分类： society

In a recent crackdown, Nigeria’s religious police, known as the Hisbah, detained 25 individuals accused of organizing a gay wedding in Kano, the largest city in the predominantly Muslim northern region. The arrests were made on Sunday following a tip-off from local residents. Among those detained were 18 men and 7 women, all in their early 20s, including the couple believed to be planning the ceremony. Mujaheed Abubakar, deputy head of the Hisbah, stated that one man was allegedly preparing to marry another man at the event center where the gathering took place. Authorities have launched an investigation with the intent to prosecute those involved. Sharia law, which operates alongside state and federal legal systems in 12 northern Nigerian states, imposes severe penalties for homosexuality, including the death penalty, though this has never been enforced. Nigeria’s federal legislation from 2014 also criminalizes same-sex marriages and the promotion of civil unions, with violators facing up to 14 years in prison. The Hisbah has a history of arresting individuals at alleged gay weddings, with similar incidents reported in 2022, 2018, 2015, and 2007, though no convictions have been secured to date.

ST CATHERINE, Jamaica — On Sunday afternoon, the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) Early Warning System in Old Harbour Bay was activated at 2:43 pm, issuing evacuation alerts due to rapidly rising sea levels caused by Hurricane Melissa. The system, which was transferred to Jamaica’s Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management (ODPEM) in 2024 as part of the Emergency Communications System Improvement Project, plays a critical role in disaster response by disseminating ODPEM warnings. Reports confirm that the surging waters have inundated numerous homes, roads, and parts of the local fishing village, exacerbating the crisis. Hurricane Melissa is expected to unleash torrential rains and powerful winds, with the potential for life-threatening storm surges. The Parish Disaster Management team is actively monitoring the situation to ensure public safety and coordinate emergency efforts.

As Hurricane Melissa, now a Category 4 storm, approaches Jamaica, authorities are intensifying efforts to ensure public safety. Desmond McKenzie, Minister of Local Government and Community Development, has issued a stern warning to citizens, urging them to take the impending threat seriously and adhere to all official directives.

McKenzie emphasized that the hurricane is moving steadily towards the island, albeit at a slow pace. He highlighted the importance of public cooperation, stating that effective disaster response relies on collective action. ‘This is not the time for complacency. We have been providing Jamaicans with ample notice through daily press briefings,’ he said.

The minister revealed that mandatory evacuation orders will be issued for certain vulnerable communities, with announcements expected soon. He stressed that while the government is fully prepared to respond, individual responsibility is crucial. ‘The people must buy into the instructions being given. Our destiny is in our hands if we act wisely,’ McKenzie added.

In preparation for the storm, all emergency shelters have been activated, with three already accommodating evacuees. The government continues to monitor the situation closely, urging citizens to stay informed and take necessary precautions to safeguard lives and property.

LONDON, United Kingdom – Prince Andrew, the beleaguered younger brother of King Charles III, is under increasing scrutiny over his living arrangements and royal titles. Reports suggest that discussions are underway between the prince and the monarch regarding his potential departure from the 30-room Royal Lodge, his residence on the Windsor Castle estate. This development follows renewed public outrage sparked by allegations from Virginia Giuffre, one of Jeffrey Epstein’s primary accusers, who detailed her claims of sexual encounters with Andrew in her recently published memoir. The prince has consistently denied any wrongdoing but settled a civil lawsuit with Giuffre in 2022 for millions of dollars. Meanwhile, British lawmakers are pushing for a parliamentary debate to strip Andrew of his Duke of York title, a move that would be unprecedented in modern times. Although such a motion would not be legally binding, it would intensify pressure on the royal family and government to address the issue. Adding to the controversy, reports reveal that Andrew has not paid rent for two decades on his Royal Lodge home, a privilege stemming from a 2003 agreement with the Crown Estate. Speculation is rife that Andrew may agree to vacate the property if offered financial compensation and an alternative residence. The situation has also reportedly influenced Prince William’s plans to relocate his family to a nearby residence, with expectations that Andrew will leave beforehand. The Liberal Democrat party has joined calls for parliamentary action, emphasizing the need for transparency and collaboration with the monarchy.

