分类： society

Kingston Mayor Andrew Swaby has declared an immediate escalation in the removal of derelict and illegally parked vehicles throughout the Corporate Area, citing critical public health and safety concerns. The urgent appeal was made during Tuesday’s monthly assembly of the Kingston and St Andrew Municipal Corporation (KSAMC), where Mayor Swaby highlighted the severe strain on municipal resources and storage capacity.

Emphasizing the gravity of the situation, Swaby revealed that January alone witnessed nearly 200 official notices issued for improper usage of sidewalks and roadways. This enforcement surge aligns with the broader Cleaner Kingston Initiative—a collaborative campaign between KSAMC and the National Solid Waste Management Authority (NSWMA) designed to revitalize urban areas through enhanced sanitation, waste management, and public space maintenance.

Detailed operational data shows proactive measures by the City Inspector’s Department, including 170 encroachment notices last month. These targeted 62 derelict properties, 6 illegal structures, 14 street-side garages, and 88 abandoned vehicles, culminating in the removal of 25 cars from public thoroughfares. The mayor specifically identified neighborhoods such as Stony Hill, Cross Roads Market, and Olympic Way as priority zones for the ongoing operation.

Historical context underscores the persistence of this issue, with KSAMC having issued over 1,000 public health and road nuisance notices related to abandoned vehicles and properties in 2024. The current drive will also focus on high-density areas including Lemington Avenue, Hagley Park Road, and Padmore Drive, alongside illegal garages in Lyndhurst Close and Standpipe Lane.

Complementing the vehicle removal efforts, authorities have cleared 605 unauthorized event and party signs since January to uphold public order. Mayor Swaby concluded with a renewed call to action for all residents, businesses, and stakeholders to contribute collectively to preserving Kingston’s cleanliness, accessibility, and aesthetic appeal.

KINGSTON, Jamaica — A pioneering youth volunteer program developed in response to Hurricane Melissa’s catastrophic impact has received international acclaim from UNESCO as a benchmark model for education in crisis situations. The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization formally recognized the Jamaican initiative during its International Day of Education observance, placing it among select emergency education interventions from conflict and disaster zones worldwide.

The devastating Category 5 hurricane struck Jamaica’s western regions on October 28, 2025, causing extensive damage to infrastructure and communities. In its aftermath, attorney and youth advocate Christina Williams spearheaded a coordinated volunteer mobilization effort to address both immediate relief needs and long-term recovery challenges.

Williams’ program has successfully engaged over a thousand young volunteers through strategic partnerships with organizations including JN Foundation, Jamaica Automobile Association, and St. John’s Ambulance Children’s First. The initiative initially focused on emergency response but has evolved into a comprehensive support system providing homework assistance, psychosocial support through peer-to-peer counseling, and emergency psychological first aid training.

The innovative approach addresses a critical gap in post-disaster coordination by effectively organizing youth volunteers while avoiding duplication of efforts. ‘Within that same population of people affected, there’s also a lot of strength and value that can be harnessed,’ Williams noted, challenging conventional perceptions of youth as merely victims in crisis scenarios.

Since November 2025, the initiative has conducted more than 15 missions, transitioning from immediate relief to sustained recovery operations. The program now focuses on rebuilding educational institutions and providing ongoing assistance to affected families and children.

Williams emphasized that while the emergency phase has passed, the need for specialized skills and continued support remains critical. The initiative continues to welcome volunteers who can contribute various expertise and encourages remote support through information sharing or directed donations to partner organizations.

The UNESCO recognition places Jamaica’s youth-driven model alongside crisis response initiatives from Syria, Myanmar, Afghanistan, Ukraine, and the Democratic Republic of Congo, highlighting its significance as a replicable framework for global emergency education efforts.

The Kingston and St Andrew Municipal Corporation (KSAMC) has announced a major infrastructure initiative, dedicating $220 million from the Parochial Revenue Fund to address the critical state of roadways across all 40 divisions of the municipality. Mayor Andrew Swaby confirmed the allocation during the monthly KSAMC meeting, framing it as a direct response to persistent complaints from residents and commuters regarding potholes and deteriorating road surfaces.

