分类： society

A tragic accident occurred on Saturday along the Frenchman main road in St Elizabeth, Jamaica, resulting in the death of a motorcyclist. The victim, identified as Davian “Banga” Roy, a farmer from the Slipe district, succumbed to severe injuries sustained during a collision with a coaster bus. According to police reports, both vehicles were traveling in opposite directions when the incident unfolded. As Roy approached a bend, he reportedly lost control of his motorcycle, causing it to skid and collide with the front of the oncoming bus. Roy suffered multiple head injuries and was immediately transported to Black River Hospital. Despite receiving urgent medical attention, he was pronounced dead during treatment. The community has been left in shock by the sudden loss of the local farmer, whose nickname “Banga” was well-known in the area. Authorities are investigating the circumstances surrounding the crash to determine the exact cause and prevent similar incidents in the future.

A 20-year-old Canadian resident from Brampton, Ontario, was detained at Norman Manley International Airport in Kingston, Jamaica, on Sunday evening. Authorities reportedly discovered approximately two pounds of a plant-based substance resembling ganja (marijuana) in his luggage during a routine inspection. The incident has prompted an ongoing investigation by local law enforcement. This arrest comes just months after a high-profile narcotics bust at the same airport in March, where a British couple was apprehended for allegedly smuggling cocaine valued at $92.7 million. The recent case underscores the continued vigilance of Jamaican authorities in combating drug trafficking and illegal substance transportation through its airports.

In a remarkable display of philanthropy, the Miami-based Paquee Golf Club has successfully raised J$10.5 million (approximately $68,000 USD) through its inaugural charity golf tournament. The funds will benefit Mustard Seed Communities, a non-profit organization dedicated to caring for disabled and abandoned children and adults in Jamaica and beyond. This significant contribution underscores the club’s commitment to social causes and its alignment with values of community and compassion.

In a shocking turn of events, the peaceful community of Commodore in Linstead, St. Catherine, was thrust into chaos on Sunday evening when armed assailants, disguised as police officers, launched a brutal attack on a family yard. The incident, which occurred around 8:45 pm, resulted in nine individuals being shot, five of whom tragically lost their lives, including a four-year-old child.

According to Assistant Commissioner of Police Christopher Phillips, who oversees Area 5, the attackers, some wearing police-style vests, stormed the premises along Commodore main road and opened fire indiscriminately. Phillips described the scene as ‘very unfortunate and awful,’ highlighting that the community had been experiencing relative calm before the tragedy struck.

Among the deceased is Shannon Gordon, a four-year-old student from Rosemount Primary and Infant School. The other victims have been identified as Mario Sullivan, 42; Jushane Edwards, 19; Iysha Washington, 39; and Famous Amos, 22. The attack left six males and three females injured, with two females and three males succumbing to their injuries.

Phillips noted that the location was not unfamiliar to law enforcement, having been visited multiple times in the past due to ‘long-standing issues and challenges’ involving the family. He suggested that the incident might be a continuation of gang conflict, which is surprising given the area’s recent tranquility. ‘Unfortunately, among the numbers, we have a four-year-old who was brutally killed… the community is in shock,’ Phillips stated.

In response to the tragedy, senior investigators and multiple police units were dispatched to the scene to expedite the investigation and bring the perpetrators to justice. Phillips also mentioned that the Linstead area had recorded only eight murders this year, a significant decrease compared to over 20 during the same period last year. ‘Linstead was doing pretty well, and so this really comes as a shocker to us,’ he added.

Authorities are continuing their investigation into the incident, with the community left to grapple with the aftermath of this devastating event.

A tragic accident on the Mount Plymouth main road in St Elizabeth, Jamaica, resulted in the deaths of two motorcyclists on Saturday afternoon. The victims, identified as 31-year-old Rushane Smith from the Smoothland district and 17-year-old Omarion Roye of Seven Corners, were traveling in opposite directions when their motorcycles collided around 3 pm. Both individuals were immediately transported to a nearby hospital but were pronounced dead upon arrival. Preliminary reports indicate that neither rider was wearing a helmet at the time of the crash, raising concerns about road safety and adherence to protective gear regulations. Authorities are investigating the incident to determine the exact cause of the collision and to prevent similar tragedies in the future.

