分类： society

KINGSTON, Jamaica – Manchester Central Member of Parliament Rhoda Moy Crawford has publicly commended the Jamaica Constabulary Force for their rapid response in apprehending a suspect linked to multiple homicide cases, including a February 1 double murder that had shaken local communities.

In an official statement released Wednesday, Crawford expressed both relief and encouragement following the law enforcement breakthrough, noting that additional persons of interest have been identified and urged to surrender voluntarily. The recent violent incidents had generated widespread concern and anxiety among Manchester residents, creating an atmosphere of unease throughout the parish.

Crawford specifically recognized Manchester Division Commanding Officer Carey Duncan and his team for their coordinated efforts, highlighting their professional conduct and steadfast dedication to restoring public order. “The prompt response from JCF has provided substantial reassurance to our communities during this difficult time,” the parliamentarian stated.

Emphasizing the collaborative nature of public safety, Crawford called for continued cooperation between citizens and law enforcement authorities. She urged residents to share any potentially relevant information that could assist ongoing investigations into the violent crimes.

The MP concluded with a message of regional resilience: “Manchester possesses inherent strength. Through collective vigilance and partnership, we will not only overcome this challenging period but emerge with safer, more unified communities.”

MANCHESTER, Jamaica — A multi-agency initiative led by the Manchester police is intensifying community policing strategies in the historically challenged neighborhood of Greenvale, located west of Mandeville. This collaborative effort aims to solidify a remarkable three-year period of drastically reduced criminal activity, during which only a single homicide has been recorded.

Deputy Superintendent Valdin Amos, Zone One Commander, emphasized the critical importance of maintaining this hard-won peace during a coordinated walkthrough with journalists on Tuesday. “We have achieved a notably low crime rate here. Regressing to an era necessitating curfews and stringent police measures is not an option we are willing to entertain,” stated Amos. He affirmed that Greenvale represents one of several communities currently benefiting from this renewed engagement strategy.

The operational model involves partnerships with key stakeholders, including the Social Development Commission and Southern Parks and Markets Waste Management. These agencies joined officers in engaging directly with residents to understand and address local concerns. Amos highlighted the community’s instrumental role in this success, noting that the lone murder in the past three years was solved with crucial assistance from local residents, fostering a environment where police and agencies are now openly welcomed.

Inspector Romaine Brooks, sub-officer in charge of the Mandeville Police Station, detailed the proactive social component of the crime reduction strategy. A series of community events, including football, cricket, domino, netball, and even DJ competitions, are scheduled to launch, starting with a football league on February 15. These initiatives are designed specifically to engage youth and strengthen community bonds. Brooks confirmed that these efforts are receiving staunch support from the Manchester Chamber of Commerce and Custos Garfield Green, underscoring a unified approach to sustainable public safety.

KINGSTON, Jamaica — Renowned hurricane chaser Josh Morgerman has made an exceptional return visit to Jamaica months after Category 5 Hurricane Melissa devastated the island, focusing particularly on the hardest-hit parishes of St Elizabeth and Westmoreland. Partnering with Mandeville’s Golf View Hotel, Morgerman hosted a fireside chat designed to maintain international awareness and support during the prolonged rebuilding phase.

Morgerman, who experienced Melissa’s full force in St Elizabeth, explained his unusual decision: “Typically I don’t revisit countries after hurricanes. The only precedent was following the devastating 2013 Philippines typhoon. Having witnessed both the destruction and remarkable resilience of Jamaicans during this supreme hurricane, I felt compelled to contribute further.”

His mission centers on preventing global attention from fading before recovery concludes. Through appearances on WeatherNation, Morgerman aims to keep the Jamaican diaspora and potential donors informed about ongoing efforts. “Recovery requires sustained time and effort,” he emphasized. “Without visible international coverage, people forget about disasters like Melissa, and crucial relief funding diminishes.”

