分类： society

PORT ANTONIO, Portland — A critical infrastructure crisis persists within Portland’s law enforcement facilities, with health authorities revealing that seven of the parish’s nine police stations remain in dire need of urgent rehabilitation. Despite commencing repairs at the severely dilapidated Port Antonio Marine Police Station, the overwhelming majority of facilities fail to meet satisfactory operational standards.

Lorenzo Hume, Portland’s Chief Public Health Inspector, provided this concerning assessment during the recent monthly meeting of the Portland Municipal Corporation. While acknowledging ongoing renovation efforts at the marine station located at Errol Flynn Marina, Hume emphasized the extensive work required across the police infrastructure network. “Only two stations are currently considered satisfactory,” he stated, highlighting the systemic nature of the problem.

The Inspector referenced previous communications regarding the Manchioneal Police Station, where authorities had committed to addressing sewage system issues by December’s end. Although these repairs remain incomplete, Hume expressed optimism that progress would accelerate following the holiday season.

However, significant bureaucratic challenges continue to impede resolution efforts. Hume detailed frustrations in maintaining consistent communication with police leadership, citing frequent managerial changes that necessitate repeated re-engagement processes. This administrative instability, combined with jurisdictional ambiguities regarding facility maintenance responsibilities within the Ministry of National Security, has substantially delayed essential improvements.

Amid these systemic challenges, a tangible achievement has emerged at the Port Antonio Marine Station. Following November 2024 reports by the Jamaica Observer that documented officers working under leaky roofs and in substandard living conditions, visible repairs were underway during a recent visit. Law enforcement personnel expressed relief and satisfaction with the improvements, with one officer noting: “This is long overdue and will make our working conditions better and more comfortable.”

Residents of Dover, St. Mary, are confronting severe flooding that has surpassed the impact of Hurricane Melissa, attributing the crisis to chronically clogged drainage systems. Following an initial reprieve from the hurricane’s full force last October, the community has been subjected to intense rainfall from an unstable weather system persisting into the new year, resulting in impassable roads and homes inundated with murky water.

Eyewitness accounts reveal the sudden and alarming nature of the flooding. Latoya Hall described receiving a frantic call from her uncle, prompting her to discover her verandah submerged and water encroaching into her home. Immediate action to elevate appliances and belongings prevented destruction, but Hall emphasized this was an unprecedented event, with water levels exceeding those experienced during the hurricane.

The persistence of the problem is evident days after the rains, with stagnant water pools remaining throughout the community. Investigations point to obstructed drains as the core issue. Laura Samuels explained the failure of local flood mechanisms, noting that a nearby gully, overwhelmed by volume and debris, overflowed for the first time since its construction. She and her neighbors manually extracted a significant pile of branches and sticks from the drains, which they identified as a primary cause of the water buildup.

This sentiment is echoed across Dover, with multiple households reporting flood damage. Donnaree McIntosh shared that her home and business were affected, with water marks indicating ankle-high flooding inside her bar. She warned that the already saturated land could lead to worsening conditions with any additional rainfall.

The community’s response includes urgent appeals for improved infrastructure management. Residents are calling for systematic and regular cleaning of drains and the riverbed under a key bridge, arguing that partial efforts are ineffective. An anonymous resident noted that overgrown vegetation under the bridge constricts water flow through culverts, exacerbating flooding. Additionally, the force of the water has damaged local pipes, disrupting the domestic water supply.

While most blame poor maintenance, some, like Latoya Clemetson, propose structural solutions, suggesting that raising the height of drain channels at hillside bases could prevent water from overflowing into homes situated below road level. The collective experience has left the community of Dover advocating for comprehensive and preventative measures to mitigate future disasters.

Distinguished Jamaican attorney Peter Champagnie, King’s Counsel, has proposed establishing a Criminal Justice Board to address systemic inefficiencies within the nation’s legal framework. This recommendation follows recent tensions between correctional authorities and defense lawyers regarding electronic device access in prisons.

The proposal emerges against the backdrop of a recent confrontation where Correctional Services Commissioner Brigadier (Ret’d) Radgh Mason appeared before the Supreme Court to address allegations that prison officials were preventing attorneys from bringing electronic devices to client meetings. Following vigorous arguments from defense attorneys Tamika Harris and John Clarke, the commissioner conceded, authorizing formal notices permitting electronic device access for attorneys, mirroring privileges already extended to medical professionals and investigative officials.

Champagnie cites Belize’s successful implementation of a similar multidisciplinary board as a model for Jamaica. “Belize has established a Criminal Justice Board that meets regularly with representation from correctional services, judiciary, security forces, medical facilities, lawyers, and prosecutors,” Champagnie explained. “This collaborative body ensures all stakeholders operate under consistent protocols and can address implementation gaps when judicial directives aren’t properly followed.”

