分类： society

KINGSTON, Jamaica — The Jamaican legal community is in mourning following the passing of Judge Ruth Lawrence, a revered figure whose career was defined by unwavering integrity, profound compassion, and an unyielding commitment to justice. Chief Justice Bryan Sykes, in a heartfelt statement issued on Wednesday, expressed profound grief over her death, calling it “a profound loss to our judicial system and to all who had the privilege of knowing her.” Sykes also conveyed his deepest condolences on behalf of the judiciary to Lawrence’s family, colleagues, and friends.

In a recent development in Kingston, Jamaica, Fredrick Wizzard has been formally charged with receiving stolen property. The case revolves around a bag containing $147,000, which was reportedly stolen from a local shop. Wizzard appeared in the Kingston and St Andrew Parish Court on Tuesday, where he vehemently denied the allegations, stating, ‘untruth them telling.’

According to reports, the bag was discovered by a witness shortly after the theft. The witness allegedly entrusted the bag to Wizzard, who purportedly promised to return it to its rightful owner. However, the money was never delivered, leading to Wizzard’s arrest and subsequent charges.

The court has granted Wizzard bail under specific conditions, requiring him to report to the Lawrence Tavern Police Station three times a week—on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays. The case is scheduled for trial on November 27, where further details are expected to emerge.

This incident highlights ongoing concerns about property crimes and the challenges in ensuring justice in such cases. The community awaits the trial’s outcome to see how the legal system addresses this alleged breach of trust.

KINGSTON, Jamaica—The Financial Investigations Division (FID) has announced a significant expansion of its nationwide public-education initiative aimed at raising awareness about financial crimes and their societal impact. Through a multi-platform approach, the FID is equipping citizens, businesses, and regulated sectors with essential knowledge to identify, prevent, and report illicit financial activities. Key components of the campaign include the radio series “FID in Action,” the audiovisual podcast “Follow The Money,” and a dedicated Money Mule Awareness program. These resources provide practical insights into how financial crimes operate, highlight warning signs, and outline steps for reporting suspicious behavior. Recent efforts have particularly targeted young professionals, the unemployed, and small business owners, cautioning them against allowing their identities, bank accounts, or businesses to be exploited for illegal fund transfers—a practice that could result in criminal charges under the Proceeds of Crime Act (POCA). Dennis Chung, FID’s chief technical director, emphasized the critical role of public education in Jamaica’s fight against financial crime. He stated, “By demystifying complex topics like scams, cyber-enabled fraud, and asset recovery, we empower Jamaicans to safeguard themselves and their enterprises.” The campaign complements the FID’s investigative and inter-agency efforts, aligning with its legal mandate to disseminate typologies and statistics that aid in crime prevention. New episodes of “FID in Action” air biweekly on Nationwide 90FM, while “Follow The Money” is released monthly on the FID’s YouTube channel and major podcast platforms. The “Money Mule” campaign further engages stakeholders through news stories, digital ads, and town hall meetings.

The legal community in western Jamaica is in mourning following the sudden deaths of two distinguished members within a span of two days. The Cornwall Bar Association, led by attorney-at-law Michael Hemmings, expressed profound sorrow over the loss of Parish Court Judge Ruth Lawrence and attorney Denley Saddoo. Judge Lawrence, who passed away on Tuesday evening, was remembered for her dedication and service to the judiciary. Her death is currently under investigation by the Trelawny police as a suspected suicide. Just a day prior, the legal fraternity was struck by the untimely demise of Denley Saddoo, a respected defense attorney primarily practicing in Westmoreland. Hemmings, speaking at the Trelawny Parish Court in Duncans, described the losses as a ‘tragic moment’ for the association. Tributes were paid in both the St. James and Trelawny Parish Courts, with moments of silence observed to honor their contributions. The Cornwall Bar Association has called for support and kind words for the bereaved families during this difficult time.

