In a significant breach of national security, a former civilian employee of the US Air Force has been sentenced to nearly six years in prison for sharing classified information on an online dating platform. David Slater, 64, a retired US Army lieutenant colonel, admitted in July to transmitting sensitive documents to an individual posing as a woman from Ukraine. At the time of the offense, Slater was stationed at the US Strategic Command in Nebraska, an entity responsible for nuclear deterrence. The leaked materials, some classified as ‘top secret,’ included critical details about the Ukraine conflict, such as military targets and Russian capabilities. On Wednesday, a federal judge in Nebraska imposed a 70-month prison term and a $25,000 fine on Slater, underscoring the gravity of his actions.
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Trials likely after mediation fail
A Montego Bay man, Melbourne Forrester, is set to face trial after mediation efforts in a domestic violence case collapsed. Forrester, charged with unlawful wounding, allegedly struck his stepdaughter on the head with a pot during a heated argument, leaving her with a wound that required stitches. The incident escalated when Forrester reportedly brandished a knife, threatening to stab her, and later hurled stones, causing further injuries. A neighbor alerted the police, leading to Forrester’s arrest. Initially, Judge Natiesha Fairclough-Hylton referred the case to mediation and restorative justice, but the process failed to yield a resolution. With the necessary medical certificate still pending, the judge scheduled a case management hearing for October 16 and extended Forrester’s bail. Meanwhile, tensions ran high in the St James Parish Court as another complex cross-case involving Angella Reid, Oshane McIntosh, and Ann Lawrence also saw mediation fail. Reid is accused of unlawful wounding against McIntosh, while McIntosh and Lawrence face charges of assault occasioning bodily harm against Reid. The court has set the next mention date for October 28, with all defendants’ bail extended.
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Forex: $161.61 to one US dollar
KINGSTON, Jamaica — The US dollar demonstrated a slight upward trend in Jamaica’s foreign exchange market on Wednesday, October 8, closing at $161.61, marking a modest increase of five cents compared to the previous day. This data was reported in the Bank of Jamaica’s daily exchange trading summary. In contrast, the Canadian dollar experienced a decline, ending the day at $116.06, down from its previous close of $116.35. Similarly, the British pound also saw a dip, settling at $215.80, a decrease from $216.31. These fluctuations highlight the dynamic nature of currency markets and the varying performance of major global currencies in Jamaica’s financial landscape.
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Connecticut man charged for murdering parents
A tragic domestic violence incident in Waterbury, Connecticut, has resulted in the arrest of a 25-year-old man for the alleged murder of his parents. The victims, identified as 51-year-old Carlene Williams and 55-year-old Marc Adams, were found with fatal gunshot wounds at their Beverly Avenue residence on Monday evening. Authorities were alerted to the scene, where the couple was pronounced dead. The suspect, Javan Adams, has been charged with multiple offenses, including murder with special circumstances, murder during the commission of a felony, larceny of a vehicle, and criminal use of a weapon. Javan is currently held on a $5 million bond and is scheduled to appear in court on Wednesday. Reports indicate that the suspect has a lengthy criminal history, with over seven prior domestic violence offenses, underscoring the severity of the case. The incident has reignited concerns about domestic violence and its devastating consequences.
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Samuel K Golden preaches ‘Love and Sweetness’ through poetry and music
Samuel K Golden, a poet-turned-musician, is carving a unique niche in the world of art with his deeply personal and heartfelt creations. His latest release, ‘Countdown to Our Time,’ marks the beginning of his EP titled ‘Footsteps: Love and Sweetness.’ This project is a testament to his belief that art, when rooted in authenticity and delivered with an honest inner voice, can leave a lasting impact on audiences long after the artist is gone. Golden’s journey into music was inspired by his romantic poetry, which he has now transformed into melodic expressions of love. His work has garnered excitement from both fans and industry insiders, drawn to the soothing sound and tender messages of his compositions. In a world marred by conflict, division, and instability, Golden’s philosophy is simple yet profound: love conquers all. He describes his artistic vision as a ‘lake of love,’ where art is seen as a contribution to humanity rather than a commodity. ‘I believe there is still sweetness in the world. I would like to think my poetic music adds to the lake of love,’ he shared. Golden’s creative process involves turning written words into living, breathing songs, a transformation made possible with the help of his talented production team, including Michael Winters, Clifford Coats, and Roger Rodriguez. With years of experience writing love poems, Golden has published two poetry collections, and his debut album shares the name of his second book. Balancing his artistic pursuits with a full-time job, Golden has honed his craft through open mic nights at local venues in Washington, D.C. Now, he is poised to take the next step in promoting his introspective album, each track meticulously crafted with patience and precision. While he labels his sound as ‘alternative,’ it defies simple categorization, embodying a rich tapestry of emotions and experiences. For Golden, music is more than a passion—it’s a way to connect with others and spread joy. ‘Making music helps me feel whole. Bringing love to others and seeing their joy is next level for me,’ he said.