The comprehensive rehabilitation program will encompass a variety of techniques, including patching, resurfacing, and targeted repairs to the most damaged sections. Mayor Swaby emphasized that the funds are being channeled through the Divisional Allocation Fund to ensure community-specific needs are met. However, he simultaneously expressed significant concern over the financial constraints facing the corporation, stating that the allocated sum is insufficient to fully address the extensive repairs required across the entire road network under its jurisdiction.

Mayor Swaby contextualized the current funding challenge within a broader, ongoing struggle for adequate financial support from the central government. He revealed that the KSAMC receives approximately $75 million per month for road maintenance, a figure he described as a ‘drop in the bucket’ compared to the scale of the task. He contrasted this with the separate budgetary allocations available to the National Works Agency (NWA), which does not have to compete for funding between road maintenance and other critical activities like drain cleaning.

Despite these constraints, Mayor Swaby assured councillors that the KSAMC remains committed to maximizing the impact of the available funds. The corporation will adhere to strict procurement guidelines to ensure compliance and secure the best possible value for every dollar spent. While this injection of $220 million will provide tangible relief in the coming weeks, the mayor reiterated that a sustainable, long-term solution is dependent on a significantly increased and dedicated budget from central government sources.

KINGSTON, Jamaica — A violent confrontation in St Andrew’s Stephen Lane area resulted in the fatal shooting of a Jamaica Defence Force (JDF) member while a police officer narrowly escaped death during a harrowing ambush on Tuesday evening.

The deceased soldier has been identified as Private Daniel Crawford, 24, from Bryan’s Land district in Spaulding, Clarendon, whose tragic death has sent shockwaves through Jamaica’s security forces.

According to official reports, the incident unfolded approximately at 9:00 pm when Crawford and the police officer were traveling together in a private vehicle. Crawford received a phone call during their journey and subsequently requested a brief stop to deliver an item to a female acquaintance along Waltham Park Road.

The vehicle proceeded to Stephen Lane, where Crawford exited, leaving the police officer waiting inside. After several minutes passed without Crawford’s return, the officer grew concerned and attempted multiple unanswered phone calls.

Moments later, an unidentified man approached the vehicle and informed the officer that his friend was calling for him. The officer exited the vehicle and accompanied the man to a nearby premises. When directed to enter the building, the officer’s tactical training prompted suspicion, and he refused to comply.

The situation escalated dramatically when the man physically grabbed the officer and attempted to force him inside the premises. During the struggle, the assailant produced a firearm from his waistband and aimed it at the officer.

In a critical split-second decision, the police officer drew his service Glock pistol and discharged four rounds toward the attacker. The gunman staggered into the premises while the officer fled under a barrage of gunfire. While escaping, the officer reported hearing multiple shots behind him.

The officer navigated through several properties, scaling fences and evading additional armed individuals who opened fire upon sighting him. He eventually reached Waltham Park Road where he encountered a marked police vehicle and immediately reported the incident.

Police reinforcements conducted an extensive search of the area, discovering Crawford with fatal gunshot wounds to his upper body and head. Emergency medical services transported him to Kingston Public Hospital where doctors pronounced him dead upon arrival.

Authorities have launched a comprehensive manhunt for the perpetrators behind this brazen attack on Jamaica’s security personnel. The Jamaica Defence Force officially confirmed Crawford’s death in a social media statement Wednesday, expressing profound sorrow over the tragic loss of the young soldier.

The JDF extended heartfelt condolences to Crawford’s family, friends, and colleagues, emphasizing the devastating impact of this incident on Jamaica’s military community and the ongoing challenges facing security operations in the region.

KINGSTON, Jamaica — Jamaica’s national power provider has entered the conclusive phase of its extensive recovery operation following October’s devastating Hurricane Melissa. Jamaica Public Service (JPS) CEO Hugh Grant confirmed that 97.5% of the utility’s customer base—representing over 673,000 households—has been successfully reconnected to the electrical grid. The announcement came during a national press briefing on Wednesday, marking a significant milestone in the country’s rebuilding efforts.

