分类： society

In a poignant and deeply emotional address, philanthropist and Supreme Ventures Foundation Director Leighton McKnight expressed profound sorrow over the escalating violence against women and children in Jamaica. Speaking at the foundation’s Supreme Hero Finals held at ROK Hotel in Kingston, McKnight’s choice of black attire symbolized his mourning for the nation’s current state. ‘I’m in black today because I’m in mourning,’ he stated solemnly. ‘With what’s going on across our country, we need more and more heroes.’

McKnight highlighted recent tragedies that have shaken the nation, including the brutal murder of a teenage girl and the suicide of former Miss Universe Jamaica contestant Tyra Spaulding. ‘Just week before last, one of my mentees, Jada, was shot and killed in her home,’ he shared, his voice trembling with emotion. ‘The following week, Tyra Spaulding, another young lady I mentored, took her own life.’

Referencing recent headlines from Jamaican newspapers, McKnight lamented the normalization of violence in society. ‘Last week, a four-year-old was murdered in Linstead. This week, similar tragedies unfolded in central Kingston. Children are being murdered. We cannot continue like this,’ he declared.

Drawing parallels to Bob Andy’s 1970s reggae classic ‘Fire Burning,’ McKnight emphasized the urgent need for social reform. ‘The song is more relevant today than it was 50 years ago,’ he noted. ‘If we keep ignoring the needs of the less fortunate, they will rise up, and we will regret our inaction. Giving back is not just charity; it’s self-preservation.’

McKnight concluded with a call for national empathy, quoting George Benson’s ‘The Greatest Love of All.’ ‘I believe the children are our future. Treat them well, and let them lead the way,’ he urged. ‘Children are growing without love, and all they know is violence. It’s our responsibility to break this cycle.’

He challenged the audience and the nation to prioritize compassion over policing and material wealth. ‘Jamaica will not improve through better policing or solidarity alone. It will improve when we care for those in need. It’s going to get better because of those who care,’ he asserted.

A groundbreaking smart card system is set to revolutionize the safety and efficiency of Jamaica’s Rural School Bus Programme, offering parents real-time tracking of their children’s journeys to and from school. Developed by El Hydro, the technology partner for the initiative, the system will notify parents instantly via SMS or a dedicated app when their child boards or exits a school bus. This feature aims to bolster confidence in the programme, which is still in its developmental stages.

Five years after the Mental Health (Offenders) Inquiry Committee, commissioned by Chief Justice Bryan Sykes, urged the Jamaican Ministry of Health to establish dedicated facilities for mentally ill individuals in conflict with the law, no such space has been identified. Hundreds of these individuals remain detained in correctional institutions, often for decades, with half still awaiting trial. The committee, comprising representatives from the judiciary, human rights organizations, and health and correctional services, highlighted the systemic failure to address the therapeutic needs of these detainees. Dr. Kevin Goulbourne, consultant psychiatrist and director of Mental Health and Substance Use at the ministry, recently confirmed that efforts are ongoing to create a more humane environment outside the prison system. The 2020 report emphasized that correctional facilities are ill-equipped to handle mental health care, a responsibility historically shifted from Bellevue Hospital to the Department of Correctional Services in the 1970s. Justice Georgiana Fraser, the committee chair, stressed the urgency of designating appropriate facilities, noting that many detainees have not been tried or found guilty. The report also criticized successive health ministers for failing to address this issue. Goulbourne acknowledged the challenges, including the lack of early assessments and the absence of a forensic psychiatric unit. Health Minister Dr. Christopher Tufton emphasized the need for collaboration between health, justice, and security sectors to improve mental health support for incarcerated individuals. Chief Justice Sykes has called for systemic reforms to ensure timely court appearances and appropriate care for mentally disordered defendants, who currently cannot be discharged without a trial verdict.

KINGSTON, Jamaica — In the aftermath of a devastating incident that claimed the lives of five individuals, including four-year-old Shannon Gordon, Police Commissioner Dr. Kevin Blake has issued a fervent appeal for moral clarity and unified action. The tragic event, which occurred in a St. Catherine community, has reignited concerns over escalating violence and the societal narratives surrounding it.

FALMOUTH, Trelawny — The Trelawny Municipal Corporation (TMC) is gearing up to host its second annual 5K run/walk event on November 23, aiming to raise funds to support the parish’s homeless population. Notably, the proceeds from last year’s inaugural event remain untouched due to the suspension of a planned chicken-rearing project at the homeless center, following concerns raised by the health department regarding potential risks. This year’s funds will be combined with last year’s to finance a new, yet-to-be-determined initiative for the shelter. The event is organized by the TMC’s Poor Relief Department and Disaster Management unit. Mayor of Falmouth, Councillor C Junior Gager, enthusiastically encouraged widespread participation during a recent TMC meeting, highlighting strong private sector support. One company has pledged full staff participation, underscoring the community’s commitment. Registration fees are set at $2,000 for adults and $1,000 for children, with all proceeds directly benefiting the homeless community.

A heartbreaking incident unfolded in Sarreguemines, northeastern France, as a nine-year-old girl was discovered dead in her home over the weekend. Authorities, including prosecutors and police sources, have indicated that the tragedy likely resulted from suicide, following persistent bullying. The young girl’s body was found on Saturday, prompting an outpouring of grief and calls for action against school harassment. Former Prime Minister Gabriel Attal, who previously served as education minister and founded an association to combat bullying, expressed his condolences on social media platform X. He described bullying as a ‘scourge’ and a ‘slow poison’ that can lead to devastating outcomes. Regional education officials expressed deep shock over the incident, while the public prosecutor’s office confirmed an ongoing investigation, suggesting the act appeared to be voluntary. Police sources revealed that the girl had left a letter for her family. Her mother disclosed that the child had been subjected to relentless bullying by her primary school classmates, who mocked her for being overweight. The mother also shared that her daughter had previously mentioned suicidal thoughts. On Monday morning, white roses adorned the school’s railings as a poignant tribute. A family acquaintance, speaking anonymously, claimed that the school had been informed about the bullying but failed to intervene effectively. Abnor, a nine-year-old classmate, recounted how the girl was bullied on her way home, describing her as cheerful in class but often subjected to insults. ‘It’s not nice,’ he said. ‘We’re in school to learn, to get a good job, to earn money. It’s not a place for bullying—not here nor anywhere else in the world.’ The incident has reignited urgent discussions about the need for stronger anti-bullying measures in schools.