KINGSTON, Jamaica — Jamaicans for Justice (JFJ), a prominent advocacy group, has extended its congratulations to Claudette Thompson on her recent appointment as the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP). In a statement released on Friday, JFJ emphasized the importance of transparency and accountability within the justice system, urging Thompson’s office to publish comprehensive annual reports. These reports, JFJ suggested, should include detailed metrics such as the number of cases prosecuted, types of offenses, conviction rates, case processing times, and case dispositions. Additionally, the group recommended the inclusion of anonymized demographic data of defendants and victims, high-profile case prosecutions, resource allocation, victim and witness support data, appeals outcomes, alternative dispute resolution usage, and public engagement activities. JFJ believes that such measures would significantly enhance public trust in the justice system. The organization also praised Thompson’s early commitment to fostering open dialogue and collaboration with stakeholders while maintaining the independence of her office during her tenure as acting DPP. JFJ encouraged her to continue and expand public education initiatives and strategic media engagement to ensure ongoing transparency. While acknowledging an increase in prosecutions related to security force matters in recent years, JFJ stressed the need for further progress, particularly in cases involving state actors, to demonstrate a steadfast commitment to the rule of law. The group concluded by wishing Thompson success in her new role.
分类： society
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PCA presents A blueprint for oversight that listens
The Police Complaints Authority (PCA) in Trinidad and Tobago (TT) has released a groundbreaking strategic document titled *A Blueprint for Oversight that Listens*, aimed at strengthening police oversight and addressing migrant-related complaints. Published on October 9, the 24-page report outlines a progressive framework emphasizing transparency, accountability, and public engagement. The PCA’s initiative seeks to build trust between law enforcement and communities, offering actionable recommendations to improve investigative processes, enhance institutional responsiveness, and foster a culture of active listening within oversight bodies.
Available in both English and Spanish, the document ensures accessibility and inclusivity, reflecting TT’s diverse population. The report draws insights from 30 cases handled by the PCA between 2017 and 2025, including 20 closed and 10 ongoing cases involving migrants. It highlights key reforms such as hiring Spanish-speaking staff, providing live translation services, issuing regular public reports, and training personnel to be trauma-aware and culturally sensitive.
TT has experienced a significant influx of migrants, primarily from Venezuela, over the past decade. Many arrive seeking refuge, economic opportunities, and stability, often without legal status or consistent access to state services, leaving them vulnerable in interactions with law enforcement. The report underscores TT’s obligations under international agreements like the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR), which mandate the protection of all individuals, including migrants, from abuse and ensure fair treatment.
While the PCA’s investigative powers are limited to its legal jurisdiction, the authority balances its responsibilities with human rights obligations and practical judgment. The report also references two high-profile cases of police-involved killings of migrants—a Venezuelan and a Cuban—in 2020, underscoring the urgency of systemic reforms.
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3 sex charges against man, 23, dismissed
In a significant legal development, a 23-year-old man facing three sexual offence charges saw his case dismissed by Master Adia Mohammed in the High Court’s Criminal Division on October 9. The accused, a labourer, had been charged with sexual touching of a child, sexual penetration, and exposing a minor to pornography. These charges stemmed from an alleged incident on May 3, where the accused and the 12-year-old victim reportedly consumed alcohol together. The case was revisited during a sufficiency hearing, where the court was expected to receive a professional assessment of the minor’s mental capacity to provide a credible statement. Despite the State’s request for additional time to secure this evaluation, Master Mohammed dismissed the charges. The accused, who was initially granted bail earlier this year, had been required to report weekly to the Princes Town Police Station as part of his bail conditions. Attorney Kiran Panday represented the accused throughout the proceedings.
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$100K reward for missing businessman
Crime Stoppers has announced a substantial $100,000 cash reward for any information that could lead to the discovery of Imraz Ali, a central businessman who has been missing since early September. Ali was last spotted on September 4 at around 4 pm, departing from a mechanic shop in Freeport. He was driving a black Nissan X-Trail with the license plate PDT 6829. Since that day, there has been no trace or communication from him.
The organization is urging the public to come forward with any details that might shed light on Ali’s disappearance. ‘Do you have any information regarding the possible location of Mr. Imraz Ali? Have you overheard conversations about him? Did you notice anyone familiar in the area around the time he was last seen?’ the Crime Stoppers flyer inquired.
