Dancehall artist Kiprich, whose real name is Marlon Plunkett, has been exonerated after the prosecution withdrew criminal charges against him in the St. Catherine Parish Court on Tuesday. The case, which had drawn significant attention, was dismissed following concerns raised by the defense regarding the nature of the charges and constitutional issues. Defense attorney Patrick Peterkin expressed satisfaction with the outcome, stating that the prosecution failed to meet the evidentiary threshold required to proceed. Kiprich had been charged under section 18A of the Offences Against the Person Act, which pertains to the use of audio, visual, or audiovisual communication to promote criminal activity. Throughout the legal proceedings, Plunkett steadfastly maintained his innocence, denying any involvement in gang-related activities or incitement of violence. Peterkin highlighted the broader implications of the case, warning that such laws could unjustly burden artists who are merely performing their craft. The charges stemmed from a custom-order dubplate created for a foreign-based selector following the death of Othniel ‘Thickman’ Lobban, a notorious gang leader. Kiprich’s management team claimed the audio was manipulated to appear more inflammatory than intended. Lobban, a key figure in Jamaica’s criminal underworld, was allegedly involved in shootings, extortion, and gang dominance in various areas before being killed in a shootout with police earlier this year.
分类： society
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Pitbull mauls dad, but fearing slow justice, relatives won’t press charges
A retired police officer from Claxton Bay, O’Neil Sookhoo, 62, is recovering after a harrowing pitbull attack at his home on November 10. The incident occurred when a neighbor’s pitbull, which had escaped on November 8, mauled Sookhoo, leaving him with severe injuries to his forearms, chest, and legs. His wife, Sherry Sookhoo, 53, recounted the traumatic event, describing how she intervened by striking the dog with a piece of wood, only for the animal to turn its aggression toward her. The attack ended when Sookhoo used a cutlass to fend off the dog, which then retreated after its owner called it back. The couple rushed to Point Fortin Hospital, where Sookhoo received prompt medical attention. Despite the ordeal, the family has decided not to press charges, opting instead for a compensation agreement with the dog’s owner. Sherry cited the slow judicial system as the primary reason for this decision, emphasizing the need to prioritize her husband’s recovery and the emotional well-being of their traumatized children. The incident has reignited concerns about dog attacks in the community, with Sherry urging measures to prevent such incidents in the future. The attack was reported to the Couva Police Station, and while legal action remains possible, the family’s focus remains on healing and moving forward.
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Hands in Unison donates over 250 care packages to hurricane-hit Trelawny communities
In a significant humanitarian effort, over 250 care packages were delivered to residents of the Martha Brae and Zion communities, as well as individuals at a shelter in Holland, Trelawny, Jamaica. This initiative was spearheaded by Hands in Unison, a local Christian-based humanitarian organization, as part of their ongoing relief efforts for families impacted by Hurricane Melissa. The packages included essential items such as food, water, and toiletries, providing much-needed support to those affected by the disaster. The project was led by CEO Ruth-Ann Pinnock and Projects Director Lorene Pinnock, aligning with the organization’s annual programs, including the ‘Dare to Care’ and Christmas gift initiatives. Lorene Pinnock emphasized the organization’s commitment to expanding their efforts, stating, ‘For Melissa relief, we aim to distribute 200 to 300 care packages and undertake roof repair projects in every parish we serve.’ Hands in Unison has pledged to complete 45 roof projects nationwide to help families rebuild stronger homes. The organization’s guiding principle, ‘Together We Can,’ underscores their collaborative approach, bringing together volunteers, corporate partners, and other organizations to create meaningful change. Ruth-Ann Pinnock expressed deep gratitude to the organization’s supporters for enabling the Trelawny outreach. The initiative not only provided immediate relief but also symbolized hope and resilience for the affected communities.
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Minister Zakour tours highway days after fatal crash
Transport and Civil Aviation Minister Eli Zakour spearheaded a critical safety assessment of the Solomon Hochoy Highway near the Corinth Overpass on November 11, just days after a tragic accident claimed the life of 32-year-old Arvin Williams. The fatal incident occurred on November 8 when Williams, driving his red Nissan Frontier, lost control near the Cipero Bridge, causing the vehicle to crash into the bridge’s walls and plummet 30 feet into a ditch below. Williams, who was en route home after dropping off a friend in Golconda, was pronounced dead at the scene. He was set to celebrate his 33rd birthday on November 11. The assessment tour, part of a broader multi-agency initiative to enhance road safety, included senior officials such as Chief Traffic Engineer Adande Piggott, Civil Engineer Sharaz Hosein, and Police Road Safety Project Co-ordinator Sgt Brent Batson. The team conducted a thorough evaluation of the site to identify necessary improvements and expedite corrective measures. The ministry reiterated its commitment to road safety through infrastructure upgrades, inter-agency collaboration, and public awareness campaigns. Recent efforts include the installation of new safety barriers along the San Fernando Hill roadway. Minister Zakour also expressed his condolences to Williams’ family, noting that the deceased was the son of Winston Williams, the newly appointed head of the Pan American Life Insurance Group for the Caribbean.
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Hurricane Melissa death toll in Jamaica rises to 45
KINGSTON, Jamaica — The Jamaican government has confirmed that the death toll from Hurricane Melissa has risen to 45, marking a devastating impact on the island nation. Senator Dr. Dana Morris Dixon, Minister of Education, Skills, Youth, and Information, disclosed the updated figures during a press conference on Tuesday morning. She emphasized that the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) and the Jamaica Defence Force (JDF) had thoroughly investigated and verified the fatalities as directly linked to the hurricane. The southwestern parish of St. Elizabeth bore the brunt of the disaster, accounting for 18 deaths, followed by Westmoreland with 15 fatalities. Other affected areas include St. James (6), Hanover (2), Trelawny (2), St. Ann (1), and Portland (1). Dr. Morris Dixon revealed that 33 post-mortem examinations have been completed, with additional autopsies pending. Expressing profound sorrow, she extended prayers to the grieving families, stating, ‘Those are 45 families that are hurting deeply. As we look at that number, we pray for those families and that God will comfort them.’