During his presentation, which included footage from his YouTube documentary, Morgerman analyzed structural vulnerabilities exposed by the storm. “Wood frame structures proved completely inadequate against Melissa’s fury. Roofing systems emerged as particularly critical weaknesses,” he stated, advocating for concrete roofing systems and describing hurricane-resistant construction as “a new religion” for vulnerable regions.

While acknowledging the Meteorological Service of Jamaica’s adequate and frequent warnings, Morgerman noted widespread public skepticism about the hurricane’s severity. “Many disregarded the extreme warnings, but post-Melissa, I believe credibility issues regarding hurricane warnings will be eliminated for generations.”

Audience members challenged this optimism, suggesting skepticism would return once the “9-day wonder” of the hurricane faded. This sparked recommendations for a national public education campaign to improve hurricane preparedness and response to early warnings.

Golf View Hotel co-owner Kemilee Mclymont-Campbell endorsed this initiative, stating: “We hosted this dialogue to contribute to national disaster readiness and resilience. Sharing experiences and building recovery partnerships delivers tremendous value.”

Jamaica’s parliamentary opposition has launched a vigorous critique of the nation’s proposed casino regulatory framework, expressing profound concerns about inadequate protective measures for citizens as the country moves closer to authorizing casino gaming operations.

During a heated House of Representatives debate on Tuesday regarding the Casino Gaming General Regulations 2025, St Catherine North Western MP Damion Crawford emerged as the most vocal critic. The regulations, which implement the longstanding Casino Gaming Act of 2010, received approval following opening remarks from Finance Minister Fayval Williams despite opposition objections.

Crawford identified multiple critical deficiencies in the proposed safeguards, emphasizing the absence of a national self-exclusion registry that would allow problem gamblers to ban themselves across all gaming establishments. ‘The current system only permits self-reporting to individual casinos without any centralized tracking mechanism,’ Crawford noted. ‘This means an individual could simply move to another gambling venue like Caymanas Park without restriction.’

The opposition parliamentarian advocated for comprehensive protective measures including third-party reporting channels that would enable family members, employers, and community organizations to intervene when individuals demonstrate gambling addiction behaviors. He further recommended mandatory staff training to identify problem gambling, established intervention protocols, and documented behavior triggers.

Crawford raised particular alarm about ‘debt gambling’ practices, describing casino credit facilities as potentially devastating for vulnerable populations. ‘Debt gambling represents the most significant harm, especially for low-income earners who may approach casinos with financial desperation rather than entertainment purposes,’ he cautioned. This dynamic could trigger household collapse, multiple loan cycles, workplace misconduct, and even suicide risks.

The MP proposed prohibiting casino credit and credit card gambling transactions for Jamaican residents while allowing tourists greater flexibility. He additionally called for implementing daily, weekly, and monthly gambling limits aligned with practices in the United Kingdom, Australia, and Canada.

Beyond consumer protection issues, Crawford highlighted workforce development concerns, noting the regulations lack provisions for knowledge transfer and skills development that would prevent casinos from depending exclusively on imported labor. He recommended establishing casino-specific training academies through existing institutions like HEART/NSTA Trust and implementing employment quotas for Jamaican workers.

Another significant economic concern involved the potential for integrated resorts to become self-contained spending enclaves that might undermine broader tourism businesses. Crawford warned that comprehensive resort amenities could discourage visitors from exploring external establishments, potentially creating competitive rather than complementary relationships with existing tour operators and hospitality services.

In response, government officials indicated that many raised concerns were already addressed in the principal legislation or would be managed through licensing agreements governing casino operations.

KINGSTON, Jamaica — A profoundly emotional courtroom scene unfolded Tuesday as a 24-year-old woman with longstanding mental health challenges was remanded for psychiatric assessment after pleading to unlawfully wounding her own mother.