To be eligible for the full reward, individuals must provide their tips anonymously. They can reach out via phone at 800-TIPS (8477), submit information online at www.crimestopperstt.com, or use the Crime Stoppers P3 TIPS app. This initiative underscores the urgency and seriousness of the search for Ali, as authorities and the community alike hope for his safe return.
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J’Adam Workshop creates safe space for men through dance
In a society where opportunities for male self-expression are often constrained, Jamaican dancer and educator Royane Green is pioneering a transformative initiative. Through the J’Adam Male Dance Workshop, Green is fostering a safe environment for men to explore creativity, build community, and address mental health challenges via the art of dance. Launched earlier this year, the workshop recently concluded its first summer session, blending modern dance training with discussions on mental and physical well-being. Green, a principal dancer with Movements Dance Company of Jamaica and an adjunct lecturer at Edna Manley College, drew inspiration from his mentor, Patrick Johnson, who exemplified strength and openness in male dance. The J’Adam initiative, rooted in Green’s faith and vision of a ‘new Jamaican man,’ encourages participants to embrace vulnerability, challenge societal norms, and find purpose through movement. In Jamaica, where male dancers often face stigma, Green’s workshop provides a rare space for men to express themselves freely. The program’s inclusivity was highlighted by the participation of Chris, a deaf dancer, who fully engaged in both artistic and mental health components. Green envisions J’Adam as a tool for social intervention, aiming to partner with organizations focused on crime prevention and empower men to find their voices. The workshop also opens doors to professional dance careers, challenging misconceptions about the viability of creative arts. Supported by the Honey Bun Foundation, Green plans to expand the program, incorporating diverse dance styles and reaching more young men. He invites all aspiring male dancers to join J’Adam, emphasizing the transformative power of dance in fostering emotional and psychological growth.
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Bruised baby dies at health facility, toddler dies at home
In a heartbreaking series of events, two infants lost their lives under tragic circumstances in Trinidad and Tobago, prompting police investigations. On Tuesday evening, a 47-day-old baby boy was pronounced dead at the Chaguanas Health Facility. Authorities were alerted to the sudden death around 5 pm, where they discovered the infant’s body lying on a bed with visible bruises. An autopsy has been ordered, and the body has been transferred to a funeral home for safekeeping. Earlier that same day, a 20-month-old girl was found unresponsive at her home in Lowkey Trace, Penal. The child’s grandmother recounted that her daughter had left her three children in her care over the weekend. On October 6, the toddler developed a slight fever, and despite attempts to feed her baby formula at 11:30 pm, she refused to drink and fell asleep. The grandmother placed the child on her stomach on a living room mattress before retiring to bed. Upon checking at 3 am, she found the girl unresponsive. Emergency health personnel were unable to revive her, and she was pronounced dead by a district medical officer. An autopsy has also been ordered in this case, with no visible signs of violence reported. Police are actively investigating both incidents to determine the circumstances surrounding these tragic deaths.
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Man freed of 2017 shooting in Princes Town
In a landmark verdict on October 9, Jeremiah Joshua was unanimously acquitted of all charges related to a 2017 shooting incident in Princes Town. The trial, overseen by Justice Nalini Singh at the O’Meara Judicial Centre, concluded swiftly after the jury deliberated for approximately one hour. Joshua had faced serious allegations, including shooting with intent to cause grievous bodily harm, illegal possession of a firearm, and possession of ammunition. The prosecution alleged that on May 29, 2017, Joshua visited the home of his children’s mother in New Grant, where an argument ensued. He reportedly threatened to return and harm the woman. Later that night, he allegedly forced entry into the residence and fired two shots at the woman’s brother before fleeing the scene. Investigators recovered two spent shells and a projectile but failed to submit these items for forensic analysis until 2019, and no conclusive scientific report was ever produced. The defense, led by attorney Roshan Tota-Maharaj, highlighted critical gaps in the prosecution’s case, including the absence of forensic evidence, gunshot residue testing, fingerprint analysis, and CCTV footage. Tota-Maharaj also questioned the credibility of the alleged victim, pointing out inconsistencies in her testimony. An alibi witness testified that Joshua was attending a family gathering for his parents’ memorial at the time of the incident and remained there until the following day. After the judge’s summation, the jury returned a unanimous not-guilty verdict on all counts, exonerating Joshua. The prosecution team included Maria Lyons-Edwards, Cassie Bisram, and Afeisha Williams.
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‘We need it now!’