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Adventists help restore connection through Starlink
In the aftermath of Hurricane Melissa, a devastating Category 5 storm that left vast areas of Jamaica without internet or cellular services, the Seventh-day Adventist Church has taken a pivotal role in reconnecting communities. Leveraging Starlink satellite internet technology developed by SpaceX, the church has provided critical communication lifelines to affected regions. Supported by Moses International, a Belize-based Adventist missionary group, and Aerobridge, a U.S. relief agency, the initiative has deployed 10 Starlink systems across key locations, including Lucea, Sav-la-Mar, Black River, Junction, St Ann, Trelawny, and Montego Bay. These systems, equipped with long-range extenders, offer free internet access within a 50-foot radius, enabling individuals to reconnect with loved ones and access essential services. Pastor Glen O Samuels, President of the church’s western region, hailed the technology as a ‘blessing’ during this challenging period. The effort has been bolstered by international coordination, with Jeff Sutton, based in Belize and Atlanta, personally delivering equipment via private aircraft. Additional relief supplies, including generators, chainsaws, and medical resources, have been transported by Adventist World Aviation. Pastor Everett Brown, President of the Seventh-day Adventist Church in Jamaica, expressed gratitude for the support, emphasizing the equipment’s role in restoring communication for church leaders and communities alike.
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Man held after Tobago shooting incident
A man has been apprehended in connection with a shooting incident that occurred in Tobago on the morning of November 11. According to a release from the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service (TTPS), the incident unfolded around 6:15 am on Arnos Vale Road in Plymouth. The victim, who was at his workplace in Courland, Black Rock, was approached by an armed individual dressed in black. The suspect fired multiple shots at the victim, leading to a physical altercation before fleeing into nearby bushes. Law enforcement agencies, including officers from the Crown Point Police Station, swiftly responded to the scene. A silver Nissan Note car, matching the suspect’s description, was intercepted in the Black Rock area. The suspect was arrested, and a Glock pistol was confiscated. A coordinated operation led by ASP Bacchus, involving the Shirvan Road Police Station’s CID, the Inter-Agency Task Force (IATF), and the Crown Point Police Station, resulted in the recovery of a magazine from the bushy area near the scene. Later, a search of the suspect’s residence in Plymouth yielded six rounds of nine-millimetre calibre ammunition. The suspect remains in custody at the Shirvan Road Police Station as investigations, led by PC Lewis, continue.
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Assemblyman wants one month paternity leave for fathers
In a groundbreaking debate held by the Tobago House of Assembly (THA), Eddison Thomas, the stand-in representative for Mt St George/Goodwood, passionately called for the establishment of a one-month paternity leave policy for fathers. The debate, which took place on November 10, was part of the THA’s first Men’s Debate to commemorate International Men’s Day, observed on November 19. Thomas emphasized the need for Tobago to lead the way in recognizing the importance of paternity leave until it is enshrined in law. He also highlighted the broader issue of mental health challenges faced by men in Tobago, urging the THA to implement a sustainable, multi-sectoral programme to address these concerns. Thomas shared his personal experience of being denied paternity leave when his wife gave birth, underscoring the disparity between maternity and paternity benefits. He pointed out that while mothers receive 14 weeks of maternity leave, fathers are only recommended three days of leave. Thomas also criticized the National Insurance Board (NIB) for not providing paternity benefits, despite raising contributions to the National Insurance System (NIS) from January 1, 2026. He called on the NIB to extend a one-time paternity benefit of $3,750 to fathers and advised the THA to establish a men’s group to advocate for gender-related programmes.
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Electricity to be restored in Westmoreland, Hanover within two weeks — JPS
KINGSTON, Jamaica – In the wake of the extensive damage caused by Hurricane Melissa, the Jamaica Public Service (JPS) has pledged to restore electricity to the severely affected regions of Westmoreland and Hanover within the next two weeks. JPS CEO Hugh Grant announced this timeline during a press briefing on Tuesday, emphasizing that the company is not merely repairing but redesigning and rebuilding its infrastructure to withstand future challenges.
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St James residents urged to avoid unsafe routes
In the wake of Hurricane Melissa, Montego Bay Mayor Richard Vernon has issued a stern warning to residents of St James, urging them to avoid unsafe routes and adhere to the guidance of emergency personnel. Speaking at a follow-up meeting of the Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) held at the St James Municipal Corporation on Monday, Vernon emphasized that most roadways in the parish are now accessible, with the exception of Spring Mount and the route to Cambridge via Montpelier and Seven Rivers. ‘We strongly advise against attempting to cross Seven Rivers. The water levels remain high, and it is unsafe until authorities give the all-clear,’ he stated. To mitigate the challenges, work is underway at John’s Hall to establish an alternative route for communities typically accessed via Lottery. Vernon highlighted the coordinated efforts of key stakeholders, including the Jamaica Constabulary Force, Jamaica Fire Brigade, National Works Agency, and public health officials, in the ongoing recovery process. The focus remains on restoration, clean-up, and monitoring to restore normalcy. The mayor also praised residents for their cooperation and assured them of the government’s commitment to rebuilding their communities. The EOC continues to meet regularly to assess progress and provide updates on critical sectors such as infrastructure, sanitation, and public health.