In response to severe flooding in Trafalgar Park, St Andrew, caused by heavy rainfall in September, the Kingston and St Andrew Municipal Corporation (KSAMC) has committed to assisting affected residents. During a recent visit to the area, Terry Forrester, the parish disaster coordinator at KSAMC, assured residents that the corporation, in collaboration with partner agencies, would provide essential comfort items to those impacted. Forrester emphasized the role of the welfare health committee in coordinating these efforts.
分类： society
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$231-m Troy bridge to be completed by year-end, says Minister Morgan
KINGSTON, Jamaica — The $231 million Troy Bridge project in Trelawny is progressing as planned and is expected to be completed by December 2025, according to Robert Morgan, the Minister responsible for works. During a site visit on Wednesday, Minister Morgan expressed his satisfaction with the ongoing construction, emphasizing the bridge’s critical role in alleviating the challenges faced by residents since its collapse in 2021.
Minister Morgan highlighted the significance of the project, stating, ‘I’m happy that Jamaica can see the work that we’ve done. While there is still some work left, we are confident that the people of this area will be very proud once the project is finished.’ He also announced that road rehabilitation on both sides of the bridge is slated to begin in January 2026, further enhancing accessibility for residents, students, and local businesses.
The collapse of the Troy Bridge in August 2021, during Tropical Storm Grace, had a severe economic impact on the region. Minister Morgan underscored the bridge’s importance as a vital economic hub for Trelawny, Manchester, and St Elizabeth. ‘For the past four years, the absence of this bridge has been devastating. We are committed to rehabilitating the roads to support farmers, students, residents, and businesses, aiming to reinvigorate Troy,’ he added.
The minister also emphasized the government’s dedication to modernizing Jamaica’s infrastructure. ‘This bridge dates back to the 1800s, which illustrates the immense task we face in rebuilding and rehabilitating our infrastructure. However, the government is fully committed to this mission,’ he concluded.
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Man arrested over deadly January fire in Los Angeles — authorities
LOS ANGELES, United States — A significant breakthrough has been made in the investigation of the devastating Palisades Fire that ravaged an upscale Los Angeles suburb earlier this year. Authorities announced on Wednesday the arrest of a 29-year-old man, Jonathan Rinderknecht, who is suspected of igniting the blaze. Rinderknecht was apprehended in Florida and faces charges of destruction of property by means of fire. Acting United States Attorney Bill Essayli emphasized the gravity of the situation, stating, ‘The complaint alleges that a single individual’s reckless actions led to one of the most catastrophic fires in Los Angeles history, causing loss of life and extensive damage in Pacific Palisades.’ The fire, which erupted in January, left a trail of destruction in its wake, highlighting the severe consequences of such incidents. The arrest marks a critical step in holding those responsible accountable and providing some measure of justice to the affected community.
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Munroe: Authorities need to ‘build better mousetrap’ after recent escape
In the wake of a startling escape by a murder suspect from the Magistrates’ Court in Nassau, Bahamas, National Security Minister Wayne Munroe has called for a comprehensive review of court security protocols. The incident, which occurred last Thursday, saw 34-year-old D’Angelo Culmer evade custody, sparking widespread concern and prompting urgent measures to prevent future breaches. Culmer, who has been on the run for nearly a week, was remanded in February for the alleged murder of 39-year-old Rudiska Bethel in a drive-by shooting on Ragged Island Street. At the time of the incident, Culmer was already on bail for attempted murder. Munroe emphasized the need to scrutinize closed-circuit camera footage from the court’s holding area to determine the exact sequence of events leading to the escape. He likened the process to ‘building a better mousetrap,’ referencing past incidents where suspects managed to flee custody. The minister stressed that authorities must ascertain whether the escape resulted from negligence or collusion, and hold accountable any individuals found complicit. Culmer’s escape, which occurred around 3:30 pm on October 3, has raised alarms about the vulnerabilities in the court’s security system. He was last seen wearing a blue T-shirt and light blue jeans, with distinctive tattoos of lips on his neck and the name ‘Tiffany’ on his right chest. Munroe urged the public not to assist or shield Culmer, warning that aiding a fugitive carries severe legal consequences. He also highlighted the potential dangers Culmer might face if his case is gang-related, suggesting that rival factions could pose a threat to his safety. Police have yet to release new information on Culmer’s whereabouts, and investigations into the escape remain ongoing. This incident marks one of the longest periods between an inmate’s flight from custody and recapture in recent years, underscoring the urgency of bolstering security measures.