Grant detailed the coordinated multinational response that enabled this rapid restoration, highlighting collaborations between local crews, international emergency teams, government agencies, and community leadership. The CEO emphasized that this achievement resulted from strategic infrastructure investments, technological enhancements, and meticulous disaster preparedness protocols rather than accidental success.

Current data indicates fewer than 17,000 customers remain without electricity, primarily concentrated in the hardest-hit parishes of Westmoreland (9,341 customers) and St. Elizabeth (6,370 customers) where hurricane damage inflicted severe infrastructure destruction.

The power company has established an ambitious timeline to reconnect approximately 7,000 additional customers by February’s conclusion, which would reduce the total without power below 10,000. Grant simultaneously acknowledged technical challenges, noting many properties require structural repairs before safe electrical reconnection can occur.

Addressing affected residents directly, the CEO stated: “We see you, we hear you, we care about you. Work will not cease until every household is restored.” JPS has projected final reconnections will occur between March and April 2026, contingent upon individual property readiness assessments.

Grant concluded with a firm commitment: “Success for us is every household once again being able to live, work and care for family with the dignity, comfort and opportunity that reliable electricity provides.”

A remote Canadian community in British Columbia is grappling with profound grief after one of the nation’s deadliest mass shootings claimed nine lives and injured 27 others on Tuesday. The tragedy unfolded across multiple locations in Tumbler Ridge, including the local secondary school and a private residence.

According to the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, the violent incident began at Tumbler Ridge Secondary School where an active shooter situation prompted immediate lockdown protocols. Law enforcement personnel responding to emergency alerts discovered six fatalities at the educational institution, while a seventh victim succumbed to injuries during transport to medical facilities. Subsequent investigations revealed two additional victims at a residential property believed connected to the assault.

The alleged perpetrator was found deceased at the school premises with what authorities described as an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound. Initial police communications had characterized the suspect as a ‘female in a dress with brown hair,’ though officials have withheld further identification details pending formal investigation. Police Commander Ken Floyd confirmed the deceased individual matched the description in emergency alerts but declined to elaborate on potential motives or background.

Prime Minister Mark Carney expressed being ‘devastated’ by the horrific violence, canceling scheduled diplomatic engagements at the Munich Security Conference to address domestic priorities. British Columbia Premier David Eby characterized the event as ‘unimaginable,’ while Public Safety Minister Nina Krieger acknowledged the shooting as among the worst mass casualty incidents in provincial and national history.

Survivor accounts emerged as the community processed the trauma. Student Darian Quist recounted to CBC News receiving disturbing images during the lockdown that revealed the unfolding carnage. ‘It set in what was happening,’ Quist stated, describing the more than two-hour confinement before police evacuation.

Tumbler Ridge, a mountainous community of approximately 2,400 residents located 1,100 kilometers north of Vancouver, represents an unlikely setting for such violence in a country where mass shootings remain statistically rare. The municipality released an official statement acknowledging the ‘profound impact this tragedy has had on families, students, staff, and our entire town.’

Investigation efforts continue as law enforcement examines additional properties for potential connections to the incident, while the nation reflects on comparative tragedies including last April’s vehicle attack in Vancouver that killed eleven attendees at a Filipino cultural festival.

KINGSTON, Jamaica – Manchester Central Member of Parliament Rhoda Moy Crawford has publicly commended the Jamaica Constabulary Force for their rapid response in apprehending a suspect linked to multiple homicide cases, including a February 1 double murder that had shaken local communities.

In an official statement released Wednesday, Crawford expressed both relief and encouragement following the law enforcement breakthrough, noting that additional persons of interest have been identified and urged to surrender voluntarily. The recent violent incidents had generated widespread concern and anxiety among Manchester residents, creating an atmosphere of unease throughout the parish.

Crawford specifically recognized Manchester Division Commanding Officer Carey Duncan and his team for their coordinated efforts, highlighting their professional conduct and steadfast dedication to restoring public order. “The prompt response from JCF has provided substantial reassurance to our communities during this difficult time,” the parliamentarian stated.

