分类： society

TRELAWNY, Jamaica — Authorities in Trelawny are investigating a tragic incident that claimed the life of a 67-year-old pedestrian on Monday night. Patrick Jackson, a renowned wood carver from Salt Marsh, Trelawny, was struck by a Toyota Voxy while attempting to cross a section of the North Coast Highway near Bogue Gate. The accident occurred around 10:30 pm, and Jackson was rushed to the Falmouth Public General Hospital, where he was pronounced dead. This incident marks the 19th road fatality in Trelawny since the beginning of the year, highlighting ongoing concerns about road safety in the region. The police are urging drivers and pedestrians to exercise greater caution to prevent further tragedies.

Federal prosecutors are pushing for a substantial prison sentence of over 11 years for Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs following his conviction on prostitution-related charges. According to People magazine, Combs was found guilty on two counts of transportation to engage in prostitution after a highly publicized federal trial. While he was acquitted of more severe charges, including racketeering and sex trafficking, prosecutors argue that his actions warrant a significant penalty. In a sentencing memorandum, they emphasized the gravity of his crimes, stating that similar cases have resulted in sentences exceeding a decade. They are recommending a term of at least 135 months, just over 11 years. The memorandum also portrays Combs as ‘unrepentant,’ citing a history of abusive behavior. Testimony from his former partner, Casandra ‘Cassie’ Ventura, was referenced to highlight his past misconduct. This recommendation starkly contrasts with the defense’s request for a sentence of no more than 14 months. Combs has already spent over a year in custody at the Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn since his arrest in September 2024 and was denied bail both before and after the trial. Judge Arun Subramanian is expected to deliver the sentence on Friday, October 3, while also considering a defense motion to overturn the conviction.

In a significant development in the investigation of a gruesome triple murder case in Argentina, Peruvian authorities have apprehended the alleged mastermind behind the crime. The suspect, known as “little J,” was detained in Pucusana, approximately 45 miles south of Lima, Peru. This arrest brings the total number of individuals detained in connection with the case to nine. Argentine Security Minister Patricia Bullrich praised the Peruvian National Police for their efforts and collaboration in capturing the fugitives. Earlier, Bullrich had announced the arrest of another suspect, Matias Ozorio, in Peru. The victims—Morena Verdi, Brenda del Castillo, and Lara Gutierrez—were found buried in the yard of a house in a southern suburb of Buenos Aires on September 24, five days after they went missing. The three young women, aged 15 and 20, were reportedly tortured and killed in a live-streamed attack on a closed social media group as a “warning” over an alleged drug theft. “Little J,” a 20-year-old Peruvian national, is believed to lead a drug gang in Buenos Aires’ Zavaleta neighborhood, while Ozorio, 23, is considered his right-hand man.

As Suicide Prevention Month concludes on Tuesday, Jamaicans have voiced their perspectives on the island’s approach to mental health challenges. In a series of interviews, opinions varied widely. Some individuals expressed concern that mental health issues are often overlooked until they escalate into crises, while others emphasized the need for greater support in schools to alleviate stress among students. When discussing personal coping mechanisms, many highlighted simple yet effective activities such as listening to music, journaling, gardening, and spending quality time with friends as their preferred methods of relaxation. The discussions underscore the growing recognition of mental health as a critical issue in Jamaica, though many believe more proactive measures are necessary to address it comprehensively.

A 64-year-old man, Victor Jones, was executed by lethal injection in Florida on Tuesday for the 1990 murders of his employers, Jacob and Matilda Nestor. This marks the 34th execution in the United States this year, the highest number since 2014. The execution took place at 6:13 pm (2213 GMT) at a state prison near Jacksonville, as confirmed by the Florida Department of Corrections. Jones had stabbed the Nestors to death during a robbery shortly after starting work at their Miami-based company. Before succumbing to his injuries, Jacob Nestor managed to shoot Jones in the head. Last week, the Florida Supreme Court rejected appeals to halt the execution, despite arguments that Jones was intellectually disabled and had suffered abuse at a notorious reform school during his teenage years. Florida leads the nation in executions this year with 13, followed by Texas with five, and South Carolina and Alabama with four each. Of the 34 executions nationwide, 28 were carried out by lethal injection, two by firing squad, and four by nitrogen hypoxia, a method criticized by UN experts as cruel and inhumane. The death penalty remains abolished in 23 US states, with three others—California, Oregon, and Pennsylvania—imposing moratoriums. President Donald Trump has advocated for expanding the use of capital punishment for severe crimes.

KINGSTON, Jamaica – Nowell Lewin Jr, a 23-year-old law student and farmer, is spearheading a transformative movement to address mental health challenges and suicide in Jamaica. Armed with determination and a phone, Lewin founded the Global Integration Society, a youth-led mental health advocacy group dedicated to dismantling the stigma surrounding mental illness in the country.

In a recent development in Kingston, Jamaica, Andrew Beacon and Anthony Spence faced further custody as their case regarding the theft of four goats from Hayes in Clarendon proceeded in the Kingston and St Andrew Parish Court on Tuesday. Beacon is accused of receiving stolen property, while Spence faces charges of unauthorized possession of property. The court highlighted that a crucial statement from the goat owner is still pending, delaying the case’s progress. The incident dates back to August 3, 2025, when police officers in Denham Town noticed a Toyota Fielder speeding suspiciously. Upon pursuit, the vehicle, allegedly driven by Spence, entered Beacon’s premises, where an attempt to close the gate was made. Four goats were discovered inside the car, leading to the arrest of both individuals. In a related decision, Judge Peter Wilson released the Toyota Fielder to its owner under a $100,000 bond, stipulating that the vehicle must remain unaltered and undisposed until the court’s final verdict. Wilson emphasized the necessity of further discussions with the owner regarding the vehicle’s loan details. The accused are scheduled to reappear in court on October 10, 2025.