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Woman robbed of $10 at gunpoint in Green Bay
A harrowing incident unfolded in Green Bay early Friday morning when a woman was held at gunpoint and robbed of $10. The event occurred around 5 a.m. on George Street as the victim was returning home from a nearby club. According to the victim, the assailant, described as wearing a brown mask, dark long-sleeved shirt, blue cargo pants, and black boots, confronted her with a small black firearm. The robber swiftly took the money but fled the scene when a passing pedestrian startled him, providing the woman an opportunity to escape. Law enforcement officers promptly arrived, conducted a thorough search of the area, and interviewed several individuals. Despite their efforts, the suspect remains at large. Investigations are ongoing as authorities work to apprehend the perpetrator and ensure community safety.
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Policeman charged with child rape
A 19-year-old police officer from Supenaam, Essequibo Coast, Guyana, has been formally charged with the rape of a 14-year-old girl. The accused, Erwin Gentle, was arrested on October 6, 2025, by an officer from the Gender-Based Violence Unit of the Guyana Police Force. The charge, which pertains to the rape of a child under the age of 16, was presented at the Friendship Magistrates’ Court before Magistrate Tameika Clarke. Gentle was not required to enter a plea and has been remanded to prison until his next court appearance on October 27, 2025. This case has drawn significant attention due to the involvement of a law enforcement officer in such a grave offense, raising concerns about accountability and the protection of minors within the community.
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Brian Benjamin Granted Bail Over Attempted Murder Charge
In a significant legal development, Senior Magistrate Ngaio Emmanuel has granted bail to Brian Benjamin, a 59-year-old resident of All Saints, who is facing charges of shooting with intent to murder. The case stems from an alleged attempt to murder Simon Farrell at Sanderson’s Estate. Benjamin appeared in court on Tuesday, where the magistrate set his bail at $20,000, including a $5,000 cash component and the requirement of two sureties. As part of his bail conditions, Benjamin must report to the All Saints Police Station every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday until his next court appearance on December 4. The decision has sparked discussions about the judicial process and the conditions under which bail is granted in serious criminal cases. The case continues to draw public attention as the legal proceedings unfold.
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Kendra Beazer Named King’s Commonwealth Fellow
Kendra Chimberlain Beazer, a dedicated professional from Antigua and Barbuda, has been selected as a King’s Commonwealth Fellow under the prestigious King’s Commonwealth Fellowship Programme PhD Pathway. This initiative, hosted by the Association of Commonwealth Universities (ACU), is inspired by His Majesty King Charles III and aims to support individuals from Small Island Developing States (SIDS) in pursuing advanced studies while addressing critical global challenges. Mr. Beazer’s PhD research will focus on advancing climate resilience, education, health, and engineering, contributing significantly to sustainable development in his home country. He will receive joint supervision from a partner university within the Commonwealth, ensuring a collaborative and impactful academic journey. The Fellowship underscores the importance of empowering professionals from SIDS to drive positive change in their communities. This opportunity not only highlights Mr. Beazer’s commitment to academic excellence but also aligns with broader efforts to address pressing global issues through education and innovation.
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BWU slams delay in transfer of stakes to workers
The Barbados Workers’ Union (BWU) is urgently seeking clarity on the future of the restructured sugar industry and the fate of long-promised benefits for workers who have been the backbone of the sector. According to exclusive reports from Barbados TODAY, years of assurances that former and current sugar workers, particularly those in the cane fields, would become part-owners in a new cooperative regime have yet to materialize.
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VIDEO: Roadworks Continue in All Saints, Lightfoot, and Cedar Grove
The Ministry of Works in Antigua and Barbuda has announced the commencement of extensive road maintenance projects in several key areas, including All Saints, Lightfoot, and Cedar Grove. The initiative aims to enhance road safety and infrastructure quality, addressing long-standing concerns from residents and commuters. While the upgrades are expected to bring long-term benefits, the Ministry has advised the public to anticipate potential delays and plan their travel accordingly. Visual documentation, including photos and videos, has been shared by the Ministry to keep the community informed about the progress. This proactive approach underscores the government’s commitment to improving public infrastructure and ensuring smoother transportation networks across the region. Additionally, the Ministry has encouraged local businesses to leverage digital marketing opportunities through the nation’s most visited news platform, highlighting the intersection of public works and economic development.