Emphasizing the collaborative nature of public safety, Crawford called for continued cooperation between citizens and law enforcement authorities. She urged residents to share any potentially relevant information that could assist ongoing investigations into the violent crimes.

The MP concluded with a message of regional resilience: “Manchester possesses inherent strength. Through collective vigilance and partnership, we will not only overcome this challenging period but emerge with safer, more unified communities.”

MANCHESTER, Jamaica — A multi-agency initiative led by the Manchester police is intensifying community policing strategies in the historically challenged neighborhood of Greenvale, located west of Mandeville. This collaborative effort aims to solidify a remarkable three-year period of drastically reduced criminal activity, during which only a single homicide has been recorded.

Deputy Superintendent Valdin Amos, Zone One Commander, emphasized the critical importance of maintaining this hard-won peace during a coordinated walkthrough with journalists on Tuesday. “We have achieved a notably low crime rate here. Regressing to an era necessitating curfews and stringent police measures is not an option we are willing to entertain,” stated Amos. He affirmed that Greenvale represents one of several communities currently benefiting from this renewed engagement strategy.

The operational model involves partnerships with key stakeholders, including the Social Development Commission and Southern Parks and Markets Waste Management. These agencies joined officers in engaging directly with residents to understand and address local concerns. Amos highlighted the community’s instrumental role in this success, noting that the lone murder in the past three years was solved with crucial assistance from local residents, fostering a environment where police and agencies are now openly welcomed.

Inspector Romaine Brooks, sub-officer in charge of the Mandeville Police Station, detailed the proactive social component of the crime reduction strategy. A series of community events, including football, cricket, domino, netball, and even DJ competitions, are scheduled to launch, starting with a football league on February 15. These initiatives are designed specifically to engage youth and strengthen community bonds. Brooks confirmed that these efforts are receiving staunch support from the Manchester Chamber of Commerce and Custos Garfield Green, underscoring a unified approach to sustainable public safety.

KINGSTON, Jamaica — Renowned hurricane chaser Josh Morgerman has made an exceptional return visit to Jamaica months after Category 5 Hurricane Melissa devastated the island, focusing particularly on the hardest-hit parishes of St Elizabeth and Westmoreland. Partnering with Mandeville’s Golf View Hotel, Morgerman hosted a fireside chat designed to maintain international awareness and support during the prolonged rebuilding phase.

Morgerman, who experienced Melissa’s full force in St Elizabeth, explained his unusual decision: “Typically I don’t revisit countries after hurricanes. The only precedent was following the devastating 2013 Philippines typhoon. Having witnessed both the destruction and remarkable resilience of Jamaicans during this supreme hurricane, I felt compelled to contribute further.”

His mission centers on preventing global attention from fading before recovery concludes. Through appearances on WeatherNation, Morgerman aims to keep the Jamaican diaspora and potential donors informed about ongoing efforts. “Recovery requires sustained time and effort,” he emphasized. “Without visible international coverage, people forget about disasters like Melissa, and crucial relief funding diminishes.”

During his presentation, which included footage from his YouTube documentary, Morgerman analyzed structural vulnerabilities exposed by the storm. “Wood frame structures proved completely inadequate against Melissa’s fury. Roofing systems emerged as particularly critical weaknesses,” he stated, advocating for concrete roofing systems and describing hurricane-resistant construction as “a new religion” for vulnerable regions.

While acknowledging the Meteorological Service of Jamaica’s adequate and frequent warnings, Morgerman noted widespread public skepticism about the hurricane’s severity. “Many disregarded the extreme warnings, but post-Melissa, I believe credibility issues regarding hurricane warnings will be eliminated for generations.”

Audience members challenged this optimism, suggesting skepticism would return once the “9-day wonder” of the hurricane faded. This sparked recommendations for a national public education campaign to improve hurricane preparedness and response to early warnings.

Golf View Hotel co-owner Kemilee Mclymont-Campbell endorsed this initiative, stating: “We hosted this dialogue to contribute to national disaster readiness and resilience. Sharing experiences and building recovery partnerships delivers tremendous value.”