate.’ The JCF emphasized that an independent investigation will determine the facts surrounding the case and extended condolences to Farquharson’s family and friends. The statement was issued shortly after the Independent Commission of Investigations (Indecom) reported four fatal police shootings in three separate incidents, bringing the total number of fatalities by security forces this year to 232—a 70% increase compared to the same period last year. Indecom highlighted that September alone has seen 20 fatal shootings by security forces, marking the 10th consecutive month with such high numbers. The latest incidents occurred in St Catherine and St Andrew, with two men identified as Malachi McLean and Nickoy Nelson among the victims. Indecom noted that at least two of the three incidents stemmed from planned police operations, none of which involved body-worn cameras. The investigative body urged citizens to share any relevant information, photos, or videos to aid in their inquiries. The JCF defended its position on body-worn cameras, stating that the procurement process for 1,000 devices is complete and delivery is expected soon. However, the force emphasized that operational decisions regarding their use remain within its jurisdiction, not Indecom’s. The debate over fatal police shootings has intensified following Farquharson’s death, with viral video footage raising questions about the police’s account of the incident. Indecom also revealed that Farquharson’s name was not on the search warrant used to enter his home, further fueling calls for accountability and the widespread deployment of body-worn cameras.

KINGSTON, Jamaica — Damian Cox, Senior Director of the Access to Information Unit (AIU), emphasized the critical role of environmental education in shaping a sustainable future during his keynote address at the AIU’s Right to Know Week 2025 Conference. Held at the AC Hotel by Marriott in Kingston, the event underscored the importance of equipping young people with the knowledge and skills necessary to address environmental challenges.

Cox highlighted that youth, as future leaders, must be empowered through education to foster sustainable practices. He referenced the United Nations General Assembly’s affirmation that Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) is a vital component of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly in achieving quality education and enabling other global objectives.

The AIU, under the Ministry of Education, Skills, Youth and Information, has collaborated with the National Environment and Planning Agency (NEPA) and the Jamaica Environment Trust (JET) to implement programs engaging students in sustainable environmental initiatives. Cox stressed that young people are the innovators of tomorrow, and their success is pivotal to the nation’s progress.

Addressing the conference theme, ‘Ensuring Access to Environmental Information in the Digital Age,’ Cox acknowledged the digital revolution’s potential to facilitate information sharing and foster intergenerational solutions. However, he cautioned against challenges such as the digital divide, data privacy concerns, and misinformation, which require careful navigation.

Cox called for collective efforts to bridge these gaps, ensuring inclusive and equitable access to education and information. He reiterated the AIU’s commitment to providing the public with access to environmental and legal information, aligning with its mission to promote transparency and democratic engagement.

The Right to Know Week 2025 concluded on September 28, coinciding with the International Day for Universal Access to Information, a UNESCO initiative advocating for public access to information held by governmental bodies.

Kemar Riley, one of four individuals convicted in December 2019 for the brutal 2011 murders of 18-year-old Joeith Lynch and her 40-year-old mother Charmaine Rattray in Lauriston, St. Catherine, has filed an appeal against his conviction and life sentence. Riley, who was 29 at the time of his conviction, has consistently denied involvement in the killings, which involved beheading and extreme violence. He was sentenced to life imprisonment with hard labor, requiring him to serve a minimum of 52 years before parole eligibility. The case, initially scheduled for a hearing during the Michaelmas Term, was adjourned after Riley’s attorney, Obiko Gordon, requested time to consult with his client. Subsequently, the court indicated that a new attorney would be assigned to handle the appeal. The prosecution’s case hinged on the testimony of a star witness who claimed Riley confessed to participating in the murders while in custody. Riley, however, maintains his innocence, stating he had no prior knowledge of the crime or the alleged confession. The murders, described by Justice Vivene Harris as acts of terror, were reportedly ordered by the Klansman Gang, targeting the victims as alleged informers. The case has left a lasting impact on the Lauriston community, with Justice Harris emphasizing the heinous nature of the crimes in her sentencing remarks.

An elderly U.S. citizen, Rafie Shouhed, has announced plans to file a $50 million damages claim against the government following a violent encounter with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents during a raid at his Los Angeles car wash. Surveillance footage captured the 79-year-old being forcefully subdued by masked, heavily armed agents, who detained him for nearly 12 hours without providing medical attention despite his pleas about a pre-existing heart condition. Shouhed, who immigrated to the U.S. from Iran in the 1980s, described the incident as unprovoked and brutal, stating that agents ignored his medical concerns and only warned him, ‘You do not F with ICE.’ The raid, part of President Donald Trump’s intensified crackdown on undocumented migrants, has sparked controversy, particularly in Los Angeles, where critics argue such operations disproportionately target individuals based on ethnicity or workplace. Shouhed, a Trump voter, sustained broken ribs, severe elbow injuries, and a traumatic brain injury during the incident. His attorneys argue that the agents’ excessive force and disregard for his rights warrant legal action. The Department of Homeland Security defended the raid, claiming it led to the arrest of five undocumented immigrants and that Shouhed was detained for allegedly impeding federal officers. However, Shouhed’s lawyer, Jim Desimone, countered that surveillance video shows his client was cooperative and questioned the necessity of such aggressive tactics.