The veteran legal expert emphasized that such a body could additionally serve as a mechanism for reviewing outdated legislation. He specifically referenced Jamaica’s Obeah Act, Unlawful Possession of Property Act, and aspects of the Firearms Act that inadequately address modern legal realities. Champagnie highlighted a 2017 case where alleged gang leader Tesha Miller received only a $100 fine for making false declarations to immigration officials as evidence of systemic inadequacy.

The electronic access controversy stems from an April 2024 practice direction issued by Chief Justice Bryan Sykes authorizing electronic disclosure methods for criminal trials. Despite this judicial mandate, defense attorneys reported continued resistance from prison facilities when attempting to utilize electronic devices for client consultations and document sharing—a critical capability given the shift toward digital evidence management.

Justice Vinette Graham-Allen, who originally advocated for the electronic disclosure reforms based on her Case Management Court experience, recently urged the Jamaican Bar Association to formally document these ongoing access issues, indicating persistent implementation challenges within Jamaica’s correctional system.

The Jamaican media community gathered in a profound display of respect and remembrance during a memorial service for Anthony ‘Tony’ Smith, the late Chief Executive Officer of the RJRGleaner Communications Group. Held at the Karl Hendrickson Auditorium at Jamaica College in St Andrew, the service painted a portrait of a leader defined by humility, integrity, and an exceptional capacity for listening.

Joseph Matalon, Chairman of the RJRGleaner Communications Group, delivered a pre-recorded tribute that framed Smith’s legacy not through corporate achievements, but through his foundational character. Matalon emphasized Smith’s “unwavering sense of responsibility” and a deep-seated belief that any entrusted role—in business, public service, or community—carried a duty to act with foresight and principle. “Short-term inconvenience never tempted him away from long-term principle,” Matalon stated, highlighting a leadership style that carefully weighed decisions for their future impact years down the road.

Smith, who passed away on December 14 at age 61 after a brief illness, was celebrated for his unique balance of firmness and humanity. Colleagues and family alike recalled a man who could be resolute when necessary but never lost sight of the people affected by his decisions. This was exemplified by his ability to “create space for others” in environments where people typically compete to be heard, earning him widespread trust and admiration.

His family provided intimate glimpses into the man behind the title. His youngest sibling, Collin Smith, remembered him as a “humble” and “assured” brother who served as a constant reinforcement. His eldest sister, Carmen, described him as “a helper, a listener, and a comforter” who remained calm amidst familial storms. His eldest brother, Trevor, simply called him “a true friend—not just a brother, but a friend.”

Professionally, Smith’s tenure at the media entity was marked by significant industry challenges. He steered the company through steep declines in traditional advertising revenue and initiated a strategic push toward digital transformation. A key development under his leadership was the establishment of a joint venture between the RJRGleaner Communications Group and the Jamaica Observer, creating a shared framework for printing and distribution logistics to ensure sustainability in a rapidly evolving media landscape.

The service, attended by a packed auditorium and viewed by hundreds more via Zoom and YouTube, culminated with Reverend Daniel Thompson offering biblical comfort to the family, assuring a meaningful afterlife for “the righteous dead.” Throughout the homily, Smith’s widow, Karen, was seen seated beside their son, Daniel, their shared glances a silent testament to a family supporting each other through profound loss.

KINGSTON, Jamaica — In a significant development in Jamaica’s fight against arms trafficking, a serving soldier from the Jamaica Defence Force (JDF) has been formally charged in connection with one of the largest illegal weapons seizures in the nation’s history. The case centers on Odeen Lawrence, a 36-year-old JDF member from St. Andrew, who faces serious charges following a major December operation at the Kingston Logistics Centre.

The investigation, spearheaded by the Firearms and Narcotics Investigation Division (FNID), culminated on December 19 with the interception of 28 illegal firearms and an astonishing 6,142 rounds of ammunition. The seizure represents a major blow to weapons trafficking networks operating within Jamaica.

Lawrence’s involvement came to light when he evaded police during an operation on January 5, only to surrender to authorities the following day. Subsequent forensic examination of his vehicle on January 7, conducted with his cooperation, yielded additional evidence—a 9mm round discovered in the glove compartment.

The accused soldier now faces two serious charges: conspiracy to traffic prohibited weapons and unauthorized possession of ammunition. These charges stem from comprehensive evidence gathered during the ongoing investigation.

