分类： society

TRELAWNY, Jamaica — Authorities are currently investigating the death of Parish Court Judge Ruth Lawrence as a suspected suicide. Lawrence was pronounced dead on Tuesday evening at the Falmouth Public General Hospital. Acting Commissioner of Police (ACP) Glendon Miller, overseeing the Area One Police Division, stated that the preliminary investigation points to suicide, though the inquiry remains in its early stages. ‘Our investigative team, led by Superintendent Jermaine Anglin, is meticulously gathering all necessary information to ensure a thorough examination,’ ACP Miller emphasized. Forensic investigations commenced last night and are ongoing, with statements being collected to piece together the circumstances surrounding her death. Lawrence was found unresponsive at her Coral Spring residence in Trelawny and was rushed to the hospital around 7:50 pm. Preliminary reports indicate no visible signs of physical injury on her body. The case continues to unfold as investigators work to confirm the cause of death.

The Canadian government has issued a travel advisory this week, cautioning citizens with passports bearing the nonbinary ‘X’ gender designation about potential challenges when entering the United States. Global Affairs Canada emphasized that while Canada issues passports with the ‘X’ gender identifier, it cannot ensure smooth entry or transit in countries that do not recognize this designation. The advisory, released on Monday, specifically highlighted the risk of entry restrictions in such nations. This warning comes amid ongoing tensions surrounding gender identity policies in the US. Since his return to the White House in January, President Donald Trump has taken a firm stance against transgender and nonbinary individuals, asserting in his inaugural address that there are only ‘two sexes, male and female.’ The US State Department, through an executive order, halted the issuance of passports with the ‘X’ gender marker or for individuals whose gender differs from their birth records. Although a court injunction has temporarily blocked this policy, a recent US appeals court decision denied the Trump administration’s efforts to reinstate it. Between 2019 and 2024, Canada has issued approximately 3,400 passports with the ‘X’ gender identifier, reflecting its commitment to inclusivity. However, this move has raised concerns for travelers navigating countries with differing gender recognition policies.

MANCHESTER, Jamaica—A group of 29 students from Knox College in Spalding narrowly avoided serious injuries when their Coaster bus veered off the Content to Williamsfield main road on Wednesday morning. The incident occurred shortly before 8:00 am, according to local police reports. Sergeant Florizel Williams, head of the Manchester Traffic Department, stated that the driver swerved left to avoid colliding with a vehicle that had abruptly stopped in front of the bus. This sudden maneuver caused the driver to lose control, resulting in the bus running off the road. Fortunately, only minor injuries were reported among the students. While most of the students proceeded to school, some were left traumatized and were picked up by their parents to return home. Sergeant Williams emphasized the importance of dash cameras in vehicles to clarify responsibility in such incidents. He urged motorists to install dash cams and suggested that insurance companies make their use mandatory to ensure clarity in accident investigations. Williams highlighted that dash cameras would help eliminate ambiguity in determining fault and improve overall road safety.

Prince Harry, the Duke of Sussex, was reportedly connected remotely to a London court hearing on Wednesday, marking the latest chapter in his ongoing legal confrontation with British media outlets. The hearing is part of a broader case against Associated Newspapers, the publisher of the Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday, which Harry and six other high-profile individuals accuse of serious privacy violations.

KINGSTON, Jamaica—The People’s National Party (PNP) has expressed profound sorrow over the passing of Trelawny Parish Court Judge Ruth Lawrence, who died on Tuesday evening at the Falmouth Public General Hospital. In a statement issued on Wednesday, Opposition Spokesperson on Justice, Zuleika Jess, highlighted Judge Lawrence’s exceptional contributions to Jamaica’s legal system. ‘Judge Lawrence’s passing is a profound loss for our nation. She was a paragon of integrity and compassion, leaving an enduring legacy in the legal profession. My heartfelt condolences go out to her family, friends, judicial colleagues, and the broader legal community,’ Jess remarked. The PNP emphasized Lawrence’s distinguished career, noting her unwavering dedication to justice and her profound respect for individual rights. ‘Her exemplary service embodied the principles of fairness and equity, earning her the admiration of her peers and the gratitude of those she served. Her legacy will undoubtedly inspire future generations of legal practitioners and public servants across Jamaica,’ the party stated. Judge Lawrence’s life and work stand as a testament to her commitment to justice, leaving a lasting impact on the nation’s legal landscape.

Justin Heath Smith, widely known by his stage name Austin Wolf, has been handed a 19-year prison sentence for his involvement in luring minors into illegal sexual activities and engaging in prohibited sexual conduct. The 44-year-old adult film actor was also ordered to undergo 10 years of supervised release and pay a $40,000 fine. The sentencing was delivered by US District Judge Paul A. Engelmayer, who oversaw Smith’s guilty plea. US Attorney Jay Clayton emphasized the severity of Smith’s crimes, stating, ‘Justin Heath Smith’s crimes against children are horrible. He targeted kids as young as seven, and every New Yorker wants him off our streets for as long as possible.’ Smith’s actions included arranging meetings with minors for sexual exploitation, recording illicit encounters, and distributing child pornography. Investigations revealed that Smith possessed over 1,291 files of child pornography, some depicting infants and toddlers. His arrest followed a federal search warrant executed at his residence, preventing a planned encounter with a purported seven-year-old child. Smith’s case underscores the ongoing efforts by law enforcement to combat child exploitation and protect vulnerable minors.

