分类： society

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.

A month into the new academic year, student leaders at The University of the West Indies (UWI), Mona, and the University of Technology, Jamaica (UTech) are celebrating the transformative impact of the Jamaica Urban Transit Company’s (JUTC) dedicated bus service. The initiative has significantly reduced travel costs and enhanced safety for students, garnering widespread praise. Roshaun Wynter, UWI Mona Guild president, highlighted the overwhelmingly positive feedback from students, emphasizing the service’s role in providing secure transportation for those attending late-night classes. Launched on July 31, the service connects key locations such as Half-Way-Tree, Portmore, Spanish Town, and Old Harbour. Prime Minister Andrew Holness further bolstered the initiative by announcing free JUTC bus travel for students from September to October, a move Wynter described as a financial lifeline for many. Despite minor concerns about route expansion, the service has been lauded for its punctuality and reliability. Notably, the bus system has enabled some students to move off-campus, easing financial burdens associated with housing. UTech Students’ Union President Percival Johnson echoed these sentiments, noting the service’s popularity among early and late commuters. The initiative has also gained traction on social media, with students sharing their positive experiences on platforms like TikTok. Looking ahead, Wynter expressed hope for fleet and route expansions to further support commuting students, particularly those in rural areas.

In a groundbreaking legal decision, an Australian man has been fined more than AU$340,000 (US$222,000) for distributing deepfake pornography featuring high-profile women. The case, the first of its kind in Australia, was brought forward by the eSafety Commissioner’s office, marking a significant step in combating digital abuse. Anthony Rotondo, also known as Antonio Rotondo, admitted to posting the manipulated images on a now-defunct deepfakes website during proceedings in federal court. The victims’ identities remain protected under a court order to safeguard their privacy. One victim, quoted by the national broadcaster ABC, described feeling “violated, vulnerable, and completely without agency.” The eSafety Commissioner emphasized that the ruling sends a clear message about the severe consequences of engaging in deepfake image-based abuse. The office also expressed ongoing concerns about the psychological and emotional harm caused by non-consensual explicit deepfake content. This case highlights the growing prevalence of “nudify” apps, which use artificial intelligence to digitally remove clothing without consent. Australia has been a global leader in addressing online harms, particularly those targeting children. A forthcoming ban on social media use by individuals under 16, set to take effect in December, has sparked debate over its enforceability. Additionally, new regulations aimed at shielding children from harmful content, including online pornography and AI chatbots, are set to be implemented in the coming months.

In a significant development in St James, Jamaica, a 31-year-old butler, Nicoy Ramsay, also known as ‘Nick’ from Esher, Hanover, has been formally charged in connection with a high-profile robbery that occurred in June. Ramsay faces charges of robbery with aggravation and unlawful wounding following a violent incident that left two employees of a trading company traumatized and financially devastated. The incident unfolded around 8:30 pm on the evening in question, as the employees were traveling in a motor truck. Upon reaching the intersection of Upper Bevon Avenue and Market Circle, Ramsay and an accomplice, both reportedly armed, allegedly ambushed the vehicle, making off with approximately $7,000,000. During the altercation, one of the assailants is said to have struck the driver, resulting in a bleeding wound. The victims promptly reported the incident to the police, who swiftly initiated an investigation. On September 17, Ramsay, accompanied by his attorney, voluntarily surrendered at the Negril Police Station. Following his identification during a police lineup, he was handed over to detectives in St James and formally charged. Authorities are currently finalizing the details of his court appearance.

In a series of coordinated law enforcement actions in St Ann, Jamaica, authorities made significant progress in an ongoing murder investigation. Early Friday morning, around 7:00 am, police conducted their first operation in Bamboo, St Ann, resulting in the arrest of six individuals. Among those detained was a person of interest linked to the murder case. Additionally, a man sought on a civil court warrant and another accused of violating the Dangerous Drug Act were apprehended. Three women were also taken into custody for further processing. Later that day, at approximately 2:00 pm, the Specialised Operations Branch joined forces with local St Ann officers to execute a second operation in Green Acres, Mammee Bay. During this raid, three properties were searched, leading to the discovery of a Kel-Tec submachine gun equipped with a magazine containing sixteen 9mm rounds of ammunition. Authorities also confiscated a Glock magazine with twelve 9mm rounds and eleven 5.56 rounds of ammunition. Two individuals were arrested in connection with the seized firearms, though their identities remain undisclosed by the police.