A tragic mass shooting in Linstead, St Catherine, has claimed the lives of five individuals, including a child, late Sunday evening. The incident occurred in the Commodore community shortly after 10 p.m., sending shockwaves through the area. Details surrounding the shooting remain scarce, but the community is reeling from the senseless violence. Authorities have yet to release information about potential suspects or motives. Observer Online has pledged to provide updates as more information emerges. This devastating event underscores the ongoing challenges of gun violence in Jamaica, raising urgent concerns about public safety and the need for effective intervention.

KINGSTON, Jamaica — Greater Portmore High School in St. Catherine has made significant strides in academic performance, achieving an impressive 82% pass rate in the Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) English examination, a substantial improvement from its previous rate of 56%. Principal Ricardo Ross credits this success to the unwavering dedication of students and the relentless support from the school’s academic and ancillary staff.

For over a decade, residents of Greenwich Town in south-west St Andrew, Jamaica, have endured the relentless stench and health risks emanating from the local sewage facility. The National Water Commission (NWC) has now reaffirmed its commitment to addressing the issue, though progress remains slow and challenges persist. In a recent interview with the Jamaica Observer, NWC’s Acting Corporate Public Relations Manager, Delano Williams, outlined ongoing efforts to mitigate the problem, including reconfiguring truck offloading areas to reduce odour and improve efficiency. Williams explained that a more enclosed receptacle for waste dumping is being designed to prevent odour from escaping into the air, with the project currently in the procurement phase. Additionally, the Central Wastewater Treatment Company (CWTC) will conduct a comprehensive air quality analysis, including testing near schools, to establish benchmarks and measure improvements. Recent upgrades have reportedly reduced sewage overflow risks and persistent malodours, while fence repairs and dust mitigation work are underway. However, unauthorised access to the facility and improper disposal practices by some truck operators continue to exacerbate the issue. Williams called for a coordinated response among stakeholders to address these challenges. The NWC’s assurances come after years of frustration from residents, who have long complained about the facility’s proximity to schools and its impact on daily life. Educators have particularly highlighted the vulnerability of children to the health risks posed by the odour. Williams acknowledged the tension caused by wastewater facilities near residential areas but reiterated the NWC’s commitment to improving conditions. Despite promises made over the years, including a 2015 pledge to enclose the facility and a 2022 commitment to erect boundaries, the odour problem persists. As of 2025, residents remain hopeful but skeptical, waiting for tangible improvements to their quality of life.

KINGSTON, Jamaica—Mayor Andrew Swaby of Kingston has urged a collaborative approach among stakeholders to address the escalating issue of homelessness in Justice Square, a prominent area in Downtown Kingston. Swaby highlighted the growing number of homeless individuals in the area, emphasizing that the Kingston and St Andrew Municipal Corporation (KSAMC) has established a dedicated homeless committee to tackle the problem. This committee, formed nearly a year ago, includes representatives from both public and private sectors, as well as voluntary organizations, working together to devise effective solutions.

In a heart-wrenching turn of events, the Malcolm family of Savanna-la-Mar, Westmoreland, is grappling with the devastating loss of their daughter, Kerrian Malcolm, whose body was discovered in a suitcase on Saturday, October 4. The 29-year-old, described as a quiet and hardworking woman, was found in a gully in the Gully Banks community, leaving her family shattered and struggling to cope with yet another tragedy. This marks the third violent death in the family within months, following the killings of two of Kerrian’s brothers earlier this year. Delroy Malcolm, Kerrian’s father, expressed his anguish, revealing that the family has been plagued by a series of losses, including the deaths of his mother, mother-in-law, and father-in-law. Kerrian, a mother to a young child, had been receiving threats since a burglary at the bar she operated, where a rented poker box was stolen. Despite reporting the incident to the police, the threats persisted, and Kerrian was last seen on Thursday night, October 2, when she left home to collect something from someone. Her disappearance prompted a missing person’s report, and her body was discovered by community members who noticed an odd-looking suitcase. The police were called, and the suitcase was opened to reveal Kerrian’s remains. Delroy Malcolm lamented the senseless violence that has torn his family apart, emphasizing that Kerrian was a peaceful individual who sought to uplift her family and care for her son. The family’s grief is compounded by the lack of answers surrounding her death, as they continue to seek justice for their loved ones.