The defendant, whose identity remains protected, appeared before Senior Parish Judge Sanchia Burrell in the Kingston and St Andrew Parish Court, where proceedings were repeatedly interrupted by emotional outbursts. When questioned by Judge Burrell about her presence in court, the young woman openly acknowledged, ‘Because mi stab mi mother,’ before immediately adding in a remorseful tone, ‘But mi neva stab her fi spite.’

The complainant, who is the defendant’s mother, appealed to the court for mental health intervention rather than punishment, revealing her daughter had exhibited psychological disturbances since age 10 and discontinued formal education at 16. Though specific diagnosis details weren’t disclosed, the mother emphasized her daughter’s documented mental health condition.

The courtroom atmosphere grew increasingly tense as the defendant tearfully begged her mother for forgiveness, crying out, ‘Mommy mi neva mean to stab you.’ The emotional exchange moved spectators and law enforcement personnel to visible distress, with many struggling to maintain composure.

According to police testimony, the young woman has numerous prior encounters with law enforcement and demonstrates disruptive behavioral patterns. The court learned she currently divides her residence between her boyfriend’s home and her mother’s household.

Judge Burrell, acknowledging the complexity of the case, determined that custodial remand with psychiatric evaluation represented the most appropriate interim solution. The magistrate emphasized, ‘She needs care and supervision, and that’s not going to happen here,’ while directing probation services to identify suitable mental health facilities.

The case has been adjourned until April 21, pending completion of the ordered psychiatric assessment. This proceeding highlights ongoing challenges in Jamaica’s judicial system regarding mental health interventions and appropriate care protocols for psychologically distressed defendants.

KINGSTON, Jamaica — In a significant infrastructure development, the Kingston and St Andrew Municipal Corporation (KSAMC) has committed J$220 million to comprehensive road rehabilitation projects across all 40 divisions of the municipality. Mayor Andrew Swaby confirmed the funding, which originates from the Parochial Revenue Fund and is being administered through the Divisional Allocation Fund.

The ambitious program directly addresses longstanding resident complaints regarding potholes, damaged surfaces, and generally deteriorating road conditions. While the substantial allocation will enable essential repairs through patching, resurfacing, and critical section rehabilitation, Mayor Swaby acknowledged financial limitations. “We recognize that these resources, though considerable, cannot address every parochial road under our jurisdiction,” he stated, emphasizing the corporation’s adherence to strict procurement guidelines to ensure compliance and fiscal responsibility.

Concurrently, the KSAMC has initiated advanced preparations for the 2026 Jamaica Carnival season. An organizational meeting convened on January 27 brought together band leaders and J’ouvert promoters to evaluate previous season challenges and develop solutions for enhancing the Kingston carnival experience. All participating bands have committed to providing production teams that will collaborate closely with the City Engineering Department to ensure structural safety for event patrons.

The Engineering Department will conduct specialized workshops to guide production teams through the approval process and ensure full regulatory compliance. The KSAMC will additionally coordinate with organizers of watch parties and related events to guarantee timely submission of applications, with a firm deadline set for March 6, 2026. The National Solid Waste Management Authority has been incorporated as a key committee member to ensure efficient post-event cleanup following the April 12 Road March.

In a separate regulatory initiative, Mayor Swaby urged business operators to comply with the KSAMC’s signage regularization campaign ahead of its March deadline. Since its January launch, 98 businesses have received formal invoices, while the corporation has engaged in consultations with major business representatives including the Jamaica Chamber of Commerce and the Small Business Association of Jamaica. Quarterly meetings with outdoor advertising companies have been established to address concerns and clarify regulatory requirements.

Despite operating without a dedicated advertising budget, the KSAMC has implemented extensive public awareness efforts through radio, social media, official websites, and traditional media outlets. “Claims of insufficient awareness cannot justify non-compliance,” Swaby asserted, reminding stakeholders that signage display falls under the Town and Country Planning Regulations of 1978 and the Kingston and St Andrew Building Act of 2018. While a temporary amnesty period is in effect, the mayor emphasized that signs failing to meet stipulated standards will not receive approval, applying equally to commercial and non-commercial public signage.

