Kemar Riley, one of four individuals convicted in December 2019 for the brutal 2011 murders of 18-year-old Joeith Lynch and her 40-year-old mother Charmaine Rattray in Lauriston, St. Catherine, has filed an appeal against his conviction and life sentence. Riley, who was 29 at the time of his conviction, has consistently denied involvement in the killings, which involved beheading and extreme violence. He was sentenced to life imprisonment with hard labor, requiring him to serve a minimum of 52 years before parole eligibility. The case, initially scheduled for a hearing during the Michaelmas Term, was adjourned after Riley’s attorney, Obiko Gordon, requested time to consult with his client. Subsequently, the court indicated that a new attorney would be assigned to handle the appeal. The prosecution’s case hinged on the testimony of a star witness who claimed Riley confessed to participating in the murders while in custody. Riley, however, maintains his innocence, stating he had no prior knowledge of the crime or the alleged confession. The murders, described by Justice Vivene Harris as acts of terror, were reportedly ordered by the Klansman Gang, targeting the victims as alleged informers. The case has left a lasting impact on the Lauriston community, with Justice Harris emphasizing the heinous nature of the crimes in her sentencing remarks.
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Police push back
The Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) has reaffirmed its stance that every fatal encounter involving its officers is deeply regrettable. In a recent statement, the JCF announced the imminent arrival of 1,000 body-worn cameras, marking a significant step toward enhancing transparency and accountability in law enforcement. This development follows the fatal shooting of Jamar Farquharson on September 15 in Clarendon, an incident the JCF described as ‘most unfortunate.’ The JCF emphasized that an independent investigation will determine the facts surrounding the case and extended condolences to Farquharson’s family and friends. The statement was issued shortly after the Independent Commission of Investigations (Indecom) reported four fatal police shootings in three separate incidents, bringing the total number of fatalities by security forces this year to 232—a 70% increase compared to the same period last year. Indecom highlighted that September alone has seen 20 fatal shootings by security forces, marking the 10th consecutive month with such high numbers. The latest incidents occurred in St Catherine and St Andrew, with two men identified as Malachi McLean and Nickoy Nelson among the victims. Indecom noted that at least two of the three incidents stemmed from planned police operations, none of which involved body-worn cameras. The investigative body urged citizens to share any relevant information, photos, or videos to aid in their inquiries. The JCF defended its position on body-worn cameras, stating that the procurement process for 1,000 devices is complete and delivery is expected soon. However, the force emphasized that operational decisions regarding their use remain within its jurisdiction, not Indecom’s. The debate over fatal police shootings has intensified following Farquharson’s death, with viral video footage raising questions about the police’s account of the incident. Indecom also revealed that Farquharson’s name was not on the search warrant used to enter his home, further fueling calls for accountability and the widespread deployment of body-worn cameras.
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US to deport Haitian for engaging in ‘campaign of violence, gang support’
The United States government has initiated steps to deport a Haitian national accused of orchestrating a campaign of violence and supporting gang activities, according to US Secretary of State Marco Rubio. The individual, whose identity remains undisclosed, is alleged to have undermined US foreign policy objectives and posed a threat to national security. Rubio emphasized that the Department of State has determined the individual’s presence in the US could have severe adverse consequences for foreign policy. Under the Immigration and Naturalization Act, the Department of Homeland Security will proceed with removal charges. Rubio stated, ‘The era of impunity in Haiti is over. This action reflects the Trump administration’s commitment to safeguarding American citizens, advancing national security, and promoting regional stability.’ Earlier this week, the US Department of State also publicly designated two former Haitian officials, Arnel Belizaire and Antonio Cheramy, for their involvement in significant corruption during their tenure. These designations render them and their immediate family members ineligible for entry into the US. Principal Deputy Spokesperson Thomas Pigott highlighted that their corrupt actions destabilized Haiti’s institutions, adversely affecting US national interests. These measures underscore the US government’s dedication to holding individuals accountable for undermining Haiti’s stability.
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UN identifies 158 firms linked to Israeli settlements
The United Nations has unveiled an updated version of its contentious database detailing companies engaged in activities within Israeli settlements. Released on Friday, the list now includes 158 firms from 11 countries, with major corporations such as Airbnb, Booking.com, Motorola Solutions, and Trip Advisor retaining their positions. However, several companies, including Alstom and Opodo, have been removed from the non-exhaustive database. The majority of the listed companies are based in Israel, with others hailing from Canada, China, France, Germany, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Portugal, Spain, the United Kingdom, and the United States. The UN report urges these companies to address the adverse human rights impacts associated with their operations. UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Turk has condemned Israel’s settlement policies in the occupied West Bank as a war crime, emphasizing the responsibility of businesses to ensure their activities do not contribute to human rights abuses. The database, initially created in 2020 in response to a Human Rights Council resolution, has faced significant criticism from Israel and its allies, including the United States. The latest update introduces 68 new companies while removing seven that are no longer involved in the specified activities. The UN has clarified that the listing process is not judicial or quasi-judicial, but the initiative remains highly contentious.
