In a significant development in the tragic case of 13-year-old Shantina Sergeant, her father, Lawrence Sergeant, has been apprehended by law enforcement. The arrest occurred on Friday afternoon in Old Harbour, St Catherine, between 3:30 pm and 4:00 pm, following an intensive manhunt. Authorities had earlier identified Lawrence as a person of interest in connection with the murder of his daughter, whose charred remains were discovered on Monday behind their family home. The grim scene included a burnt-out refrigerator and zinc sheets, adding to the chilling nature of the crime. The arrest marks a crucial step in the ongoing investigation, as police continue to piece together the circumstances surrounding this heartbreaking incident.
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Smaller Chinese workforce triggers delay concerns for Western Children and Adolescent Hospital
MONTEGO BAY, St James — Dr Christopher Tufton, Jamaica’s Health and Wellness Minister, has expressed growing concerns regarding the downsizing of the Chinese workforce involved in the construction of the Western Children and Adolescent Hospital (WCAH) in St James. The reduction in labor has raised questions about the project’s timely completion, particularly after Chinese workers withdrew their services last month due to unresolved payment issues.
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Trump issues order to pay military as shutdown drags on
In a significant move amid the ongoing government shutdown, President Donald Trump announced on Saturday that he has directed the Pentagon to ensure military personnel receive their paychecks next week. The shutdown, now in its second week, has left many civil servants working without salaries. Trump took to his Truth Social platform to declare that he instructed Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth to utilize all available funds to ensure troops are paid by October 15th. He also reiterated his criticism of Democrats, accusing them of jeopardizing national security by prolonging the shutdown. The impasse stems from Senate Democrats repeatedly blocking a Republican resolution to reopen federal agencies after the September 30 funding deadline. A key point of contention is the Republicans’ refusal to include provisions addressing expiring health insurance subsidies for 24 million Americans. Consequently, hundreds of thousands of government workers have been furloughed or forced to work without pay. Notably, 1.3 million active-duty military personnel were at risk of missing their scheduled pay on October 15th—a situation unprecedented in modern history. Meanwhile, the White House announced plans to lay off approximately 4,000 federal workers across various agencies, intensifying pressure on Democrats to resolve the shutdown, which has severely disrupted public services.
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Jamaicans urged not to abandon homeless relatives
KINGSTON, Jamaica — Desmond McKenzie, Minister of Local Government and Community Development, has urged families to take responsibility for their homeless relatives rather than abandoning them on the streets. Speaking at the Kingston and St Andrew Municipal Corporation’s (KSAMC) Wellness in the Park event on World Homeless Day (October 10), McKenzie emphasized the need for a cultural shift toward personal accountability. The event, held at St William Grant Park in downtown Kingston, was organized in partnership with the Ministry of Health and Wellness. McKenzie highlighted that many homeless individuals were once part of stable households but were left vulnerable due to various circumstances. He warned that the Government would take decisive action against those who continue to neglect their family members. As part of its ongoing efforts to address homelessness, the Government plans to construct 14 homeless shelters across Jamaica in collaboration with the National Housing Trust. McKenzie noted that these shelters, to be built in every parish during the new financial year, aim to provide care and rehabilitation for vulnerable populations. He also shared that the Government’s initiatives have already yielded positive outcomes, with many individuals from shelters being reunited with their families and securing meaningful employment. Additionally, the Government is enhancing mental health services by training psychiatric assistants within the local government system. McKenzie stressed that while the Government is expanding facilities and support systems, lasting progress requires collective responsibility from all sectors of society. ‘It cannot be for government alone. It cannot be for the private sector and others to support it when people abandon their families,’ he asserted.
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Legendary actress Diane Keaton has died
KINGSTON, Jamaica — The entertainment world mourns the loss of Diane Keaton, the legendary actress who passed away in California at the age of 79, as confirmed by PEOPLE magazine. A spokesperson for the family has requested privacy during this difficult time, and no further details about her death have been disclosed. Keaton’s illustrious career began in the 1970s with her iconic role as Kay Adams-Corleone in The Godfather trilogy, which catapulted her to global stardom. She further solidified her place in cinematic history through her collaborations with director Woody Allen, particularly her unforgettable performance in the 1977 romantic comedy Annie Hall, which earned her the Academy Award for Best Actress. Over her five-decade-long career, Keaton became synonymous with unique style, sharp humor, and versatile acting, starring in acclaimed films such as Manhattan, Reds, Something’s Gotta Give, and Marvin’s Room. Her contributions to the film industry garnered numerous award nominations and cemented her legacy as one of Hollywood’s most cherished and distinctive stars.
