分类： society

KINGSTON, Jamaica—On Saturday, September 27, the Hope Gardens in Kingston became a haven of joy and laughter as the Flow Foundation hosted a special event for young cancer patients from the Bustamante Hospital for Children (BHC). Despite the gloomy weather, the children’s beaming smiles illuminated the venue as they indulged in games, rides, and sweet treats, creating unforgettable memories that provided a much-needed respite from their ongoing battles with cancer. This heartwarming initiative was part of the foundation’s annual observance of Childhood Cancer Awareness Month. In addition to the festivities, the Flow Foundation made a generous $1 million donation to the Paediatric Cancer Fund, which is managed in collaboration with BHC. This fund plays a pivotal role in providing financial assistance for essential medications and diagnostic tests, alleviating the emotional and financial burdens faced by families navigating the challenges of cancer treatment. Dr. Sharon McLean-Salmon, a consultant paediatrician haematologist-oncologist at BHC, expressed profound gratitude for the donation, highlighting its critical importance in ensuring the well-being of young patients. One of the attendees, Malia Davy, encapsulated the day’s impact with her radiant smile, exclaiming, ‘I loved everything! I had so much fun, and I hope they will do it again next year!’ Rhys Campbell, the executive director of the Flow Foundation, reflected on the initiative’s emotional significance, stating, ‘It warms our hearts to be able to take their minds off their illness and just allow them to be carefree children, even for a moment. Showing up for families in their greatest time of need is the right thing to do.’

In a tragic turn of events, the quiet community of Commodore, St. Catherine, was shattered by a brutal mass shooting on Sunday night. Among the victims was four-year-old Shannon Gordon, whose life was tragically cut short. The senseless violence claimed the lives of five individuals and left four others injured, including an 11-year-old girl. The incident has left the community reeling in grief and seeking justice.

Rosemarie Murray, Shannon’s grandmother, expressed her profound sorrow and anger in a heartfelt prayer, pleading for divine retribution against the perpetrators. ‘Father God, make the killers be put to justice. When people kill the innocent, they must die,’ she cried out in anguish. Murray recounted the harrowing moments when the gunmen, disguised as police officers, stormed the yard and opened fire indiscriminately. ‘They were in police clothes, so everybody thought it was the police. One of them pointed the gun at me, but I said, ‘The blood of Jesus is against you,’ and he took the gun off me and started shooting,’ she shared.

The other victims included 39-year-old Iysha Washington, 42-year-old Mario Sullivan, 19-year-old Jushane Edwards, and a 22-year-old security guard known only as Famous Amos. Jushane’s sister, Simmoneke Walters, expressed her grief and anger, wishing the same fate upon the killers. ‘My little brother was just 19 years old. He was jovial, feisty, but not a bad person. You just came and took his life,’ she lamented.

In response to the tragedy, Prime Minister Dr. Andrew Holness, National Security Minister Dr. Horace Chang, and Police Commissioner Dr. Kevin Blake visited the community to offer their condolences and announce a $2-million reward for information leading to the arrests of the killers. Assistant Commissioner of Police Christopher Phillips described the incident as gang-related and vowed to bring the perpetrators to justice. ‘It is a very, very awful scene. For somebody to turn an M16 on a four-year-old, it speaks to the kind of evil mindset we have to encounter,’ he stated.

The community remains in shock, with residents describing the incident as ‘wicked’ and ‘traumatizing.’ The Jamaica Constabulary Force has mobilized all available resources to investigate the case, with the Major Investigations Division leading the charge. As the community mourns, they seek solace in the hope that justice will prevail.

PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad (CMC) – A series of waterspouts and a weak tornado struck northwestern Trinidad on Tuesday, causing significant damage to several homes by ripping off roofs. Fortunately, there have been no immediate reports of injuries or fatalities. The Trinidad and Tobago Meteorological Service attributed the severe weather to a low-level trough combined with daytime heating, which triggered isolated thunderstorms. These conditions led to the formation of waterspouts and a weak tornado in the Westmoorings area. The meteorological agency indicated that weather conditions are expected to improve later in the day, though partly cloudy to cloudy skies and thunderstorms persist. Khadijah Ameen, the Minister of Rural Development and Local Government, visited the affected region and assured residents that authorities are conducting thorough assessments of the damage. She emphasized that immediate assistance would be provided to affected households, including roof repairs and infrastructure restoration. Ameen also highlighted safety concerns, noting that some homes were too waterlogged to safely restore electricity, as this could pose electrocution risks. The Trinidad and Tobago Electricity Company (T&TEC) and fire services are actively working on-site to address fallen power lines and other hazards. Ameen expressed relief that no injuries have been reported and stressed the importance of maintaining this safety record.

Royanne DeSilva, Managing Director of Dream Aloud Travels and former Miss Jamaica World 2015 first runner-up, has married Luca Campolunghi, an Italian real estate investor, in a wedding that masterfully blended Caribbean vibrancy with Italian sophistication. Their love story began in Qatar, where they first met, and flourished through visits to each other’s homelands, fostering a deep connection rooted in cultural exchange.

