分类： society

The Jamaica Public Service (JPS) has raised alarms over rampant electricity theft from streetlights in the Rocky Point community of Clarendon, which has led to significant damage and left residents grappling with safety concerns. In a recent media release, JPS revealed that illegal connections account for more than 70% of the electricity consumed in the area, causing frequent outages and necessitating repeated repairs.

Jamaica’s Education Minister, Senator Dr. Dana Morris Dixon, has announced a pivotal meeting scheduled for November 11, where key education stakeholders will convene to address the long-debated Jamaica Teaching Council (JTC) Bill. This legislation, which has been in development for over two decades, aims to regulate and professionalize the teaching workforce through licensing and a formal code of practice. The meeting will bring together representatives from the Jamaica Teachers’ Association (JTA), church groups, school principals, and parents to resolve outstanding issues and finalize the Bill. Dr. Morris Dixon emphasized the importance of inclusivity, stating, ‘We have to listen to everybody because everybody has an opinion on education.’ She acknowledged the extensive consultations conducted over the years but stressed the need to move forward, noting, ‘We don’t need to be trying to get the perfect Bill. We need to move forward.’ The JTA has raised concerns about certain provisions, particularly the composition of the JTC’s governing board, which allocates only six out of 31 seats to classroom teachers. Other contentious issues include the requirement for teachers to renew their licenses every five years, which the JTA argues could create administrative and financial burdens. Dr. Adrian Stokes, Chairman of the Education Transformation Oversight Committee, supported the extended consultation but cautioned against indefinite delays, stating, ‘We should not let the perfect be the enemy of the good.’ He also highlighted the need for higher entry standards for teacher training programmes and a more competitive compensation system, drawing parallels with Singapore’s highly regarded education system. The ministry plans to review feedback from the November meeting, make necessary adjustments, and reintroduce the Bill to Parliament, marking a significant step in Jamaica’s education transformation journey.

A groundbreaking quiz competition aimed at promoting climate change awareness and environmental preservation has commenced in St Ann, Jamaica. Organized by the Cause for Change Foundation (CFCF) in collaboration with 15 sponsors, the event involves 22 primary schools and runs from October 9 to 23. The competition, themed ‘Conserve, Preserve, Revive,’ seeks to instill sustainable practices among young students and their communities. Richardo Aiken, Principal Director of CFCF, emphasized the importance of addressing improper waste disposal and fostering a culture of environmental stewardship. The event includes preliminary rounds, quarterfinals, semifinals, and a grand finale, with cash prizes ranging from $20,000 to $100,000. Additional rewards, such as garden kits and recycling bins, aim to enhance schools’ environmental consciousness. The initiative also features an expo at St Hilda’s Diocesean High School Auditorium on the final day. CFCF, founded during the COVID-19 pandemic, has a history of community-focused projects, including feeding the homeless and supporting children with disabilities. Sponsors like Derhone Campbell and Conroy Campbell have contributed expertise in water harvesting and renewable energy, aligning their businesses with sustainable practices. The competition’s legacy will include a manual on environmental preservation developed by The University of the West Indies Western Campus, distributed to schools and libraries across St Ann.

In a significant crackdown on organized crime, the St James police in Jamaica have apprehended several individuals linked to gang activities, including Haitians and a Jamaican woman. Superintendent Lynroy Edwards, the operations officer for Operation Endgame, revealed that the arrests were made during targeted operations in the Blue Hole community of Montpellier, St James. The operation aimed to disrupt a major violence producer believed to be operating in the area. Edwards highlighted that intelligence pointed to gang affiliations, with the Jamaican woman allegedly playing a pivotal role in recruiting Haitians for criminal networks. Investigations are ongoing, with authorities committed to dismantling these groups. Additionally, the police made further progress during the week, recovering firearms and arresting suspects in separate incidents. Notably, an amputee with ties to the defunct Ski Mask gang was arrested along with another individual after a pistol was found during a search operation. Another firearm was seized in Montego West Village, leading to the arrest of a 43-year-old man. These efforts build on recent successes, including the recovery of weapons and the arrest of two men in Bogue Heights. Superintendent Edwards emphasized the police’s determination to sustain the reduction in crime rates, which have reached historic lows in recent months. Collaborative efforts with the Jamaica Defence Force (JDF) and other supporting formations remain a cornerstone of their strategy to ensure public safety and security across the parish.

KINGSTON, Jamaica — The Kingston and St Andrew Parish Court addressed multiple cases on Tuesday, all arising from family disputes. One notable case involved George McDonald, who faced charges of assault causing bodily harm. However, the proceedings were delayed as the complainant, McDonald’s brother with whom he resides, was absent from the courtroom. Judge Paula Blake Powell emphasized the importance of the complainant’s presence, stating, ‘If he were here, the matter could have been finished today, perhaps.’ The case was rescheduled for January 20th, with McDonald instructed to inform his brother of the new date. In a separate incident, two women and a 16-year-old boy appeared before Judge Blake Powell. The female defendant, charged with assault causing bodily harm, is related to the complainants as their sister or aunt. She allegedly bit her nephew on the shoulder and scratched him with a knife. It was disclosed that the accused and complainants also live together. The mother of the injured child expressed a desire for mediation to resolve the family conflict. The court referred the family to restorative justice, with a follow-up hearing set for December 17th.

KINGSTON, Jamaica — In response to escalating water levels triggered by heavy rainfall on Friday, the Bog Walk Gorge flood traffic control gates have been shut down. The Office of Disaster Preparedness & Emergency Management (ODPEM) announced the closure in a statement, confirming that the Jamaica Fire Brigade (JFB) and the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) were deployed to secure the area. Motorists are advised to utilize alternative routes, including the North South Highway, Sligoville Road, and Barry Road, to avoid the affected zone.

ODPEM also reported significant land slippage near the Sligoville Road entrance of the Gorge, which has obstructed over 90% of the passageway. Teams from the National Works Agency (NWA) and JFB are currently assessing the landslide to devise an appropriate response as rainfall persists. The agency emphasized that tampering with the flood control gates is illegal and poses serious risks to public safety, urging citizens to comply with safety protocols.

In light of the ongoing hurricane season, ODPEM issued several precautionary measures for residents in flood-prone areas. These include preparing evacuation plans, avoiding flooded waterways and damaged roadways, and safeguarding important documents in waterproof containers. The public is reminded to adhere to safety advisories from ODPEM, the Meteorological Service of Jamaica, and other relevant authorities to mitigate risks during this critical period.