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Roman Catholics mark Jubilee of Hope
The Catholic community in Trinidad and Tobago is currently immersed in the Jubilee of Hope, a three-day festival running from October 10 to 12 at the Centre of Excellence in Macoya. The event, themed ‘Hope in Christ,’ underscores the Jubilee Year’s message of renewal, reconciliation, and the church’s mission to spread hope. The festivities began with a Eucharistic procession from St Charles RC Church in Tunapuna to the Centre of Excellence, symbolizing unity and faith. Archbishop Jason Gordon, addressing the attendees, emphasized the importance of charity, urging participants to bring non-perishable items for distribution to the less fortunate. ‘This act of giving is a beautiful reflection of who we are as Catholics,’ Gordon remarked. The event also saw the presence of notable figures, including government ministers Barry Padarath, Kennedy Swaratsingh, and Vandana Mohit, as well as Opposition Leader Pennelope Beckles, who joined the celebrations on October 11. The Eucharistic presence remains at the Centre of Excellence throughout the festival, serving as a focal point for worship and community gathering. The Jubilee of Hope not only celebrates faith but also reinforces the church’s commitment to social responsibility and communal support.
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Henry, Spicer filled with pride after scoring maiden Trinidad and Tobago goals
In a commanding performance, Trinidad and Tobago secured a 3-0 victory against Bermuda in the FIFA 2026 World Cup qualifier at the Bermuda National Stadium on October 10. The match marked a significant milestone for two of Trinidad and Tobago’s rising stars, Tyrese Spicer and Kobi Henry, who both scored their first international goals. Spicer, a dynamic winger, netted the second goal in the 30th minute after dispossessing Bermuda’s Justin Donawa, while Henry, a central defender, sealed the win with a goal in the 49th minute. Dante Sealy had earlier opened the scoring, with his free-kick saved but leading to Henry’s decisive strike. Both Spicer and Henry have quickly become integral to the team since their debuts earlier this year. Spicer, 24, has been a consistent threat on the left flank, while Henry, 21, has impressed with his defensive prowess and composure. The victory lifted Trinidad and Tobago to four points in Group B of the Concacaf final round, trailing behind leaders Curacao, who defeated Jamaica 2-0 on the same day. Looking ahead, Spicer emphasized the importance of their upcoming match against Curacao on October 14, describing it as a ‘massive game’ that will test their resolve. Henry echoed this sentiment, expressing confidence in the team’s ability to handle high-pressure situations. The win not only bolstered Trinidad and Tobago’s World Cup qualifying campaign but also showcased the emergence of a new generation of talent ready to make their mark on the international stage.
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Cops seize guns, drugs, ammo in north and south operations
In a series of coordinated anti-crime operations across Trinidad, law enforcement agencies have successfully seized illegal firearms, ammunition, and narcotics, marking a significant step in curbing criminal activities. The operations, conducted under the banner of ‘Operation Steadfast,’ targeted high-risk areas and known offenders in the Southern Division, while highway patrol officers in the north-east also made critical arrests.
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MPower hosts groundbreaking wellness event to empower Jamaican women ahead of World Menopause Day
In anticipation of World Menopause Day on October 18, MPower, a Jamaican women-led advocacy group, is set to host an empowering event titled ‘MPower Yourself.’ Scheduled for Saturday, October 11, at 5:30 PM at the Scotiabank Corporate Learning Centre in Kingston, the evening will focus on education, storytelling, and community connection for women experiencing perimenopause and menopause. The event will feature the screening of the internationally acclaimed documentary *The M Factor*, which delves into the physical, emotional, and professional challenges women face during menopause, including hot flashes, anxiety, weight changes, and workplace stigma. The film includes expert commentary from renowned medical professionals such as Dr. Sharon Malone, Dr. Mary Jane Minkin (Yale), Dr. Wen Shen (Johns Hopkins), and Dr. Stephanie Faubion (Mayo Clinic and The Menopause Society), with a particular focus on the unique experiences of women of colour. Following the screening, attendees will engage in a live Q&A session with a panel of women’s health specialists, including Dr. Kudzai Dombo, Dr. Dainia Baugh, and Dr. Michelle Bailey, who will address culturally relevant insights and critical health issues related to menopause. MPower, co-founded by Sacha Chung, Jodi Mair, and entrepreneurs Elena Diedrick-Lynch and Leisha Wong, aims to reshape the conversation around menopause in the Caribbean, emphasizing education, support, and empowerment. The event is sponsored by companies committed to holistic wellness and women’s empowerment, including Chop’d, WATA, and Pure Country Juices.
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Broken-down trailer slows traffic on Winston Jones Highway
MANCHESTER, Jamaica — Commuters traveling along the Winston Jones Highway near Russell Place are experiencing disruptions due to a trailer breakdown that has partially blocked the roadway. The incident has forced traffic to merge into a single lane, prompting authorities to advise drivers to exercise caution and follow the directions of traffic personnel on site. The trailer in question was reportedly involved in a tragic three-vehicle collision earlier today, which claimed two lives. Emergency services are working diligently to remove the trailer and restore full access to the highway as quickly as possible. This incident underscores the importance of road safety and the need for swift response mechanisms to mitigate such disruptions.