分类： society

KINGSTON, Jamaica — Jamaican law enforcement authorities have apprehended two individuals, one of whom is an active-duty police constable, during coordinated counter-narcotics operations across Hanover and Westmoreland parishes. The arrests occurred on Friday following intelligence-driven missions executed by specialized units.

The joint operation, spearheaded by the Counter-Terrorism and Organised Crime Branch (CTOC) in partnership with the Firearms and Narcotics Investigation Division (FNID), yielded significant confiscations including 85 rounds of assorted ammunition, a motor vehicle, multiple mobile communication devices, and an undisclosed amount of currency.

Initial operations in Hanover targeted illegal ammunition trafficking networks, resulting in the detention of two suspects. Subsequent vehicle searches revealed concealed ammunition within their automobile. Based on gathered intelligence, investigators expanded operations to Westmoreland where additional ammunition was discovered at a residential property.

Those in custody include a 31-year-old police officer from the Westmoreland Police Division and a 39-year-old civilian. Both detainees face potential charges under Jamaica’s Firearms (Prohibition, Restriction and Regulation) Act of 2022, with ongoing investigations examining the full extent of the alleged violations.

The Jamaica Constabulary Force has emphasized its stringent position against criminal conduct within its ranks, stating all recovered evidence has been transferred to specialized forensic units for detailed analysis and processing.

Jamaica’s primary electricity provider, Jamaica Public Service (JPS), has announced significant progress in restoring power across the island, achieving 96% customer connectivity ahead of its January 31st target. The utility company confirmed it has entered the final phase of restoration operations following October’s devastating Category 5 Hurricane Melissa.

This concluding stage presents substantial technical challenges, requiring complete redesign and reconstruction of severely damaged infrastructure in remote areas with difficult terrain. JPS emphasized that restoring power to smaller, scattered customer clusters demands intensive resources and specialized expertise.

The remarkable recovery progress reflects the dedicated efforts of JPS technical crews supplemented by regional and international line workers. Company leadership highlighted that strategic coordination with multiple stakeholders proved instrumental in overcoming obstacles. Collaborative engagement with political representatives, business community members, utility partners, and affected customers facilitated critical access, priority alignment, and expectation management throughout the restoration process.

Recent advancements within the past 48 hours include successful re-energization of numerous communities across multiple parishes:

• Westmoreland: Critical services including Whithorn Police Station and courthouse, plus FLOW and Digicel cellular sites, alongside residential areas in Dunbar River, Deans Valley, and Little London

• St James: Key infrastructure restoration encompassing NWC Pumping Station, educational facilities like Mount Horeb All Age & Infant School, and telecommunications infrastructure

• St Elizabeth: Institutional facilities including Bethlehem Moravian College and Malvern Police Station, plus surrounding communities

JPS maintains mobilized crews across the island working to restore electricity safely and expeditiously. Meanwhile, the company has established temporary energy hubs in affected communities, providing residents with essential power access for device charging, internet connectivity, and other critical services during the final restoration period.

KINGSTON, Jamaica — Jamaica has launched a comprehensive national initiative combining legislative reform with practical skills training to combat recidivism rates. Between 2020 and 2023, 467 incarcerated individuals obtained certification in various vocational skills including hair braiding, masonry, carpentry, and tiling. Notably, two participants advanced to earn associate degrees in business administration.

The program represents a collaborative effort between the Ministry of Education, Ministry of National Security and Peace, HEART/NSTA Trust, and the Department of Correctional Services (DCS). Education Minister Senator Dr. Dana Morris Dixon unveiled these achievements while piloting the Criminal Records (Rehabilitation of Offenders) Act through the Senate, which passed unanimously on Friday following its December approval in the House of Representatives.

Minister Morris Dixon emphasized the government’s commitment to empowerment, stating, ‘There is so much value in all our people. Their lives do not end at the prison walls.’ The legislative amendments provide a mechanism for reformed offenders to obtain a fresh start, addressing what the minister described as ‘the predictable result of unmet criminogenic needs and re-entry barriers’ including unstable housing, limited job prospects, untreated substance abuse, and fractured support networks.

The government’s Plan Secure Jamaica incorporates rehabilitation and reintegration as core components of national security strategy. The DCS implements individualized case management beginning at intake, featuring risk assessments followed by structured programming encompassing academic education, vocational training, psychosocial support, and life skills development. Simultaneously, Jamaica’s restorative justice infrastructure facilitates community-level conflict resolution and diversion programs.