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KSAMC pledges support to Trafalgar Park flood victims
In response to severe flooding in Trafalgar Park, St Andrew, caused by heavy rainfall in September, the Kingston and St Andrew Municipal Corporation (KSAMC) has committed to assisting affected residents. During a recent visit to the area, Terry Forrester, the parish disaster coordinator at KSAMC, assured residents that the corporation, in collaboration with partner agencies, would provide essential comfort items to those impacted. Forrester emphasized the role of the welfare health committee in coordinating these efforts.
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Jamaica looks to host matches in 2031 FIFA Women’s World Cup
Jamaica is poised to make history by potentially hosting matches during the 2031 FIFA Women’s World Cup, which will be jointly staged in the United States and Mexico. Michael Ricketts, President of the Jamaica Football Federation (JFF), confirmed the island’s bid during an interview with Observer Online, revealing that an official announcement will be made in New York on October 20. This development underscores Jamaica’s growing influence in international football, particularly in women’s sports. Ricketts highlighted the remarkable progress of the Reggae Girlz, Jamaica’s national senior women’s team, which rose from a 119th global ranking to the top 40 under his leadership. The team has qualified for the FIFA Women’s World Cup in 2019 and 2023, with their 2023 campaign marking a historic advancement to the Round of 16. The bid is supported by the Jamaican government and aligns with plans to renovate the National Stadium in Kingston by 2029. The upgrades will include enhanced facilities, increased seating capacity, and improved accessibility for all spectators. If successful, Jamaica would become the first Caribbean nation to host a senior World Cup match, further cementing its legacy in global football.
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Taxi operator charged in connection with vendor’s murder
In a tragic incident that has shaken the community of Kingston, Jamaica, a 44-year-old taxi operator, Damion Taylor, also known as “Fiyah,” has been formally charged in connection with the fatal shooting of 46-year-old vendor Walata Brown. The incident occurred on Sunday, September 28, at Brown’s residence on Oxford Street. Taylor faces multiple charges, including murder, conspiracy to murder, possession of a prohibited weapon, unauthorized possession of ammunition, and using a firearm to commit a felony. According to reports from the Denham Town police, the events unfolded around 4:25 pm when Taylor allegedly drove a white Toyota Probox to Brown’s gate. An armed individual exited the vehicle, approached Brown, and opened fire before fleeing in the waiting car. Brown sustained fatal gunshot wounds to the head and was pronounced dead at the hospital. The investigation gained momentum after detectives reviewed footage from JamaicaEye, the island’s CCTV network, leading them to St Thomas on October 7. The vehicle believed to have been used in the attack was seized, and Taylor was apprehended. Following a caution statement and a question-and-answer session conducted in the presence of his attorney, Taylor was formally charged later that day. A court date is currently being finalized as the community awaits justice for the senseless act of violence.
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US Embassy warns against travelling while pregnant for birthright citizenship
KINGSTON, Jamaica — The US Embassy in Kingston has issued a stern warning to women considering traveling to the United States primarily to give birth and secure US citizenship for their children. This practice, commonly referred to as ‘birth tourism,’ has been explicitly labeled as impermissible under US visa regulations. The embassy emphasized its stance in an Instagram post on Wednesday, stating, ‘Using your visa to travel for the primary purpose of giving birth in the United States so that your child will have US citizenship is not permitted.’ The post further cautioned that consular officers are authorized to reject visa applications if they suspect such intentions. This advisory underscores the US government’s efforts to curb misuse of its immigration policies and ensure that visas are used for their intended purposes. The move aligns with broader measures to address concerns over immigration and citizenship practices.
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JUTC confirms driver found unresponsive in ditch has died
ST CATHERINE, Jamaica — A tragic incident unfolded on Wednesday when a Jamaica Urban Transit Company Limited (JUTC) bus driver lost his life after his vehicle veered off the road and plunged into a ditch. The accident occurred in the Dunbeholden area of St Catherine, marking a somber day for the transportation company and the local community. According to initial reports, a police officer discovered the bus off the Salt Pond roadway, with the driver unresponsive. Immediate assistance was provided, and the driver was rushed to Spanish Town Hospital, where he was pronounced dead. Authorities confirmed to Observer Online that the 39-year-old driver succumbed to injuries sustained in the crash. Notably, the bus was empty at the time of the accident, averting further casualties. The JUTC has extended heartfelt condolences to the driver’s family and announced plans to offer grief counseling to his colleagues during this difficult time.
