分类： society

JAMAICA’S SOCIAL PROTECTION PROGRAM RECEIVES INTERNATIONAL ACCLAIM AT GLOBAL CHILD LABOR SUMMIT

KINGSTON, Jamaica – Jamaica’s Programme of Advancement Through Health and Education (PATH) has garnered significant international recognition as a Caribbean model for preventing child labor during the ongoing 6th Global Conference on the Elimination of Child Labour in Marrakesh, Morocco.

A high-level Jamaican delegation from the Ministry of Labour and Social Security (MLSS) is currently representing the nation at the prestigious gathering from February 11-13, 2026, where global leaders are convening to address the pressing issue affecting approximately 138 million children worldwide.

The conference has highlighted education and child protection as fundamental pillars in effective strategies to combat child exploitation. During pivotal discussions, Caribbean employer representative Ronald Ramlogan of Trinidad and Tobago formally acknowledged PATH as the regional benchmark for excellence in social protection initiatives.

Administered by Jamaica’s MLSS, the pioneering program implements conditional cash transfers to economically vulnerable families while supporting nutritional initiatives through school feeding programs. A cornerstone of its effectiveness lies in mandating compulsory school attendance, thereby simultaneously addressing poverty barriers while strengthening educational participation as preventive measures against child labor.

Jamaica’s participation extends beyond PATH recognition. Labour Minister Pearnel Charles Jr. recently showcased Jamaica’s innovative Child Labour Risk Identification Model (CLRISK) during virtual discussions focused on Caribbean eradication strategies. This evidence-based tool enables targeted community-level interventions, positioning Jamaica as the first Caribbean nation to utilize the International Labour Organization’s risk assessment instrument within its National Action Plan for Combating Child Labour.

ILO Director General Gilbert Houngbo set a sobering tone during his opening address, revealing that approximately 138 million children remain trapped in labor exploitation worldwide – including 59 million girls and 78 million boys. He characterized this situation as both “a moral failure” and “an economic one” with profound implications for productivity, growth, and social cohesion.

Houngbo emphasized that 57% of affected children are between ages 5-11, with 51% of child labor occurring in agriculture. He called for improved working conditions for educators, comprehensive rural development, climate action initiatives, and specifically urged greater educational participation for girls to transition them away from unpaid labor.

Jamaican law enforcement has taken decisive action against a series of disruptive school bomb threats with the arrest of three minors, marking a significant development in the island’s cybersecurity enforcement efforts. The Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) confirmed the individuals now face formal charges under the Cybercrimes Act for malicious communication and public mischief offenses.

The coordinated threats, occurring between January and February 2026, triggered widespread academic disruptions across multiple educational institutions. Each incident necessitated full-scale emergency responses, including the immediate evacuation of students and staff alongside substantial deployments of police units and Jamaica Fire Brigade personnel. The security operations consumed considerable public safety resources while ensuring the protection of school communities.

Deputy Superintendent of Police Maurice Goode, who heads the Communication, Forensics and Cybercrime Division, emphasized the serious legal implications of such actions. “Section 9 of Jamaica’s Cybercrimes Act explicitly criminalizes the use of computer systems to transmit threatening or menacing data intended to harass or cause harm,” DSP Goode stated in an official media release. “There exists no anonymity in digital spaces, and making bomb threats constitutes a criminal offense regardless of whether they’re intended as jokes or whether explosive devices actually exist.”

The JCF has adopted a zero-tolerance stance toward violations of the Cybercrimes Act, with authorities warning that threats targeting public institutions like schools may incur additional charges based on incident severity and impact. Ongoing investigations continue into similar cybersecurity incidents across the island.

Law enforcement officials are urging parents to actively monitor their children’s online activities and educate them about the serious consequences of cyber-related crimes. Educational institutions are similarly encouraged to implement proactive digital responsibility programs emphasizing the legal and social repercussions of such behavior.

The JCF has requested public assistance in reporting suspected individuals involved in cyber threat activities through multiple channels: Crime Stop at 311, the police emergency number 119, or local police stations.

LONDON — Ghanaian international footballer Thomas Partey, formerly of Arsenal and currently with Spanish club Villarreal, faces intensified legal troubles as UK authorities have brought two additional rape charges against the 32-year-old athlete. The new allegations involve a single victim and date back to events alleged to have occurred in 2020.

The Metropolitan Police confirmed the charges following an investigation launched after the alleged offense was formally reported in August 2025. Partey is scheduled to appear at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on March 13 to address these latest charges.

This development compounds the serious legal challenges already facing the midfielder. In September, Partey had entered not guilty pleas at Southwark Crown Court regarding five separate rape counts involving two different women, plus an additional charge of sexual assault against a third individual. Those alleged incidents are said to have taken place between 2021 and 2022 during his tenure with Arsenal Football Club. A trial for these initial charges is scheduled for November 2.

Partey’s professional career includes a high-profile £45 million (approximately $61 million) transfer from Atletico Madrid to Arsenal in 2020. During his four-year stint with the London club, he made 167 appearances before departing in June last year to join Villarreal.