As the search for 12-year-old Jayden Smith enters its fifth day, his aunt and guardian, Ann-Marie Thompson, has vehemently denied allegations of mistreatment being the cause of his disappearance. Thompson, who has cared for Jayden since he was five, emphasized her dedication to his well-being, stating, ‘I got his birth certificate, ensured he was fully immunized, and supported his academic success.’ Jayden, the top student and valedictorian at Bethabara Primary School, went missing last Friday after attending classes at Manchester High School. Thompson addressed rumors linking his disappearance to a minor incident involving her two-year-old grandson, clarifying that the injury was accidental and that she had not been harsh with Jayden. She speculated that Jayden might be grappling with guilt over the incident, given his reserved nature. Thompson also condemned prank calls about Jayden’s whereabouts, which have added to her distress. The search, involving firefighters, police, soldiers, and community members, has yet to yield credible leads. Manchester High School Principal Jasford Gabriel expressed hope for Jayden’s safe return, noting the emotional toll on his classmates. Thompson appealed to the public for information, describing Jayden as a loving, humble, and helpful child. The community remains united in their efforts to bring Jayden home.

KINGSTON, Jamaica — The Financial Investigations Division (FID) is ramping up its nationwide public-education initiative to address financial crimes by enhancing awareness and understanding among Jamaican citizens. Under the Financial Investigations Division Act, the FID has introduced a series of media-driven programs to educate individuals, businesses, and regulated entities on the mechanisms of financial crimes, how to identify red flags, and the proper channels for reporting suspicious activities. Key components of the campaign include the “FID in Action” radio series, broadcast on Nationwide 90FM every first and third Friday at 8:20 am; “Follow The Money,” an audiovisual podcast released monthly on the FID’s YouTube channel, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and Amazon Music; and the “Money Mule Awareness” campaign, which incorporates news stories, digital advertisements, and townhall-style engagements. Dennis Chung, Chief Technical Director of the FID, highlighted the pivotal role of public education in curbing financial crime. He stated, “Public education is a frontline tool in Jamaica’s fight against financial crime. By equipping people with knowledge about the law, common schemes, and warning signs, we can reduce victimization and deter involvement in illegal activities such as fraud, money laundering, and money-mule operations. Our goal is to simplify complex topics into actionable advice for all Jamaicans.” The FID has recently intensified its focus on vulnerable groups, including young professionals, the unemployed, and small business owners, warning them about the risks of allowing their accounts to be used for illicit fund transfers. Such actions are illegal under the Proceeds of Crime Act (POCA) and can lead to criminal charges. The FID urges the public to report suspected financial crimes via email at contact@fid.gov.jm or by calling 876-928-5141.

In a landmark ruling on Tuesday, the Supreme Court found Andrew “French” Wright, Oneil Hope, and Rudolph Barnes guilty of multiple counts of fraud, including conspiracy to defraud, acquisition and use of criminal property, and larceny as a servant. The charges stem from a $222 million fraud scheme against INSPORTS, a government sports agency, between 2010 and 2017. The case was uncovered following an internal audit and subsequent investigation by the Major Organised Crime and Anti-Corruption Agency. Wright, a former financial controller at INSPORTS and a prominent party promoter, was arrested in 2013 while contesting his dismissal from the agency. He was convicted on 13 counts of fraud by Justice Ann-Marie Lawrence-Grainger in the Home Circuit Court in Kingston. Hope and Barnes were found guilty on eight and 11 counts, respectively. Attorneys for Wright and Hope have announced plans to appeal the verdict, citing multiple grounds for challenging the decision. Wright’s legal team argued that his earnings were from his party promotion business, Chug It, but the court dismissed this claim, stating that INSPORTS funds were “intertwined” with his personal finances. The court also highlighted evidence of fraudulent invoices and unauthorized payments, leading to significant financial losses for INSPORTS. All three defendants have been remanded until their sentencing on November 21. Meanwhile, three former INSPORTS employees were acquitted of any wrongdoing.

KINGSTON, Jamaica — Pearnel Charles Jr, Jamaica’s Minister of Labour and Social Security, has called on citizens to recognize and celebrate the profound contributions of the nation’s senior citizens. In his address marking the United Nations International Day of Older Persons on October 1, Charles Jr emphasized that older individuals are not merely passive members of society but active agents of change. He stressed the importance of amplifying their voices in policy-making, combating age discrimination, and fostering inclusive communities. This year’s theme, ‘Older Persons Driving Local and Global Action: Our Aspirations, Our Well-being and Our Rights,’ underscores the critical role seniors play in shaping societal progress. The observance coincides with Senior Citizens Month in September, themed ‘Respect, Protect, Empower, Connect,’ which highlights the dignity, rights, and aspirations of older persons while promoting intergenerational unity. Charles Jr articulated that respecting seniors affirms their aspirations, protecting their well-being safeguards their dignity, empowering them ensures their influence in policy, and connecting generations builds inclusive societies. Globally, the population aged 60 and above has surged from 541 million in 1995 to 1.2 billion in 2025, with projections reaching 2.1 billion by 2050. In Jamaica, it is estimated that by 2030, 15% of the population will be over 60, with life expectancy increasing to 73 years, up from 65 in 1995. This demographic shift necessitates enhanced healthcare, robust support systems, and opportunities for meaningful engagement. The minister reaffirmed the government’s dedication to advancing the National Policy for Senior Citizens, bolstering healthcare collaborations, expanding digital literacy, and creating systems to ensure every senior is respected, protected, empowered, and connected.