This multifaceted approach recognizes that sustainable reduction in recidivism requires addressing both systemic barriers and individual rehabilitation needs, positioning Jamaica as an innovator in criminal justice reform.

LONDON, United Kingdom – Freshly disclosed legal documents have unveiled disturbing communications between convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein and Prince Andrew, Duke of York, revealing Epstein’s attempt to introduce a Russian woman to the British royal in 2010.

The correspondence, among millions of pages released by the U.S. Justice Department, contains an August 12, 2010 email where Epstein proposed that the prince meet “a friend who I think you might enjoy having dinner with.” Epstein described the woman as a 26-year-old Russian national who was both “clever and beautiful,” noting she would be in London from August 20-24.

Court records indicate Prince Andrew inquired what Epstein had told the woman about him and whether she would be delivering “a message” from Epstein. The Duke subsequently responded that he would be in Geneva on August 22 but expressed he “would be delighted to see her.”

Additional communications from September 2010 reveal discussions about a potential private dinner at Buckingham Palace. Epstein contacted Andrew during a London stay, writing: “What time would you like me… we will also need (to)… have private time.” Andrew responded by offering dinner at the palace with “lots of privacy,” later extending an invitation for Epstein to come “with whomever” between 4:00 PM and 8:00 PM.

The documents contain no evidence confirming whether either proposed meeting actually occurred. These revelations emerge against the backdrop of Epstein’s August 2010 probation from house arrest following his conviction for procuring an underage girl for prostitution.

This disclosure further contradicts Prince Andrew’s previous claims to the BBC that he had severed ties with Epstein by December 2010. The royal, who was stripped of all titles by King Charles III last year following extensive controversy over his association with Epstein, has consistently denied any wrongdoing.

The documents add context to the ongoing scandal that culminated in Andrew’s removal from royal duties and his Windsor estate. The prince previously settled a multi-million-pound lawsuit with Epstein accuser Virginia Giuffre, who alleged she was trafficked to have sex with Andrew on three occasions while she was a minor. Andrew denied the allegations without admitting guilt. Giuffre died by suicide in Australia this past April, while Epstein died by suicide in jail in 2019.

Alicia King, a survivor of a horrific arson attack, has voiced complex emotions regarding the 12-year prison sentence given to her former partner, Antwone Grey. While expressing profound gratitude for the judicial outcome, she simultaneously conveyed her belief that the punishment does not fully reflect the immense physical and psychological suffering she has endured, which includes undergoing more than 30 surgeries with several more life-threatening procedures ahead.

The brutal incident occurred on August 24, 2023, when Grey, also known as ‘Bad Fowl,’ doused King with a flammable substance and set her ablaze at her St. Catherine residence. He was subsequently convicted on multiple charges, including arson, attempted murder, and assault occasioning grievous bodily harm.

In a poignant interview, King articulated her internal conflict. She acknowledged that many victims never see their assailants brought to justice, prompting her to ‘big up’ the legal system, the police, and her legal team. However, she initially hoped for a sentence closer to 30 years, a figure she correlates with the staggering number of surgical interventions required for her recovery. A critical upcoming surgery on her neck, which connects to her chest plate, underscores the ongoing, severe medical challenges she faces.

Beyond the sentence length, King’s concerns extend to her future safety, contemplating what might happen when Grey is eventually released. She is now determined to focus on living her best life in the coming 12 years while grappling with these anxieties.

In contrast, her stepmother, Julia Mendez, expressed a sense of relief and closure, believing that justice was served and attributing the outcome to divine will. She emphasized that the conclusion of the legal battle allows King to finally move forward with her life.

KINGSTON, Jamaica — A significant healthcare infrastructure development is underway as the Jamaican government initiates land acquisition procedures in the Greater Bernard Lodge development zone of St. Catherine for constructing a Type C hospital. This strategic move has garnered enthusiastic support from community representatives and mayoral candidate Markland Edwards, who hails from the region.

The revelation came from Health and Wellness Minister Dr. Christopher Tufton during a media briefing following his inspection tour of the Greater Portmore Health Centre, which is currently undergoing substantial expansion. The timing coincides with Portmore’s transition toward achieving formal parish status, marking a historic administrative elevation for the community known as the ‘Sunshine City.’