A high-profile Jamaican gang trial took a dramatic turn this week as a defendant accused of being a driver for the Tesha Miller faction of the Klansman Gang made explosive allegations against police officers. BJourn Thomas testified before the Home Circuit Division of the Supreme Court in downtown Kingston that members of the now-disbanded Counter-Terrorism and Organised Crime Investigation Branch (C-TOC) subjected him to brutal treatment during his arrest in March 2023.

Thomas claimed that officers forced him to kneel beside the body of his fatally shot friend while issuing death threats and homophobic slurs. According to his statement, read into court record by an investigator from the Independent Commission of Investigations (Indecom), the incident occurred during a police operation in North Avenue, Spanish Town, on March 5, 2023.

The defendant described being physically assaulted at the scene, sustaining a head injury from being struck with a water bottle and his foot being hit with a firearm. In a particularly unusual detail, Thomas alleged that the entire police team temporarily abandoned the scene to purchase ice cream from a passing truck before transporting him to custody.

These allegations directly contradict earlier testimony from a detective corporal who stated he shot Thomas’s acquaintance during a confrontation after the man raised a firearm. The defense team has aggressively challenged this narrative, accusing the detective—a skilled marksman with over 10 fatal shootings to his record—of executing the man in cold blood and then using intimidation tactics to coerce a star witness into fabricating evidence.

The Indecom investigator’s testimony inadvertently undermined Thomas’s account regarding surveillance cameras preventing his execution, as she confirmed no cameras were present on the premises and no video evidence was reviewed. However, she did corroborate that the prosecution’s star witness appeared “very distraught” and fearful during interviews, though she provided no specific details due to prosecution objections.

The trial, involving 25 alleged gang members facing 16 offenses allegedly committed between 2017 and 2022, continues before Supreme Court Justice Dale Palmer. This case represents the second faction of the Klansman Gang to be prosecuted through Jamaica’s judicial system.

WESTMORELAND, Jamaica — A substantial corporate contribution has accelerated hurricane recovery initiatives in vulnerable Jamaican communities, with tobacco company Carreras injecting $5 million (JMD) into Project STAR’s relief programs. This strategic donation enhances coordinated efforts to address both immediate humanitarian needs and long-term economic stability in regions devastated by Hurricane Melissa.

The funding has enabled critical assistance for hundreds of households in Salt Spring, St James, and Savanna-la-Mar, Westmoreland—communities that experienced severe infrastructure damage and livelihood disruption following the hurricane’s passage. Many residents faced acute food insecurity and income loss in the storm’s aftermath, making rapid intervention essential for community survival.

Project STAR Director Saffrey Brown emphasized the significance of targeted private-sector support aligned with specific community needs. “Hurricane Melissa created devastating consequences for families relying on small businesses and informal economic activities,” Brown stated. “Carreras’ timely support enabled us to deliver assistance efficiently through our established community networks while maintaining dignity and transparency in distribution.”

This latest contribution elevates Carreras’ total investment in Project STAR’s initiatives to $35 million, demonstrating a sustained commitment to community development and disaster resilience. Corporate Affairs Manager Imega Breese McNab characterized community resilience as a shared corporate responsibility, noting that “natural disasters don’t conclude when headlines disappear—their effects linger for families and small businesses. Our partnership reflects the belief that meaningful support must extend beyond emergency aid to rebuild livelihoods and strengthen future preparedness.”

Complementing financial support, Carreras recently hosted a Christmas outreach in Savanna-la-Mar, providing warm meals and gifts to over 200 residents during the holiday season. This initiative offered both practical support and emotional relief to families continuing to grapple with the hurricane’s long-term impacts.

Project STAR is now strategically transitioning from emergency relief to recovery and resilience-building programs. “Our next phase focuses on business restart support, helping entrepreneurs recover lost income, repair equipment, and re-establish operations,” Brown explained. This collaborative model between private sector resources and community-based organizations demonstrates an innovative approach to national resilience, ensuring affected communities not only receive immediate support but also develop capacity for long-term recovery and future shock absorption.

