分类： society

CLARENDON, Jamaica — In a chilling turn of events, the decomposed body of a missing 13-year-old student, Santina Sergeant, was discovered on Monday evening in a burnt-out refrigerator behind her family home in Baillieston, Clarendon. The grim discovery has sent shockwaves through the community and her school, Christiana High in Manchester. Sergeant, who had recently transferred from Excelsior High, was reported missing by her father on Friday, October 3. A search team from the Christiana Police Station located the body in an advanced state of decomposition, hidden in bushes under a zinc sheet near the refrigerator. The school has arranged grief counseling for students and staff as they grapple with the loss of a young life. The incident has cast a sombre mood over the community, with authorities continuing their investigation into the circumstances surrounding her death.

KINGSTON, Jamaica — In a significant move to bolster Jamaica’s cultural and creative sectors, Minister of Culture, Gender, Entertainment, and Sport Olivia Grange presented a Green Paper on the National Policy for Culture, Entertainment, and the Creative Economy in the House of Representatives on Tuesday. The policy outlines a visionary framework aimed at fostering a just, inclusive, and innovative society while preserving the nation’s rich heritage and cultural diversity.

The US Supreme Court is currently deliberating a significant case involving a Christian therapist’s challenge to Colorado’s law prohibiting ‘conversion therapy’ for minors questioning their gender identity or sexual orientation. The plaintiff, Kaley Chiles, a licensed mental health counselor, contends that the 2019 law infringes upon her First Amendment rights to free speech. Her legal team, represented by attorney James Campbell, argued that Colorado’s prohibition restricts counselors from assisting minors in aligning their gender and sexuality with their personal beliefs, labeling it as unconstitutional censorship. Colorado’s law, which bans licensed professionals from attempting to alter the sexual orientation or gender identity of individuals under 18, is supported by extensive evidence linking conversion therapy to heightened risks of depression, anxiety, and suicidal tendencies. The case is being heard by a conservative-majority Supreme Court, with Chiles backed by the Alliance Defending Freedom, a Christian legal advocacy group. This legal battle follows previous rulings by lower courts in favor of Colorado and coincides with broader national debates on gender identity and LGBTQ+ rights. The Supreme Court’s decision could have far-reaching implications for similar laws across the country, as well as for ongoing cultural and legal conflicts surrounding transgender rights and healthcare.

MANCHESTER, Jamaica — A somber atmosphere envelops the community of Craighead, Manchester, following the tragic death of 39-year-old farmer Orlando Murray, affectionately known as “Dussy.” On Tuesday afternoon, Murray was discovered lifeless, hanging from a pimento tree with a sheet secured around his neck. The grim discovery occurred between 1:30 pm and 2:00 pm, leaving residents in shock. According to a police report, the incident is being treated as a suspected suicide. Barrington Murray, the deceased’s uncle, expressed disbelief, stating that his nephew had shown no signs of depression. Described as a diligent and hardworking farmer, Orlando Murray’s untimely demise has left many questioning the circumstances. His uncle revealed that Murray had been grappling with emotional distress following the end of a romantic relationship, which he referred to as a “broken heart.” The community now mourns the loss of a dedicated individual while grappling with the complexities of mental health and personal struggles.

In a high-profile appeal hearing in Nîmes, France, Husamettin Dogan, one of 50 men convicted in a shocking sexual abuse case, is challenging his nine-year prison sentence. Dogan was found guilty of raping Gisele Pelicot, a 72-year-old woman who was repeatedly drugged and abused by strangers at the invitation of her ex-husband, Dominique Pelicot. The case has drawn international attention, with Gisele Pelicot emerging as a symbol of resilience against sexual violence after waiving her anonymity during the initial trial.

Dr. Cemorne Baugh, born in the small town of Porus, Manchester, Jamaica, has emerged as a trailblazer in healthcare leadership in Dallas, Texas. Her journey from a reserved student-athlete at Manchester High School to a senior healthcare administrator and PhD holder is a testament to her resilience and determination. Growing up in a large, supportive family of seven brothers and one sister, Dr. Baugh credits her mother, Charmine Townsend Lambert, for instilling values of strength, humility, and service. Despite facing numerous obstacles, including becoming a young mother at 21, she persevered, using every challenge as fuel for her ambition. Today, Dr. Baugh is a senior healthcare administrator overseeing a skilled nursing facility with over 150 employees. She is dedicated to improving healthcare delivery and supporting nurses, who she believes are the heart of patient care. Her dissertation, “Nursing Home Nurses’ Transition to Agency Roles,” contributes to research on nursing workforce challenges. Beyond her professional achievements, Dr. Baugh remains committed to youth development, coaching track and field and imparting lessons of discipline and resilience to young athletes. Her story is a powerful reminder of the transformative power of determination, faith, and perseverance.

A high-ranking official from the Japan Football Association (JFA) has been handed an 18-month suspended jail term by a French court after being caught viewing child sexual abuse images during a flight. Masanaga Kageyama, 58, the association’s technical director, was arrested last week during a stopover at Paris’ Charles de Gaulle Airport while en route to Chile for the Under-20 World Cup. The incident came to light when flight crew members noticed Kageyama viewing the illicit material on his laptop in the business class cabin of an Air France flight. They promptly alerted authorities, leading to his arrest. The Bobigny court prosecutor’s office confirmed the charges, stating that Kageyama was convicted of importing, possessing, recording, or saving pornographic images of minors under 15. In addition to the suspended sentence, Kageyama was fined €5,000 ($5,830) and banned from working with minors for 10 years. He is also prohibited from entering France for the next decade and will be added to the French national sex offenders’ register. The JFA swiftly terminated his contract, expressing deep regret and apologizing for the incident. Kageyama, who claimed the images were AI-generated and stated he was unaware of their illegality in France, admitted to viewing the material during his court appearance. He was released after the hearing. Kageyama, a former professional J-League player and coach, had been instrumental in strengthening Japan’s football teams and nurturing young talent. His arrest has sent shockwaves through the football community, prompting calls for stricter compliance and ethical standards.

ST CATHERINE, Jamaica — Malaika Sinclair-Bailey, Principal of Rosemount Primary and Infant School, has extended heartfelt thanks to the school community and various stakeholders for their unwavering support following the tragic death of a four-year-old student. The young child was among nine individuals shot in a violent incident in the Commodore area of Linstead, St. Catherine, on Sunday evening. Five of the victims, including the child, lost their lives. The attackers, reportedly disguised as police officers, stormed a family yard and opened fire, leaving the community in shock. Sinclair-Bailey highlighted the resilience of the students, particularly the classmates of the deceased, who have shown remarkable focus amidst their grief. She expressed gratitude to the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF), the Ministry of Education, and community members for their immediate response and ongoing efforts to provide comfort and stability. ‘Our children are buoyant this morning. Some are crying, but they are comforted by all our visitors,’ she said. The principal emphasized the importance of unity in creating a safer environment for children and thanked those who continue to pray and support the school. The incident, which occurred around 8:45 pm on Sunday, has left the community reeling, but the collective response has been a beacon of hope during this dark time.