Montego Bay, Jamaica — Mayor Richard Vernon has issued an urgent appeal to the central government to expedite the long-awaited upgrade of the city’s transportation center. Highlighting the critical role Montego Bay plays as a hub for tourism and commerce, Vernon emphasized the need for a comprehensive transportation overhaul to address growing congestion and support future development. With 70% of Jamaica’s international flights arriving at Sangster International Airport and significant infrastructure projects underway in the western region, the city’s current transportation facilities are increasingly strained. Vernon stressed that immediate action is essential to position Montego Bay for sustained growth. The existing Barnett Street transportation center, supplemented by satellite taxi stands, is insufficient to handle the volume of vehicles, including newly added buses from the Montego Bay Metro fleet and the Jamaica Urban Transit Company’s (JUTC) Montego Bay to Kingston Express route. Vernon argued that a centralized, strategically planned transportation hub would streamline operations, reduce traffic bottlenecks, and enhance safety. He called for the project to be treated as a national priority, leveraging lands owned by the Jamaica Railway Corporation for expansion. Local stakeholders, including Dion Chance, president of the St James Taxi Association, echoed the need for a modernized facility that integrates amenities like shops and supermarkets to improve efficiency and convenience for commuters. While plans for island-wide transportation upgrades are reportedly in progress, specific timelines remain unclear. Vernon acknowledged the positive economic impact of initiatives like the JUTC’s new route, which connects Montego Bay and Kingston, but stressed the importance of a holistic approach to transportation development. He also addressed concerns about competition, asserting that it would benefit the economy by managing prices and improving services.
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‘Sugar daddy’ charged with killing lover and her family in Pennsylvania
A 61-year-old man, Jose Luis Rodriguez, has been charged with the brutal murders of his lover, her husband, and their one-year-old son in Berks County, Pennsylvania. The victims, identified as 31-year-old Geraldina Peguero-Mancebo, her 33-year-old husband Junior Cabrera-Colon, and their infant son Jeydon, were killed in a series of violent acts that authorities have described as “heinous and calculated.”
According to prosecutors, Rodriguez’s actions were driven by anger after Peguero-Mancebo refused to leave her marriage but continued to accept financial support from him. The tragedy unfolded when Rodriguez allegedly picked up Peguero-Mancebo while she was holding her baby, shot her in the back of the head, and then threw the child into a nearby pond, where he drowned. Later, Rodriguez reportedly met Cabrera-Colon and executed him in a similar manner, leaving his body in a separate location.
The victims’ bodies were discovered days apart in Ontelaunee Township, just outside Reading. Rodriguez eventually confessed to parts of the crime, admitting to investigators that he was enraged by Peguero-Mancebo’s decision to remain with her husband. The couple, who shared three other children aged eight to 13, were described as victims of a deeply disturbing act of violence.
Berks County District Attorney’s Office officials emphasized the severity of the crime, noting Rodriguez’s violent criminal history and stating that this incident was “by far the most disturbing act” they have encountered, particularly due to the murder of the innocent child. Rodriguez remains in custody and faces charges for one homicide, according to reports.
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Manuel Congo illegal quarrying – Cycle of raid, rebuild, resume ended
A recent exposé by Sunday Newsday has brought to light the alarming environmental and infrastructural impacts of illegal quarrying operations in Trinidad. The story, initially published on June 29, 2025, revealed how an illegal quarrying site in Manuel Congo, Guanapo, was wreaking havoc on the region’s water supply and natural ecosystems. Following the report, newly-appointed Commissioner of Police Allister Guevarro visited the site in July, leading to a temporary shutdown of the operation. However, in a shocking turn of events, Guevarro returned to the same location on October 9, this time shutting down a multimillion-dollar illegal quarrying outfit equipped with advanced machinery that had devastated acres of virgin forests, hills, and rivers. The operation, which had been converting tonnes of earth and rock into valuable aggregate, had been polluting the Guanapo River and threatening the Caroni Water Treatment Plant, which supplies potable water to hundreds of thousands of people. The Water and Sewerage Authority (WASA) had earlier issued warnings about the pollution, but enforcement actions were delayed until the media spotlight forced authorities to act. Investigations revealed that the quarry operator, based in Sangre Grande, had illegally excavated over five hectares of state land and was linked to similar activities in other regions. Despite political connections and profits funding legitimate businesses, the operator was arrested in the October 9 raid, along with 18 others. The case highlights systemic failures in environmental regulation and enforcement, raising questions about the future of Trinidad’s natural resources.