分类： society

A severe traffic accident occurred on Spur Tree Hill in Manchester, Jamaica, late Wednesday night, leaving one driver hospitalized. According to preliminary reports, the incident involved a Toyota Wish and a sand-laden truck. The driver of the Toyota, attempting to overtake the truck on a downhill stretch, reportedly swerved to avoid an oncoming vehicle, resulting in a collision with the back of the truck. The truck, heavily loaded with sand, did not stop at the scene. Police speculate that the truck driver may have been unaware of the crash due to the vehicle’s weight and load. Investigations are ongoing to determine the exact circumstances of the accident.

A severe two-vehicle accident occurred on the Winston Jones Highway near Marshall’s Pen in Mandeville, Jamaica, early Thursday morning, leaving two individuals injured. The incident took place around 7:49 am when a Honda Vezel and a Honda Grace, traveling in opposite directions, collided. According to eyewitnesses, the Vezel was attempting to overtake other vehicles when it crashed into the Grace. The impact forced the Vezel off the road, causing it to spin out of control. A female passenger in the Grace sustained serious injuries and was rushed to the hospital for immediate medical attention. Meanwhile, the driver of the Vezel was trapped inside his vehicle. A local resident from Marshall’s Pen intervened, using a crowbar to pry open the jammed door and free the driver. A nurse on the scene provided first aid before the driver was transported to the hospital shortly after 8:00 am. Emergency services, including police and firefighters, responded promptly to manage the situation and clear the roadway to restore normal traffic flow.

KINGSTON, Jamaica — A 35-year-old taxi operator, Andre Catnott from Longwall, Stony Hill, has been formally charged with the trafficking of a 16-year-old girl. The case, which has drawn significant attention, underscores the ongoing issue of human trafficking in the region. According to law enforcement officials, Catnott allegedly exploited the teenager after she ran away from home in November 2024. Posing as a driver for a ride-share company, he reportedly offered her a modeling job at his massage business, only to coerce her into engaging in sexual acts with clients for financial gain. Catnott is accused of managing these transactions and profiting from the exploitation. The teenager was eventually located by a family member in February 2025, leading to a formal police investigation. On September 17, officers from the Jamaica Constabulary Force’s Counter-Terrorism and Organised Crime Investigation Branch (C-TOC) executed a raid on Catnott’s residence, resulting in his arrest. Acting Senior Superintendent Victor Barrett of C-TOC emphasized the force’s commitment to safeguarding vulnerable individuals, stating, ‘The Jamaica Constabulary Force is working tirelessly to locate and arrest those who exploit children and prey on the most vulnerable in our country.’ Catnott was formally charged on September 22 and is set to appear in the Kingston and St Andrew Parish Court on September 26, 2025. Authorities are continuing their investigation to identify and apprehend additional individuals involved in the operation. The public is encouraged to report any information related to human trafficking or organized crime to C-TOC at 876-967-1389, the National Intelligence Bureau at 811, Crime Stop at 311, or their nearest police station.

KINGSTON, Jamaica — Authorities have implemented a stringent 48-hour curfew across specific areas within the Kingston Western Police Division. The curfew commenced at 6:00 pm on Thursday, September 25, and is scheduled to conclude at 6:00 pm on Saturday, September 27. The designated boundaries encompass a significant portion of the region, stretching from the Kingston Harbour at Greenwich Farm Fishing Village to Ocean Boulevard near the Kingston Craft Market in the south. To the west, the curfew zone extends along an imaginary line from the Kingston Harbour through East Avenue and Maxfield Avenue, reaching the intersection of Rousseau Road. The northern boundary follows Rousseau Road from Maxfield Avenue to Lyndhurst Road, while the eastern perimeter traces Lyndhurst Road, Studio One Boulevard, Slipe Road, Orange Street, North Street, Princess Street, West Queens Street, West Street, Harbour Street, and Ocean Boulevard, ultimately returning to the Kingston Harbour. Residents within these boundaries are mandated to remain indoors during curfew hours unless granted explicit permission by the ground commander. This measure aims to enhance public safety and maintain order in the affected areas.

KINGSTON, Jamaica — The Miss Universe Jamaica Organization has expressed profound sorrow over the untimely death of Tyra Spaulding, a cherished finalist in the 2023 competition. The 26-year-old accountant was discovered at her residence on Tuesday evening, hanging from her bed frame with a pink curtain around her neck. Authorities are currently investigating the incident as a suspected suicide. In a heartfelt statement released on Thursday, the organization described Spaulding as more than just a contestant, highlighting her vibrant personality, intelligence, and inspiring nature. ‘Tyra’s grace and spirit left an indelible mark on everyone she encountered,’ the statement read. The organization, along with reigning Miss Universe Jamaica, Dr. Gabrielle Henry, and National Directors Mark McDermoth and Karl Williams, extended their deepest sympathies to her family, friends, and loved ones. ‘We join them in mourning her loss and celebrating her extraordinary life and legacy. May she find eternal peace,’ the statement concluded. Spaulding was also known for her advocacy in mental health and suicide prevention, adding a poignant layer to this tragic event.

KINGSTON, Jamaica — The Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) has escalated its efforts to capture Courtney Ashley, alias ‘Bloodstain,’ the alleged leader of the Bottom Marverly Gang. Ashley, 40, is wanted for his involvement in multiple violent crimes, including murder and assault. His last known residence is Abby Close, Leas Flat, Red Hills in St Andrew.