Kingston Mayor Andrew Swaby has declared an immediate escalation in the removal of derelict and illegally parked vehicles throughout the Corporate Area, citing critical public health and safety concerns. The urgent appeal was made during Tuesday’s monthly assembly of the Kingston and St Andrew Municipal Corporation (KSAMC), where Mayor Swaby highlighted the severe strain on municipal resources and storage capacity.

Emphasizing the gravity of the situation, Swaby revealed that January alone witnessed nearly 200 official notices issued for improper usage of sidewalks and roadways. This enforcement surge aligns with the broader Cleaner Kingston Initiative—a collaborative campaign between KSAMC and the National Solid Waste Management Authority (NSWMA) designed to revitalize urban areas through enhanced sanitation, waste management, and public space maintenance.

Detailed operational data shows proactive measures by the City Inspector’s Department, including 170 encroachment notices last month. These targeted 62 derelict properties, 6 illegal structures, 14 street-side garages, and 88 abandoned vehicles, culminating in the removal of 25 cars from public thoroughfares. The mayor specifically identified neighborhoods such as Stony Hill, Cross Roads Market, and Olympic Way as priority zones for the ongoing operation.

Historical context underscores the persistence of this issue, with KSAMC having issued over 1,000 public health and road nuisance notices related to abandoned vehicles and properties in 2024. The current drive will also focus on high-density areas including Lemington Avenue, Hagley Park Road, and Padmore Drive, alongside illegal garages in Lyndhurst Close and Standpipe Lane.

Complementing the vehicle removal efforts, authorities have cleared 605 unauthorized event and party signs since January to uphold public order. Mayor Swaby concluded with a renewed call to action for all residents, businesses, and stakeholders to contribute collectively to preserving Kingston’s cleanliness, accessibility, and aesthetic appeal.

KINGSTON, Jamaica — A pioneering youth volunteer program developed in response to Hurricane Melissa’s catastrophic impact has received international acclaim from UNESCO as a benchmark model for education in crisis situations. The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization formally recognized the Jamaican initiative during its International Day of Education observance, placing it among select emergency education interventions from conflict and disaster zones worldwide.

The devastating Category 5 hurricane struck Jamaica’s western regions on October 28, 2025, causing extensive damage to infrastructure and communities. In its aftermath, attorney and youth advocate Christina Williams spearheaded a coordinated volunteer mobilization effort to address both immediate relief needs and long-term recovery challenges.

Williams’ program has successfully engaged over a thousand young volunteers through strategic partnerships with organizations including JN Foundation, Jamaica Automobile Association, and St. John’s Ambulance Children’s First. The initiative initially focused on emergency response but has evolved into a comprehensive support system providing homework assistance, psychosocial support through peer-to-peer counseling, and emergency psychological first aid training.

The innovative approach addresses a critical gap in post-disaster coordination by effectively organizing youth volunteers while avoiding duplication of efforts. ‘Within that same population of people affected, there’s also a lot of strength and value that can be harnessed,’ Williams noted, challenging conventional perceptions of youth as merely victims in crisis scenarios.

Since November 2025, the initiative has conducted more than 15 missions, transitioning from immediate relief to sustained recovery operations. The program now focuses on rebuilding educational institutions and providing ongoing assistance to affected families and children.

Williams emphasized that while the emergency phase has passed, the need for specialized skills and continued support remains critical. The initiative continues to welcome volunteers who can contribute various expertise and encourages remote support through information sharing or directed donations to partner organizations.

The UNESCO recognition places Jamaica’s youth-driven model alongside crisis response initiatives from Syria, Myanmar, Afghanistan, Ukraine, and the Democratic Republic of Congo, highlighting its significance as a replicable framework for global emergency education efforts.