分类： society

KINGSTON, Jamaica — The Independent Commission of Investigations (Indecom) has initiated steps to assist the family of Matthew Small, a victim of a fatal police shooting in Ewarton, St Catherine, on December 13, 2024. This move follows a heartfelt plea published in the Jamaica Observer on November 8, 2025, titled “Please, I need to bury my grandson!” Small was one of two individuals who lost their lives during the incident, which occurred without eyewitnesses or the use of body-worn cameras by the involved police team. Since 2021, Indecom has been integrating social intervention referrals into its investigative processes through family liaison officers (FLOs). This initiative aims to provide comprehensive support to affected families, addressing both the emotional and financial challenges they face. Commissioner Hugh Faulkner highlighted the importance of this dual approach, stating that it not only ensures independent and factual resolution of cases but also offers essential support services such as counselling and social assistance. Most referrals are directed to the Victim Services Branch of the Ministry of Justice, the Office of the Children’s Advocate, and the Ministry of Labour and Social Security. Since the inception of this mechanism, Indecom’s FLOs have made over 160 referrals for counselling, 14 PATH referrals, 30 funeral grant referrals, and several others for education grants and compassionate housing. To date, Indecom has confirmed 11 successful funeral grant referrals, four PATH referrals, and a wheelchair donation from Food for the Poor. The commission underscores that while referrals do not guarantee assistance, they are a crucial first step in enhancing access to welfare support. Currently, two family liaison officers are coordinating this initiative across Indecom’s five regional teams.

A tragic incident has shaken the community of St Catherine, Jamaica, as the bodies of a primary school teacher and a high school student were discovered in Mount View, near St Jago Heights, on Thursday afternoon. The victims, identified as 29-year-old Tara Pinnock and 14-year-old Tally Wright, were found with multiple stab wounds, prompting a swift police investigation. Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Hopton Nicholson revealed that officers responded to reports of suspicious activity at the premises after 1:00 pm, where they made the grim discovery. Preliminary findings suggest no signs of forced entry, indicating the perpetrator(s) may have had access to the home. SSP Nicholson described the murders as a ‘cowardly act’ and hinted at a possible domestic motive. Authorities are urgently seeking Brandon Maine, a taxi operator on the Spanish Town to Naggo Head route, who they believe may hold critical information. The police are also appealing to the public for any leads that could aid in solving the case.

In response to the devastation caused by Hurricane Melissa, the Jamaican government has significantly escalated its humanitarian efforts to assist affected families. Coordinated relief operations are being conducted across the island, targeting communities severely impacted by flooding and infrastructure damage. The Ministry of Labour and Social Security (MLSS), in collaboration with the Jamaica Defence Force (JDF), Members of Parliament, faith-based groups, and community organizations, has launched a comprehensive relief initiative to deliver essential supplies to vulnerable households. The JDF has executed 88 ground and air missions, ensuring that food, water, and emergency aid reach residents in remote areas where access has been obstructed by damaged roads and bridges. Pearnel Charles Jr., Minister of Labour and Social Security, emphasized the importance of collective action and compassion, stating, ‘Our mission is simple — to ensure that no one is left behind.’ To date, the ministry has distributed 39,712 relief packages, which include food items, hygiene kits, tarpaulins, blankets, bottled water, cleaning supplies, mattresses, tabletop stoves, and solar lanterns. These supplies aim to provide safety, comfort, and dignity to those affected. Parish teams, supported by the JDF’s logistics operations, are verifying and delivering supplies to isolated communities. Additionally, the ministry is offering clean-up assistance, replenishing parish stocks, and distributing sanitation materials to aid families in rebuilding their lives. Residents in need of assistance are encouraged to contact their nearest MLSS Parish Office, call the MLSS Contact Centre, or send a WhatsApp message with their location and household details. Minister Charles highlighted the broader goal of recovery, stating, ‘Recovery is not only about rebuilding homes — it’s about restoring hope.’ The MLSS remains committed to collaborating with government agencies, the Humanitarian Assistance Committee, non-governmental organizations, community leaders, and private sector partners to ensure that aid continues to reach those in greatest need.

In the aftermath of Hurricane Melissa, several schools in the severely affected western regions of Jamaica are set to reopen next week. Education Minister Dana Morris Dixon announced that a combination of shift systems and temporary tents will be employed to facilitate the return of students, particularly those preparing for critical exams. Cornwall College and Mount Alvernia High are among the institutions resuming operations, with the latter already welcoming back some of its exam-taking students on Wednesday. Morris Dixon emphasized the priority of ensuring that students preparing for CSEC, CAPE, and PEP exams can continue their education with minimal disruption. During a tour of schools in Trelawny and St James, the minister assessed the extensive damage caused by the hurricane and outlined plans for recovery. Temporary structures, including tents, will be utilized to supplement classroom space, while more semi-permanent solutions are also being considered. Morris Dixon acknowledged the significant challenges faced by schools in these parishes, with many classrooms destroyed or rendered unusable. She stressed the need for long-term resilience in school infrastructure, advocating for the adoption of slab roof construction methods to withstand future natural disasters. The minister also expressed gratitude to school leaders and community stakeholders for their tireless efforts in reopening schools despite the lack of basic utilities like water and electricity.