Edwards characterized the hospital project as a ‘total game-changer’ for local families, emphasizing that the infrastructure development aligns perfectly with Portmore’s growing status and population demands. The mayoral candidate extended congratulations to both the Ministry of Health and Wellness and Portmore residents for reaching this substantial milestone in healthcare accessibility.

Concurrent with the hospital planning, the Greater Portmore Health Centre expansion—reported to be 65% complete—is expected to become operational as a functional ‘mini-hospital’ by mid-year. Dr. Tufton further indicated that additional healthcare facilities throughout Portmore are undergoing evaluation for potential upgrades and expansion under the government’s comprehensive health infrastructure development initiative.

This multi-tiered approach to healthcare improvement addresses the urgent needs of Portmore’s rapidly expanding population while demonstrating the government’s commitment to modernizing medical services. Edwards praised the initiative as an investment in community health and security that transcends mere physical structures, ultimately contributing to a healthier future for all Portmore residents.

CROSS KEYS, Manchester — A community united in grief witnessed an extraordinary display of spiritual fortitude Friday as Samantha Biggs addressed congregants at her nine-year-old daughter’s funeral service. Defying expectations, the bereaved mother delivered a powerful eulogy at Cross Keys Church of God of Prophecy, attributing her composure to divine intervention rather than personal strength.

“Many may find my presence here surprising,” Biggs acknowledged before the assembled mourners. “Yet I felt compelled to speak today. I am sustained by the conviction that power exists to secure justice for Amoya Moore.” Her declaration resonated through the sanctuary, generating supportive affirmations from attendees.

The tragedy occurred December 9 when Amoya, a fourth-grade student at Villa Road Primary School, was fatally struck by a garbage truck moments after exchanging morning greetings with its crew. The incident occurred mere meters from her family residence in Bonitto Heights, Mandeville, at approximately 7:00 am.

In emotionally raw remarks, Biggs rejected conventional eulogy conventions: “I will not offer polished speeches that might deepen my anguish. My child is physically absent, yet her spirit remains ever-present within my heart and memories.” She described the aftermath as “profoundly traumatic,” noting the particular difficulty of mornings without her daughter’s vibrant presence.

Investigation updates remained unavailable from Mandeville police through Friday. An alleged eyewitness expressed frustration to local media, claiming investigators had not collected their statement despite willingness to cooperate.

School Principal Brent James memorialized Amoya as an “impactful student” known for radiating joy and respect. He recalled her habit of addressing staff with familial terms—calling him “daddy”—and shared a poignant memory of her abandoning her father’s hand to embrace him during a chance meeting.

The school announced establishment of a memorial scholarship honoring Amoya’s characteristics, with stakeholders pledging support to perpetuate her legacy. The ceremony concluded with peers from Villa Road Primary weeping openly during musical tributes, their grief mirroring the community’s overwhelming loss. Amoya’s pink casket featured photographs alongside the inscription: “Rest peacefully, our angel.”

ST JAMES, Jamaica — Jamaican authorities have formally charged former national football team member Hector Wright and his spouse, Jodi-Ann Wright, following a significant narcotics operation at their residence in Catherine Hall, Montego Bay. The incident occurred on the afternoon of January 29, when law enforcement executed a search warrant at the couple’s two-story property.

According to official reports, tactical units conducted a coordinated operation approximately at 1:15 pm, leading to the discovery of multiple containers holding substances suspected to be illicit drugs. Specialized investigators from the Firearms and Narcotics Investigation Division (FNID) were immediately dispatched to the scene for evidence processing and analysis.

Forensic examination confirmed the seized material to be crack cocaine, with authorities reporting the confiscation of more than twenty individually packaged units of the controlled substance. The quantity and packaging method suggest potential intent for distribution rather than personal consumption.

Hector Wright, who previously represented Jamaica’s national football team (known as the Reggae Boyz) during his professional career and currently works as a football coach, now faces serious criminal allegations alongside his wife. Both defendants have been charged with possession of a controlled substance and possession with intent to supply cocaine.

The couple remained in custody following their arrest and have been formally processed through the Jamaican justice system. Their initial court appearance is scheduled for February 25, where they will answer to the charges before a magistrate. The case has drawn significant attention due to Wright’s status as a former sports celebrity in Jamaica.