KINGSTON, Jamaica — Three individuals have been found guilty in the Corporate Area Parish Court for their involvement in a sophisticated $61-million fraud and money-laundering operation. The scheme, which utilized SIM-swap tactics and money mules, targeted victims’ bank accounts, siphoning substantial funds. The convictions stem from a 2021 report by a local financial institution, which prompted a collaborative investigation led by the Financial Investigations Division (FID) alongside the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF). The probe also involved specialized units such as the Constabulary Financial Unit (CFU) and the Major Organised Crime and Anti-Corruption Agency (MOCA).

The convicted individuals, aged between 25 and 32, include two customer service representatives and a self-employed man. Their roles varied from granting unauthorized access to computer systems to facilitating financial transactions involving illicit funds. Sentencing is scheduled for November 6, 2025. The charges include unauthorized access to computer data, engaging in transactions with criminal property, and providing devices or data for unlawful activities.

Investigators revealed that the operation relied on SIM-swap fraud, where victims lost control of their mobile numbers through social engineering. Perpetrators then hijacked online banking profiles, diverting funds into accounts controlled by money mules who swiftly withdrew the cash to hinder recovery efforts. In total, nine individuals are implicated in the scheme, with six still awaiting trial. The accused span various professions, including an accountant, account associate, and legal filing clerk, highlighting the widespread nature of such cyber-enabled crimes.

Keith Darien, Principal Director of Financial Crimes Investigations at the FID, emphasized the success of Jamaica’s integrated law-enforcement approach. He noted that joint operations, training, and policy improvements have significantly enhanced the detection, interception, and prosecution of offenders. Darien also reiterated the importance of the FID’s ongoing Money Mule public-education campaign, urging individuals to avoid allowing their bank accounts or identities to be used for criminal activities, warning of severe consequences.

A tragic incident unfolded in Westmoreland, Jamaica, on Monday, leaving a 15-year-old student from the Llandilo School of Special Education in critical condition. The teenager was struck by a minivan while attempting to cross the Sheffield main road. The accident, captured in a widely circulated social media video, shows the boy moving erratically across the roadway before trying to leap to the opposite side. Unfortunately, he was hit by an oncoming vehicle. A local resident promptly transported the injured boy to the hospital, where he remains in critical condition. Authorities are investigating the circumstances surrounding the incident, which has sparked concerns about road safety in the area.

In a dramatic turn of events, 29-year-old Herbie Ballentine, also known as ‘Junior,’ from Frazerwood, Highgate, St Mary, Jamaica, who had escaped police custody on Friday, October 3, voluntarily surrendered to authorities on Monday. Ballentine had initially been apprehended after a confrontation with the police earlier that day, during which he sustained gunshot injuries. He was subsequently hospitalized under police supervision. However, while being transferred from the Independent Commission of Investigations (INDECOM) to police personnel, Ballentine managed to flee the scene. Accompanied by his attorney, Ballentine presented himself at the Islington police station, where he was promptly arrested and taken into custody. The investigation into the incident remains ongoing, with further details expected to emerge as the case progresses.

The Christiana High School community in Manchester, Jamaica, was plunged into grief on Tuesday as they paid tribute to 13-year-old Shantina Sergeant, whose body was discovered in a burnt-out refrigerator in Baillieston, Clarendon, the previous day. The tragic discovery, made behind her family home, has left the school and local community in shock. Shantina had been reported missing prior to the grim finding. During a solemn gathering, Principal Leecent Wallace reflected on Shantina’s brief but impactful presence at the school, highlighting the profound impression she left on her peers and teachers. Wallace urged students to reflect on the fragility of life, emphasizing the importance of cherishing every moment and connection. He also encouraged students to seek emotional support from available counselors and to remember Shantina with compassion and dignity. The police are currently searching for Shantina’s father to assist with the ongoing investigation into her death.

Jamaica is grappling with a severe road safety crisis as the number of fatalities from motor vehicle crashes has exceeded 300 since the beginning of 2025. According to the latest statistics released by the Island Traffic Authority (ITA) on Monday, October 6, a total of 303 lives have been lost in 265 fatal collisions. This marks a troubling increase of 5% in fatalities and a 7% rise in fatal crashes compared to the same period in the previous year. Motorcyclists bear the brunt of this tragedy, accounting for 88 deaths, or 29% of the total fatalities. Private motor vehicle drivers follow with 57 deaths (19%), while pedestrians and private motor vehicle passengers account for 55 (18%) and 50 (17%) deaths, respectively. Pedalcyclists and pillion passengers represent smaller but significant portions, with 21 (7%) and 14 (5%) deaths, respectively. Alarmingly, vulnerable road users—pedestrians, pedalcyclists, motorcyclists, and pillion passengers—comprise 59% of all fatalities, while passengers account for 24%. The ITA also highlights a stark gender disparity, with males representing 85% of the fatalities and females 15%. These figures underscore the urgent need for enhanced road safety measures and public awareness campaigns to curb this escalating crisis.