BASSETERRE, St Kitts (CMC) — Caribbean Community (Caricom) agriculture ministers gathered in St Kitts on Tuesday for a pivotal meeting addressing critical issues in fisheries, aquaculture, and regional food systems. The discussions, part of the 19th Caribbean Week of Agriculture (CWA 2025), focused on combating illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing, enhancing trade and employment in the sector, and establishing a new grievance redress mechanism for the Caribbean Regional Fisheries Mechanism (CRFM) based in Belize.

In his opening address, St Kitts and Nevis Agriculture Minister Samal Duggins underscored the vital role of agriculture in regional development and resilience. “Agriculture is not just another sector. It is the very lifeblood of our people, ensuring access to healthy and nutritious food for every family,” he stated. Reflecting on the CWA 2025 theme, “Sowing Change, Harvesting Resilience,” Duggins emphasized that the policies and partnerships forged during the event would shape the region’s future prosperity.

Duggins urged regional leaders to prioritize agriculture, which he described as a pillar of sovereignty and growth. He highlighted local initiatives, such as the food import reduction program, which focuses on increasing the production of high-demand crops like bananas, plantains, coconuts, and pineapples. Additionally, he noted efforts to scale climate-smart practices, expand agro-processing, and empower youth and women in the sector. Duggins also stressed the importance of South-South cooperation, particularly with African nations, to foster shared learning and innovation in agriculture.

The meeting, chaired by Anguilla’s Minister of Economic Development Kyle Hodge, also addressed regional training and capacity-building needs, supported by UNESCO’s GRÓ-Fisheries Training Programme. Ministers reviewed progress on initiatives like the STAR-Fish Project, funded by Global Affairs Canada, and the BE-CLME+ Project, aimed at promoting blue economy priorities in the Caribbean.

Meanwhile, the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) launched its Common Apiculture Policy during the 9th OECS Council of Ministers: Agriculture meeting. Developed under the EU-funded BioSPACE Programme, the policy aims to protect bees as essential pollinators while strengthening the apiculture sector through sustainable practices and research-driven strategies. Beekeeper Monroe Tweed highlighted the policy’s focus on standardizing beekeeping practices and addressing pest management challenges.

As part of CWA 2025, the OECS-Caricom Caribbean Honey Show will showcase honey and related products, offering attendees a taste of regional apiculture innovations. Additionally, the CRFM will collaborate with local organizations to host the Caribbean Small-scale Fisheries & Aquaculture Forum, further advancing the region’s agricultural and marine resource goals.

KINGSTON, Jamaica — In a bold move to revitalize cultural tourism and foster economic growth, Kingston Creative has unveiled the Mobay Creative initiative, a groundbreaking Creative Placemaking Programme set to transform Montego Bay into a vibrant cultural hub. This year-long project, centered in St James, aims to strengthen the synergy between the creative and tourism sectors while generating new income opportunities for local artists and entrepreneurs.

At the heart of the initiative are two large-scale murals designed to enhance Montego Bay’s visual appeal, complemented by a Creative Placemaking Training Programme. This training will empower local creatives and community leaders with the skills to organize cultural events and develop a thriving cultural district. The project will culminate in the Artwalk Festival, a grand celebration of music, food, and local artistry in Sam Sharpe Square.

Montego Bay’s Mayor, Richard Vernon, emphasized the transformative potential of the initiative, stating, ‘This project reflects our cultural pride, community resilience, and the creative power of our people. It is a visible step toward the inclusive, sustainable city we envision under Vision 2030.’ He highlighted the murals as symbols of the city’s stories, struggles, and aspirations, bringing beauty, opportunity, and dignity to overlooked spaces.

The initiative is expected to directly engage 25 creatives, create 20 paid opportunities, and involve 800 members of the public, while fostering partnerships with at least seven key stakeholders. Andrea Dempster Chung, Executive Director of Kingston Creative, noted, ‘This partnership goes beyond murals; it’s about arts for social and economic transformation. We are excited to collaborate with western creatives and encourage corporations in the region to join this movement.’

Supported by Target 8.9, with funding from the TUI Care Foundation’s TUI Colourful Cultures initiative, the project also enjoys backing from the S-Hotel Montego Bay, the Montego Bay Cultural Centre, and the city itself. Implementation is set to begin in October 2025, with $8.75 million already committed. Coral Purvil-Williams, Destination Manager at Target 8.9, remarked, ‘This partnership unlocks Montego Bay’s creative and economic potential, aligning with the goals of the TUI Colourful Cultures programme.’

In a decisive move, the Jamaica Teachers’ Association (JTA) has voted unanimously to file a lawsuit against the Government of Jamaica, alleging that numerous educators were unjustly forced into retirement. The decision, made during a General Council meeting on September 27, marks a significant escalation in the ongoing dispute between the JTA and the Government. JTA President Mark Malabver confirmed the development, emphasizing that the union has exhausted all other avenues for resolution. The conflict stems from recent amendments to the Pensions Act, which the JTA claims have compelled teachers to retire before the legal age of 65, disrupting their financial planning and obligations. Despite earlier assurances from the Ministry of Finance to address the issue, the JTA asserts that no formal communication or action has been taken since February. Malabver reiterated the union’s commitment to seeking justice through the courts, stating that legal proceedings would commence shortly. The JTA is also engaged in protracted wage negotiations with the Government, with Malabver criticizing the current offer of a 7.5% increase over three years as inadequate. He stressed that the Government must recognize education as an investment rather than charity, urging a fair resolution to both the retirement and wage disputes.