KINGSTON, Jamaica — Denise Daley, the Opposition Spokesperson on Gender, the Elderly, and Persons with Disabilities, has called on Jamaicans to reaffirm their dedication to safeguarding and supporting the nation’s elderly population. Her appeal coincides with the global observance of the International Day of Older Persons on Wednesday. In a heartfelt statement, Daley lauded older persons as “the backbone of our society,” emphasizing their indispensable roles as educators, caregivers, cultural custodians, and contributors to nation-building. However, she also drew attention to the persistent challenges they face, including neglect, abuse, social isolation, and insufficient support systems. Daley remarked, “This year’s observance serves as a poignant reminder of the invaluable contributions our elders make in shaping our communities and preserving our values, even as they navigate increasingly complex challenges.” She urged Jamaicans to critically evaluate not only their personal treatment of elders within households but also the effectiveness of national policies and institutions in addressing their needs. Daley emphasized that respecting and protecting older persons is both “a moral obligation” and “an investment in the values of justice, compassion, and continuity that bind our nation together.” She envisioned a Jamaica where elders are fully integrated into national life, provided with adequate care, and celebrated for their wisdom and resilience. Concluding her statement, Daley expressed gratitude and admiration for the elderly, stating, “To all our elders: we thank you, we honour you, and we pledge to stand with you.”

WESTMORELAND, Jamaica — The quiet community of Seaton Crescent in Westmoreland has been plunged into turmoil following the alleged fatal shooting of a local laborer by police on Tuesday. The victim, identified as Desmond Montaque, was reportedly at his residence when the incident occurred, though the exact circumstances surrounding the shooting remain shrouded in uncertainty.

In a significant move toward social justice, Colombia has reallocated a portion of the late drug lord Pablo Escobar’s sprawling Hacienda Napoles estate to women impacted by the nation’s prolonged armed conflict. President Gustavo Petro announced the decision on Wednesday, marking a step in the government’s efforts to address historical inequalities tied to land ownership. The 120-hectare parcel, once a symbol of Escobar’s immense wealth and power, has been granted to local women farmers who were previously evicted from the land despite receiving a loan from the Puerto Triunfo municipality in 2017. Escobar, the infamous leader of the Medellin Cartel, amassed a fortune estimated at $25 billion in the 1980s. His 4,000-hectare estate, complete with exotic animals like hippos, became a notorious emblem of his criminal empire. After his death in 1993, the property was converted into a theme park, attracting tourists with its zoo and replica plane—a nod to his drug-smuggling operations. The government’s decision aligns with Petro’s broader land reform initiative, which seeks to redistribute thousands of hectares, including properties once owned by drug traffickers, to rural Colombians. While tourism operators have opposed the estate’s division, citing its economic benefits, the move has been celebrated by beneficiaries like Millinery Correa, who expressed hope and gratitude for the land allocation. Additionally, the estate’s hippo population, now numbering around 150, has been declared an invasive species, with plans underway to relocate 70 of them to overseas sanctuaries.

KINGSTON, Jamaica — Senator Dana Morris Dixon, Minister of Education, Youth and Information, has called on all Jamaicans to take collective responsibility for the safety and well-being of the nation’s children. Her statement comes as authorities intensify efforts to locate Jayden Smith, a 12-year-old student from Manchester High School, who has been missing since last Friday.

In a dramatic turn of events, the Wesley Road area of Mandeville, Jamaica, became the focal point of a large-scale search operation on Wednesday evening. Reports of a sighting of Jayden Smith, a 12-year-old student from Manchester High who has been missing since last Friday, prompted an immediate response from both law enforcement and local residents. The search intensified after citizens reported seeing a child matching Jayden’s description, who reportedly fled when approached by passersby. Eyewitnesses described the scene, with one woman recounting how the boy ran off as she attempted to assist. ‘I was driving when I saw him, and a man was calling out for help. By the time I turned my car around, he had already disappeared,’ she said. Police confirmed they were alerted to the sighting and continued their search until late evening. The principal of Manchester High, Jasford Gabriel, along with school staff, also joined the efforts as the community rallied to locate the missing boy. The search, which began on Tuesday, remains ongoing, with authorities and locals determined to bring Jayden home safely.