The ongoing legal proceedings cast uncertainty over Partey’s international career with Ghana, where he has earned over 50 caps and remains a potential candidate for the national squad in upcoming international competitions, including the World Cup later this year.

A pivotal police witness concluded his four-day testimony in the high-profile Klansman Gang trial on Wednesday, maintaining his credibility despite intense scrutiny from defense attorneys. The detective corporal, whose identity remains protected, staunchly defended his professional conduct while acknowledging his involvement in multiple fatal shootings throughout his career.

The court proceedings at Kingston’s Home Circuit Division revealed operational details of a March 5, 2023 raid conducted by the now-disbanded Counter-Terrorism and Organised Crime Investigation Branch (C-TOC). The officer testified that during a confrontation at Spanish Town premises, he fatally shot an individual who had directly challenged him. This operation resulted in two arrests, including the Crown’s currently anonymous star witness.

Defense attorneys Denise Hinson and Kymberli Whittaker launched aggressive challenges against the witness’s credibility, alleging he manipulated evidence against all 25 defendants. They accused the marksman of using his documented history of over ten fatal shootings to intimidate former gang members into providing fabricated testimony. The defense further claimed the March shooting constituted an extrajudicial killing with a planted firearm.

The cross-examination revealed the officer was undergoing active investigation for the March incident and faced previous disciplinary scrutiny. Defense counsel particularly focused on the officer’s alleged reliance on intelligence from YouTube vlogger ‘Sir P’ and his program ‘Politricks Watch’ during operations.

The witness admitted to consuming Sir P’s content with colleagues but vehemently denied acting on its information before the March operation. His qualification that the vlogger became ‘a source’ of information only after the incident prompted reactions from engaged defendants.

Prosecution objections led to Supreme Court Justice Dale Palmer warning against conflating online commentary with official intelligence. The acting deputy director of public prosecutions subsequently conducted a rehabilitation examination, establishing the officer had never faced murder charges despite his shooting record and had been fully acquitted in a prior corruption case.

The trial continues Thursday with testimony from another police witness regarding a 2017 fatal incident in Cross Roads, St. Andrew.

MONEGO BAY, Jamaica — Prominent local entrepreneur Milton Russell has declared his intention to pursue all available legal avenues, including Jamaica’s final appellate court, to contest a recent judicial mandate requiring the demolition of unauthorized sections of his acclaimed Snappaz Seafood Grill and Sports Bar.

The St James Parish Court’s late January ruling found Russell in violation of multiple planning regulations, including the Planning Act and Town and Country Planning Development Orders from 1982 and 2018. The court instructed Russell to terminate operations and dismantle all unapproved structures on his Kent Avenue property by February 2026, authorizing the St James Municipal Corporation to execute the demolition at his expense if compliance is not met.

Russell, expressing bewilderment at the judgment, informed media that he has formally initiated appellate proceedings. “I have instructed my lawyer to appeal because I simply cannot comprehend this decision. If unsuccessful, I will proceed to the Privy Council,” he stated.

The conflict originated in January 2021 when municipal authorities issued a stop order against Snappaz for constructing without proper permits. Aviation safety concerns subsequently emerged, with officials citing potential interference with flight paths from nearby Sangster International Airport. The Jamaica Civil Aviation Authority, adhering to international standards, regulates building heights near airports to maintain safe obstacle limitation surfaces.

Russell contends that authorities have failed to specify the exact height restriction he allegedly violated. “Nobody can tell me what the height restrictions are, despite claims that I’m in the flight path,” he asserted, adding that he had offered to modify the roof to address concerns.

The businessman further challenges the zoning justification, noting that the area has organically evolved into a mixed-use community where commercial and residential properties coexist harmoniously. He emphasizes the restaurant’s economic significance, employing 47 staff members and serving approximately 300 patrons, while highlighting its community contributions including post-hurricane relief efforts and providing free Wi-Fi services.

Despite ongoing health concerns exacerbated by the legal stress, Russell confirms he is engaging in dialogue with municipal leadership to explore regularization possibilities while preparing his legal defense.

LONDON, United Kingdom—Jim Ratcliffe, the billionaire co-owner of Manchester United, issued a formal apology on Thursday following widespread condemnation of his inflammatory comments describing the United Kingdom as “colonised by immigrants.” The Monaco-based industrialist had made the remarks during a televised interview where he linked immigration to economic strain.

Ratcliffe, founder and chairman of the INEOS chemical conglomerate, expressed regret specifically for his “choice of language,” stating: “I am sorry that my choice of language has offended some people in the UK and Europe and caused concern.” He defended his underlying intention to highlight the need for “controlled and well-managed immigration that supports economic growth.” The 73-year-old businessman emphasized that his comments were made during a discussion about UK policy at the European Industry Summit in Antwerp, focusing on economic growth, jobs, and manufacturing.