KINGSTON, Jamaica — A 35-year-old taxi operator, Andre Catnott from Longwall, Stony Hill, has been formally charged with the trafficking of a 16-year-old girl. The case has drawn significant attention to the issue of human exploitation in the region. According to police reports, Catnott, who was working as a driver for a ride-share company in November 2024, encountered the teenager during one of his trips. Upon learning that she had run away from home, he allegedly offered her a modeling job at his massage company. This offer, however, turned out to be a ruse for exploitation. After exchanging contact information, the girl was reportedly coerced into performing sexual acts for money with various clients in the corporate area, with Catnott allegedly collecting the proceeds. The situation came to light in February 2025 when a family member located the teenager and reported the matter to the police, initiating an investigation. On September 17, officers from the Jamaica Constabulary Force’s Counter-Terrorism and Organised Crime Investigation Branch (C-TOC) conducted a raid at Catnott’s residence, leading to his arrest. Acting Senior Superintendent of Police Victor Barrett emphasized the JCF’s commitment to safeguarding vulnerable individuals. ‘The Jamaica Constabulary Force is working tirelessly to locate and arrest individuals who exploit children and prey on the most vulnerable in our country,’ Barrett stated. ‘Public support and information on these individuals are crucial to our investigations; they must be brought to justice.’ The police have indicated that investigations into Catnott’s operations are ongoing, with efforts to identify and apprehend other individuals involved. Catnott was formally charged on Monday, September 22, and is scheduled to appear before the Kingston and St Andrew Parish Court on Friday, September 26, 2025. Authorities are urging members of the public with information about human trafficking or other organized crimes to contact C-TOC at 876-967-1389, the National Intelligence Bureau at 811, Crime Stop at 311, or their nearest police station.

KINGSTON, Jamaica — Jamalco, in collaboration with the HEART/NSTA Trust, has introduced a comprehensive heavy-duty equipment training programme at the Wembley Centre of Excellence. This initiative aims to equip residents from surrounding communities with essential skills in this specialized field, fostering both personal and professional growth. The programme’s launch attracted approximately 130 participants from Jamalco’s seven council areas, highlighting the community’s enthusiasm for this opportunity. Scheduled to commence on Monday, September 29, the three-month course will integrate theoretical knowledge with practical training. The latter will be conducted in partnership with Jamalco’s contractors, ensuring trainees gain valuable hands-on experience in real-world scenarios. Certified HEART/NSTA Trust instructors, alongside Jamalco’s Mobile Equipment Instructor, Nigel Braham, will lead the sessions using a blend of classroom instruction, online learning, and simulated environments. This approach is designed to build participants’ confidence and competence before they transition to live operations. During the launch event, Managing Director Marvin Jackson emphasized the transformative potential of the programme, urging participants to fully embrace the opportunity. He stated, ‘We view the communities around our operations not merely as neighbours but as partners in our journey. It is both our responsibility and privilege to invest in initiatives that empower individuals, strengthen families, and build capacity for the future.’ Jackson also stressed the importance of discipline, commitment, and a drive for excellence as key factors for success. Jamalco extended its gratitude to the HEART/NSTA Trust, community leaders, and other stakeholders for their support in bringing this initiative to fruition. The company reiterated its dedication to workforce development and its ongoing efforts to create stronger, more resilient communities through such impactful programmes.

Last Friday, the Corporate Area of Jamaica was hit by torrential rains described by climate change and extreme rainfall specialist Dr. Christopher Burgess as an ‘extreme’ weather event. Data from privately owned automatic weather stations indicated that the rainfall represented a ’50-to-100-year return period event,’ making it both rare and severe due to its duration. The downpour, which began around 4:30 pm on September 19, caused widespread flooding, immobilizing motorists, inundating homes, and leaving a trail of debris and devastation. The rains subsided after 8:00 pm, but the damage was already significant. Dr. Burgess, a registered professional and civil engineer with expertise in environmental and coastal engineering, identified New Kingston, Cross Roads, and Cherry Gardens as the ‘epicenter of the weather event.’ He emphasized, ‘There is no doubt that the rainfall was extreme.’ The Meteorological Services of Jamaica reported rainfall amounts from various stations, including 39.1 mm in three hours at Kingston College, 68 mm in two hours at Mona Reservoir, and 75.6 mm in two hours at Shortwood Teachers’ College. However, the Mico University station in Cross Roads went offline during the storm. Climate Services Manager Jacqueline Spence-Hemmings noted that the rainfall was significant, with Mona receiving 68 mm in two hours, nearly half of the 30-year mean rainfall for September. She highlighted the intensity of the event, stating, ‘You got almost half of what’s expected in a month in about an hour and a half.’ Dr. Burgess pointed out that privately owned stations recorded higher rainfall levels than the Meteorological Services, suggesting the event was even more extreme. Meanwhile, Professor Carol Archer of the University of Technology warned that such flooding will persist unless Jamaica overhauls its rainwater infrastructure and enforces existing legislation. She stressed the need for updated regulations and enforcement to prevent improper development. The Meteorological Services also forecasted scattered showers and thunderstorms across most parishes in the coming days, underscoring the ongoing risk of extreme weather.