分类： society

Raymond Morrison, a Jamaican environmental advocate and communications professional, has been honored with the highly competitive Türkiye Burslari Scholarship. Funded by the Turkish government, this prestigious award provides comprehensive academic support to exceptional individuals committed to driving positive change in their communities and beyond. Morrison, a journalist and television presenter at CVM TV, was selected from a global pool of applicants to pursue a master’s degree in New Media and Communications Management with a focus on data science in Türkiye.

Morrison is the founder of ECHO (Environmental Conservation and Humanity’s Obligation), a non-profit initiative dedicated to educating and empowering communities to protect natural resources through coastal clean-ups, sustainability campaigns, and environmental education programs. His multifaceted career also includes hosting ‘Small Biz, Big Dreams,’ a television feature highlighting local entrepreneurs and their success stories.

Morrison views this scholarship as a transformative opportunity to merge his expertise in media and technology with his passion for environmental advocacy. ‘Media has the power to inspire action, shift narratives, and create a more sustainable future,’ he stated. His studies will explore the intersection of media, technology, and environmental conservation, emphasizing how digital tools and data-driven strategies can shape innovative solutions to global challenges.

In 2024, Morrison was recognized with the Humanitarian Award (Beauty with a Purpose) during Mr World Jamaica for his impactful work with ECHO. He believes his upcoming academic journey will equip him with the knowledge and skills to address pressing environmental issues in Jamaica and globally. ‘This is a chance to grow, learn, and bring back knowledge that can help tackle some of the most pressing environmental challenges,’ he remarked. Morrison is set to commence his studies in Türkiye later this year, aiming to inspire the next generation of environmental leaders.

In a tragic turn of events, Constable Ezroy Boothe, a police officer from St Elizabeth, Jamaica, has passed away following a severe motorcycle accident. The incident occurred on Friday evening along the Lacovia main road, where Boothe lost control of his private motorbike and collided with a pole. He sustained critical injuries, including multiple fractures to both legs, internal damage, and significant blood loss. Boothe was immediately rushed to Black River Hospital, where he remained in critical condition until his death on Monday. Superintendent Coleridge Minto, head of the St Elizabeth police, had earlier appealed to the public for blood donations to aid Boothe’s recovery. Plans were also underway to transfer him to another medical facility for advanced treatment. The Jamaica Constabulary Force has expressed deep sorrow over the loss of one of their own, highlighting the dangers faced by law enforcement officers in the line of duty.

KINGSTON, Jamaica — The National Museum Jamaica (NMJ), a division of the Institute of Jamaica (IOJ), is set to host its first-ever Heritage Debate on October 3, in collaboration with the Jamaican Association for Debate and Empowerment Limited (JADE). The debate will center on the provocative question: ‘Should Jamaican Patois Be Considered an Official Language?’ This event marks a departure from the traditional Heritage Lecture, which has been a staple of National Heritage Month activities organized by the Ministry of Culture, Gender, Entertainment, and Sport. Stephanie Rose, Assistant Outreach Officer at NMJ, explained to JIS News that the shift to a debate format aims to create a more interactive and engaging platform for cultural discourse. ‘We wanted to encourage more participation and dialogue, allowing people to express their views in a museum setting,’ she said. The debate will feature teams from Holy Trinity High School and Pembroke Hall High School, competing at the IOJ Lecture Hall in downtown Kingston. Rose emphasized that the target audience remains high school and tertiary students, as the discussion will be more formal and suited to their educational level. The topic was chosen after extensive consultation with educators, who expressed strong interest in the subject. ‘Patois has been debated at various levels, but never in a museum environment where students can openly share their perspectives,’ Rose added. The event will be moderated by Professor Sonjah Stanley Niaah from the University of the West Indies, Mona, and will be streamed live on the NMJ YouTube channel.

In a significant step toward enhancing domestic violence intervention, members of the Jamaica Constabulary Force’s (JCF) Domestic Violence Intervention Unit recently completed a comprehensive training program. Conducted in collaboration with the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), the three-day initiative took place at the Sea Garden Hotel in Montego Bay, St James, from September 24 to September 26. The program targeted centre managers and liaison officers, equipping them with advanced skills and knowledge to address domestic violence more effectively. Key focus areas included the Domestic Violence Policy, standard operating procedures, the impact of social media on domestic violence, and the critical role of mental health in intervention efforts. Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) Jacqueline Dillon, head of the JCF’s Domestic Violence Intervention Programme, emphasized the dual purpose of the training as both a refresher and a wellness initiative. She highlighted the importance of ensuring officers are mentally prepared to handle the complexities of domestic violence cases. Detective Sergeant Damion Hammond, sub-officer in charge of the unit, underscored the timeliness of the training, noting the increasing prevalence of domestic violence in Jamaica. He expressed confidence that the program would enhance the quality of service provided to citizens. Participants, including Sergeant Desiree McLeod from the St Elizabeth Domestic Violence Intervention Centre, praised the training for its relevance and depth, particularly the mental health awareness segment. Sergeant Moesha Allen, liaison officer for the St Andrew South Division, pointed to a rise in domestic violence reports as evidence of growing community trust in the police. Sergeant Kester Fennel of the St Catherine North Division urged victims to seek help, assuring them of professional and empathetic support. The training also benefited from contributions by the Ministry of Health and Wellness, the Court Administration Division, and the Bureau of Gender Affairs. Established to address global population and reproductive health challenges, the UNFPA remains committed to combating gender inequality and gender-based violence worldwide.