In a harrowing incident on Sunday morning, two women narrowly avoided severe injuries after their vehicle veered off the road and overturned in Mike Town, Manchester. The accident occurred shortly after 8:00 am when the driver reportedly lost control of the car, causing it to leave the roadway and collide with a tree. Emergency services swiftly responded to the scene, and the women were transported to a nearby hospital for medical treatment. While details surrounding the cause of the crash remain under investigation, authorities have confirmed that both individuals are currently receiving care and are expected to recover. This incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of road safety and vigilance while driving.

In a proactive move to ensure the safety of its residents, the seaside fishing village of Rae Town in Kingston, Jamaica, initiated a large-scale evacuation on Sunday evening. The evacuation was coordinated with the support of Kingston Mayor Andrew Swaby, as Hurricane Melissa looms on the horizon, threatening to strike the island as a major hurricane by Monday night or Tuesday morning. Forecasters predict that the hurricane will bring life-threatening storm surges, powerful winds, and torrential rainfall, posing significant risks to coastal communities like Rae Town, which are particularly vulnerable to flooding. Residents, including elderly individuals and families, were transported to the Holy Family Primary School, which has been designated as a temporary shelter. The evacuation was facilitated by buses from the Jamaica Urban Transit Company (JUTC). Over the past several days, local authorities, including politicians, disaster preparedness agents, and police officers, have been urging residents in high-risk areas to relocate to shelters. However, compliance has been inconsistent, with some residents hesitant to leave their homes. Mayor Swaby personally oversaw the evacuation efforts, boarding a JUTC bus to ensure the process ran smoothly. As Hurricane Melissa approaches, the focus remains on safeguarding lives and minimizing the potential devastation.

Jamaica is on high alert as Hurricane Melissa, a potentially devastating Category 4 storm, approaches the island. In a joint press conference held at the Jamaica Public Service (JPS) headquarters in New Kingston, key utility providers outlined their preparedness plans but cautioned that recovery efforts may involve rebuilding rather than simple restoration due to the storm’s projected intensity. JPS CEO Hugh Grant emphasized the unprecedented damage a direct hit could cause, stating, ‘It is likely to be a rebuild and not just a restoration.’

Grant revealed that JPS has secured additional equipment and personnel to address prolonged outages expected from the hurricane. Meanwhile, Flow Jamaica’s Vice President Stephen Price reported that 771 of 778 sites across the island were operational as of Saturday evening, with priority sites in densely populated areas maintaining 100% uptime. However, Price raised concerns about fuel theft from generators, urging the public to report suspicious activities to the police.

Digicel Jamaica CEO Stephen Murad called for patience as teams prepare to restore or rebuild damaged networks. Government officials, including Minister Matthew Samuda and Minister Daryl Vaz, praised the utility providers’ readiness while urging Jamaicans to stay indoors and unite in the face of the crisis. Vaz highlighted lessons learned from Hurricane Beryl, stressing the need for collective action as the island braces for a potentially direct hit. Another press conference is scheduled for Sunday noon to provide further updates.

As Hurricane Melissa approaches Jamaica, most citizens are seeking safety in their homes. However, essential workers, including firefighters and medical professionals, are preparing to leave their families and face the storm head-on to protect lives and maintain order. For these individuals, the call of duty often means personal sacrifice and emotional strain.

KINGSTON, Jamaica — In response to the imminent threat of Hurricane Melissa, the Jamaican government has temporarily suspended toll collections on the nation’s highways. Transport Minister Daryl Vaz announced the decision on Sunday, signing an order to lift toll barriers across all sections of Highway 2000. This measure, effective from 5:00 pm on Sunday, aims to facilitate the swift movement of emergency vehicles and prevent traffic congestion as the hurricane approaches. Hurricane Melissa, with winds reaching up to 140 miles per hour, is expected to make landfall late Monday night or early Tuesday morning. Vaz emphasized that the toll-free access will remain in place even after the hurricane passes, enabling residents to check on their families, businesses, and properties without hindrance. The Toll Authority of Jamaica confirmed the implementation of this directive, ensuring unrestricted travel until further notice. This proactive step underscores the government’s commitment to public safety during natural disasters.