Superintendent of Police Patrae Rowe, Director of FNID, emphasized the significance of this case, stating: ‘This investigation remains active as we work to dismantle the channels that facilitate the flow of illegal weapons into our communities. Our mission is to uphold the law without fear or favour, regardless of the status or profession of those involved.’

Authorities have indicated that additional charges are anticipated as the investigation into the broader weapons trafficking network continues. The case underscores the Jamaican Constabulary Force’s commitment to combating organized crime and protecting national security. Lawrence’s court appearance date is currently being finalized as judicial proceedings prepare to move forward.

KINGSTON, Jamaica — Jamaica’s diplomatic community is in mourning following the passing of esteemed Ambassador Curtis Ward, who died Sunday at his residence in Maryland, United States. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade confirmed the news with profound sadness, highlighting the significant void left in Jamaica’s foreign service landscape.

Ambassador Ward’s distinguished career reached its pinnacle during his service as Jamaica’s Alternate Ambassador and Deputy Permanent Representative to the United Nations in New York from 2000 to 2001. During this critical period, he bore special responsibility for matters pertaining to Jamaica’s non-permanent membership on the United Nations Security Council, representing the nation’s interests during the two-year tenure from January 2000 through December 2001.

Foreign Affairs Minister Kamina Johnson Smith commemorated Ward’s exceptional contributions, emphasizing that his legacy would be defined by the instrumental role he played in shaping Jamaica’s active participation and engagement within the UN Security Council throughout those formative years. His diplomatic acumen and strategic insights significantly enhanced Jamaica’s international standing during complex global negotiations.

Beyond his official duties, Ward was celebrated for his consistent willingness to share his extensive foreign policy expertise with both the Jamaican public and broader Caribbean community. His accessible approach to diplomatic discourse helped demystify international relations for countless citizens.

The Ministry extended its deepest condolences to Ward’s family and friends, acknowledging the irreparable nature of their loss while expressing hope that they might find solace in remembering his profound impact on Jamaican diplomacy and regional affairs. The official statement concluded with a solemn tribute: ‘May his soul rest in eternal peace!’

KINGSTON, Jamaica — Jamaica is confronting a severe road safety crisis through an innovative driver education program that combines advanced technology with scientific methodology. Montel Hill-Bryan, lead for the JN Foundation’s Driving Academy and the iDrive4Life Initiative, has declared an urgent need for decisive intervention to reduce escalating road fatalities.

Recent statistics reveal the gravity of Jamaica’s transportation emergency. The island recorded 374 road deaths from 324 fatal collisions in the previous year, representing an eight-fatality increase over prior year figures. Current projections indicate Jamaica’s road traffic fatality rate will reach 13-14 deaths per 100,000 people in 2025, slightly below the global average of 15 per 100,000 but critically high for a nation of just 2.8 million inhabitants.

The iDrive4Life program—a collaborative effort between the JN Foundation and Jamaica Automobile Association (JAA)—has developed a comprehensive training curriculum that addresses driving through multidisciplinary approaches. Unlike conventional programs, it integrates theoretical education, practical road training, advanced simulator technology, and vehicle safety insights to transform driver behavior systematically.

Kamal McKen, driving instructor at JAA’s Driving Academy, identifies specific behavioral patterns contributing to the crisis: ‘A significant proportion of fatalities stem from driver errors including road rage, excessive speeding, distracted mobile phone use, and failure to use indicators—basic communication tools critical for road safety.’ These observations align with official data from the Island Traffic Authority indicating over 80% of 2024 crashes resulted from preventable driver errors.

The initiative will soon implement advanced driving simulator technology across all student training modules. Hill-Bryan clarifies: ‘This isn’t gaming equipment—it’s an assessment tool generating detailed behavioral reports within 10-15 minutes, enabling instructors to design targeted corrective interventions.’ Several commercial organizations already report reduced crash rates and improved risk ratios among drivers completing the program.

A particularly concerning cultural issue involves legislative gaps permitting virtually anyone to place an ‘L’ sign on vehicles and provide driving instruction. Hill-Bryan notes: ‘When instructors themselves demonstrate poor driving habits, these behaviors transfer to new drivers. Our program counters this through professional-grade simulators and certified instructors who scientifically identify and correct behavioral gaps.’

The Foundation advocates for continuous driver education, emphasizing that evolving road networks, advancing vehicle technologies, and changing driving cultures necessitate ongoing learning. iDrive4Life’s mission centers on building driver confidence, correcting unsafe habits, and preparing motorists for future road challenges through its guiding mantra: ‘Drive Smart. Drive Safe. Drive for Life.’

The program offers specialized training for individual drivers, corporate fleets, skill advancement seekers, educational institutions, and foreigners requiring orientation to Jamaica’s unique road culture.