KINGSTON, Jamaica — The legal case involving Dr. Carl Bruce, the medical chief of staff at the University Hospital of the West Indies (UHWI), and his colleague, neurosurgeon Dr. Roger Hunter, faced an adjournment on Monday. The delay was requested by Dr. Bruce’s legal team, who cited insufficient time to prepare after receiving case documents recently. Dr. Hunter’s attorney, Hugh Wildman, expressed no objection to the postponement but emphasized his client’s readiness to proceed. ‘We could have started today if they were prepared,’ Wildman remarked. Dr. Hunter voiced his disappointment, highlighting concerns over the efficient use of judicial resources. ‘We are surprised by their lack of readiness, especially since the police have been involved since November last year,’ he stated. Dr. Bruce faces charges of malicious destruction of property and assault following an alleged incident during Dr. Hunter’s surgical preparations in April. The case, which Dr. Hunter previously declined to mediate, is set to resume on February 9.

KINGSTON, Jamaica — The Ministry of Labour and Social Security (MLSS) has been forced to temporarily shut down its Harbour Street office after torrential rains over the weekend led to severe flooding. The office suffered substantial water damage, necessitating immediate action from staff and cleaning teams who worked tirelessly into the night to initiate restoration efforts.

In a groundbreaking move to combat the illicit trafficking of cultural property, UNESCO unveiled a virtual museum on Monday, showcasing hundreds of looted artefacts. The initiative aims to raise global awareness about the criminal trade that robs communities of their heritage. The digital platform, designed by acclaimed Burkina Faso-born architect Diebedo Francis Kere, features nearly 250 stolen items, including a Zambian ritual mask, a pendant from ancient Palmyra in Syria, and a painting by Swedish artist Anders Zorn. These objects, however, represent only a fraction of the estimated 57,000 items currently in circulation, according to Interpol’s database. UNESCO Director-General Audrey Azoulay emphasized the museum’s unique role in educating the public about the devastating impact of this trade, which erases cultural memory, disrupts generational links, and impedes scientific progress. The platform allows visitors to explore the artefacts through detailed stories, testimonies, and photos, tracing their origins and significance. Sunna Altnoder, head of UNESCO’s unit for combating illicit trafficking, highlighted the broader mission: to eventually close the museum as stolen items are recovered and returned to their rightful communities. The initiative also seeks to foster collaboration among law enforcement, the judiciary, the art market, member states, and civil society to dismantle the criminal networks driving this trade.

In a tragic incident near the Manchester/Clarendon border in Jamaica, 26-year-old Lavar Malcolm, a resident of Kintyre district in St Andrew, was fatally shot by an armed assailant on Sunday. Malcolm, who was also known as ‘Jamie Warlock’ on TikTok, was among a group of patrons at a section of the St Toolies River when the attack occurred. According to police reports, the gunman demanded Malcolm’s belongings, but Malcolm resisted, leading to multiple gunshots to his upper body. Law enforcement officials discovered five Blaze Luger 9mm spent casings at the scene. A senior police source suggested that the killing might be connected to an ongoing feud in the Papine area. The incident has sparked widespread attention on social media, where Malcolm was recognized as a popular influencer.

Residents of McNeil Land in Westmoreland, Jamaica, are grappling with severe and recurrent flooding exacerbated by heavy rainfall, prompting urgent calls for intervention from local authorities. The community, situated in a flood-prone area, has been inundated for months, with water levels reaching waist height in some instances. This has disrupted daily life, hindered transportation, and threatened livelihoods, including livestock farming. One resident lamented the inability to access their property to feed their pigs due to the overwhelming water levels. Despite repeated appeals to local councillor Ian Miles, residents claim their concerns have gone unaddressed. Member of Parliament for Western Westmoreland, Ian Hayles, has pledged to escalate the issue to central government agencies, including the National Works Agency and the Ministry of Local Government, to implement a permanent solution. Hayles acknowledged the community’s frustration and inconvenience, emphasizing the need for immediate action to alleviate the crisis.

MANCHESTER, Jamaica—The administration of Manchester High School in Mandeville has renewed its appeal for the safe return of Jayden Smith, a 12-year-old student who has been missing since Friday. The school’s principal, Jasford Gabriel, expressed deep concern in an audio statement released on Sunday, emphasizing the anxiety gripping the school community and the wider Jamaican diaspora.

Jayden was last seen leaving school on Friday evening after prayers, reportedly spotted in Mandeville around 5:00 pm. However, conflicting reports from the Alligator Pond police suggest he was last seen at home earlier that morning, dressed in his khaki uniform and brown shoes. The police have since activated a high alert and are urging the public to assist in locating the boy, described as having a dark complexion, slim build, and standing approximately 152 centimetres (5 feet) tall.

Principal Gabriel described Jayden as a quiet yet brilliant student who had recently joined Manchester High School with an exceptional primary exit profile average of over 90%. He emphasized the school’s efforts to collaborate with law enforcement and other agencies to ensure Jayden’s safe return. The principal also called for national and international support in the search efforts, expressing hope and faith in Jayden’s safety.

Authorities are urging anyone with information to contact the Alligator Pond police at 876-224-3113, the police emergency number 119, or the nearest police station. The community remains united in its prayers and efforts to bring Jayden home safely.