The apology came after direct pressure from Prime Minister Keir Starmer, whose spokesman acknowledged the apology as “absolutely right” while reaffirming the government’s commitment to a “Britain built for all.” Despite the controversy, Finance Minister Rachel Reeves confirmed continued government support for Ratcliffe’s UK businesses, including the Grangemouth oil refinery in Scotland, though she characterized his original statements as “unacceptable” and “disgusting.

Ratcliffe’s initial interview with Sky News included statistically inaccurate claims, asserting the UK population grew from 58 million in 2020 to 70 million currently. Official Office for National Statistics data confirms the population was actually 67 million in mid-2020 and just under 70 million in mid-2024.

The football community reacted strongly, with anti-racism organization Kick It Out condemning the “disgraceful and deeply divisive” remarks and noting that such language “has no place in English football.” Several Manchester United supporters’ groups and Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham also criticized the characterization of immigrants as a “hostile invading force.” The comments could potentially lead to disciplinary action from England’s Football Association for “bringing the game into disrepute.”

In a celebration of culinary craftsmanship and entrepreneurial spirit, Felecia Robinson of Slice Divine Jamaica Ltd. unveils a Valentine’s Day spread that embodies her journey of sweet persistence. Her artistic approach to baking transforms traditional desserts into sophisticated indulgences, capturing both romance and decadence in every creation.

Robinson’s culinary foundation was established early through familial influence and formal education. Under the guidance of a baking enthusiast aunt, she developed an innate passion for the craft before pursuing formal studies in food and nutrition during her high school years. This combination of inherited knowledge and academic training provided the groundwork for her current expertise, which she continues to refine through dedicated experimentation and practice.

The baker’s distinctive style merges nostalgic comfort with contemporary luxury. While demonstrating particular affinity for dark fruitcakes and cheesecakes, her repertoire showcases remarkable diversity and creativity. Signature offerings include the Black Forest Luxe, Pink Champagne confections, Red Velvet with berry filling, and an expanding assortment of artisanal cheesecakes. Robinson acknowledges cheesecakes as her preferred medium, describing them as “intricate, delicate, and challenging” creations that initially seemed daunting until she mastered their preparation and began exploring numerous variations.

Customer response has been overwhelmingly positive, with reviews frequently expressing inability to get enough of her creations. Robinson acknowledges the competitive baking landscape but remains focused on her core mission: creating memorable desserts that evoke nostalgia and contribute to celebratory occasions. “Cakes are done in times of celebration,” she notes, “and I want to know that I contributed to the joy in the occasion.”

Her Valentine’s Day collection specifically captures the dual essence of romance and indulgence, representing what she considers one of the year’s best occasions for decadent treats. The visually stunning presentation, documented through professional photography, includes strawberry vanilla ice cream cake cups, cookies and cream ice with piña colada cake cups, pink champagne and chocolate fudge boxes, and a mini cheesecake sampler pack featuring lemon blueberry, Baileys Irish cream, red velvet Oreo, and Guinness variations.

Contact Information:
Slice Divine Jamaica Ltd
Tel: 876-847-2289
Instagram: @slicedivineja

Visual documentation by Aceion Cunningham showcases the exquisite detail and artistic presentation of Robinson’s creations, from the richly textured dark fruitcake to the meticulously crafted red velvet cake with berry filling.

KINGSTON, Jamaica — Senior Superintendent of Police Wayne Cameron, the suspended chairman of the Police Officers’ Association (POA), appeared before the Kingston and St Andrew Parish Court on Thursday under stringent bail conditions. The court mandated the surrender of his travel documents and implemented exit controls at all national ports of entry. His existing bail was continued at JMD $500,000.

SSP Cameron confronts severe criminal allegations involving the purported misappropriation of approximately JMD $15 million from the POA. The formal indictment comprises five counts of fraudulent conversion and six counts of larceny as a servant, suggesting a systematic exploitation of his leadership role for personal enrichment.

This legal action culminates an extensive, multi-agency financial probe led by the Financial Investigations Division (FID) alongside the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF). The investigation targeted suspected financial misconduct within the POA’s operations, leading to a directive from the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) to proceed with formal charges. Consequently, Cameron has been relieved of all frontline operational duties.

In a vigorous defense, Cameron’s legal representative, attorney Matthew Hyatt, denounced the prosecution as “absolutely malicious” and a “farce.” Hyatt asserted that the case lacked a solid foundation, being “built upon sand,” and highlighted his client’s 34-year record of service to Jamaica. He strongly refuted the allegations and cautioned the public against prejudgment, emphasizing the sub judice nature of the proceedings.

The case is scheduled for a subsequent hearing on May 28, 2026, initiating a protracted legal process ahead.

A key prosecution witness in the high-profile murder trial of six Jamaican police officers provided critical testimony on Wednesday, affirming that law enforcement protocol mandates the use of deadly force when officers face armed aggression. Detective Corporal Kevin Adams, the second witness called in the case, addressed the seven-member jury regarding the January 2013 shooting incident that resulted in the deaths of three civilians.