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Trump labels indicted ex-FBI chief Comey ‘dirty cop’
In a dramatic escalation of his campaign against perceived adversaries, former US President Donald Trump has publicly labeled James Comey, the former FBI director, as ‘a dirty cop.’ This accusation follows Comey’s indictment on two criminal counts related to the investigation into Russian interference in the 2016 presidential election, which Trump won. The charges, announced on Thursday, include making false statements and obstruction of justice. Trump’s inflammatory remarks were made on his Truth Social platform, where he accused Comey of longstanding misconduct. The indictment comes shortly after Trump urged Attorney General Pam Bondi to take action against Comey and other political foes, a move that critics argue undermines the independence of the Justice Department. This marks the latest and most significant instance of Trump’s aggressive targeting of opponents during his second term. In response, Comey, in a video posted on Instagram, denied any wrongdoing and stated, ‘I’m not afraid.’ If convicted, Comey could face up to five years in prison, according to federal prosecutor Lindsey Halligan, a Trump appointee with no prior prosecutorial experience. Trump’s relationship with Comey has been fraught since 2017, when he fired Comey amid the Russia probe. Comey has since been a vocal critic of Trump’s alleged use of the justice system for political purposes. Trump’s return to power this year has seen him swiftly leverage his authority to challenge the legitimacy of the 2016 election investigation, reigniting debates over Russian interference and his own ties to Moscow.
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Chelsea’s Palmer sidelined with groin injury
Chelsea midfielder Cole Palmer is expected to remain out of action until after next month’s international break, as manager Enzo Maresca confirmed on Friday. The decision aims to allow the 23-year-old England international sufficient time to recover from a persistent groin injury. Palmer was forced off during the first half of Chelsea’s 2-1 Premier League defeat to Manchester United last week, marking the team’s first loss of the season. This injury had previously kept him sidelined for matches against West Ham and Fulham. Maresca emphasized the club’s cautious approach, stating, ‘We decided to rest him for the next two or three weeks, probably until the international break, to ensure he can recover fully and return to peak fitness.’ While the injury does not require surgery, the manager acknowledged the need to manage Palmer’s discomfort carefully. ‘It’s just a matter of managing his pain in the groin, which can occur with the frequency of games,’ Maresca explained. Chelsea faces a busy schedule with upcoming matches against Brighton, Benfica, and Liverpool, followed by a two-week international break. Meanwhile, defender Tosin Adarabioyo is also expected to miss action until the break due to a calf injury, and Wesley Fofana is recovering from a concussion sustained in Chelsea’s League Cup win over Lincoln. The team’s goalkeeping situation has also drawn attention after Robert Sanchez’s red card in the Manchester United match and Filip Jorgensen’s underwhelming performance against Lincoln. However, Maresca expressed confidence in both goalkeepers, stating, ‘We are happy with Robert and Filip. Mistakes happen, but they remain valuable to the team.’
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Stush in the Bush named among North America’s 50 Best Restaurants
Jamaica’s culinary scene has achieved a remarkable milestone as ‘Stush in the Bush,’ a unique farm-to-table restaurant located in St. Ann, has been recognized among North America’s 50 Best Restaurants. Owned by Lisa and Christopher Binns, the establishment secured the 49th spot on the prestigious list, which was unveiled during a glamorous awards ceremony in Las Vegas on Thursday night. The top honors went to New York’s Atomix, followed by Mon Lapin, Restaurant Pearl Morissette, Smyth, and Tanière 3, all of which are based in Canada. ‘Stush in the Bush’ has carved a niche for itself with its immersive dining experience, offering a tantalizing array of plant-based dishes. Signature items include crispy plantain and hot pink dasheen chips, zero-waste almond and pumpkin hummus, calulu dip, and accras with remoulade and cho cho ceviche. This recognition not only highlights the restaurant’s innovative approach to cuisine but also underscores Jamaica’s growing influence in the global culinary landscape.
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Central Avenue to be closed this weekend to vehicular traffic
KINGSTON, Jamaica — The National Works Agency (NWA) has announced a temporary closure of Central Avenue in St Andrew to carry out critical drainage improvement works. The road will be shut down for 10 hours each day on Saturday and Sunday, from 8:00 am to 6:00 pm. Central Avenue, a vital thoroughfare connecting Constant Spring Road to West Avenue and providing access to Queens High School, will be inaccessible to vehicular traffic during this period. Residents needing to access their properties will be permitted entry via West Avenue. Stephen Shaw, Manager of Communication and Customer Services at the NWA, emphasized that the project aims to mitigate frequent flooding issues along Central Avenue, particularly during heavy rainfall. The works are scheduled for the weekend of October 4 and 5. Motorists are urged to exercise caution, adhere to flagmen’s instructions, and follow posted warning signs to ensure safety during the closure.
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Facebook, Instagram to offer paid ad-free UK subscriptions
In a significant move to align with regulatory requirements, Meta has announced that Facebook and Instagram users in the United Kingdom will soon have the option to purchase ad-free subscriptions. This initiative, set to roll out in the coming weeks, mirrors a model already implemented across the European Union. UK users can opt out of personalized ads by paying a monthly fee of £2.99 ($4) via the web or £3.99 through iOS and Android apps. The company emphasized that this subscription model offers users greater control over their ad preferences, aligning with recent UK regulatory guidance. Notably, the UK pricing is more affordable compared to the EU, where ad-free subscriptions start at 5.99 euros ($7) per month. Meta first introduced this ad-free option in the EU in late 2023 to comply with stricter regulations aimed at curbing the influence of big tech companies. Historically, Meta has relied heavily on selling user data to advertisers, a practice that has sparked numerous disputes with regulators over data privacy concerns. Last year, the European data regulator mandated that Meta cannot compel users to pay for data protection, prompting the company to revise its approach. While Meta criticized what it termed as regulatory ‘overreach’ in the EU, it praised the ‘constructive approach’ of the UK’s Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO). The ICO acknowledged that the subscription model would enable Meta to adhere to UK data protection laws.
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Technology outage impacting several services at VM Building Society branches
KINGSTON, Jamaica — VM Building Society, a prominent financial institution in Jamaica, experienced significant service disruptions on Friday due to a widespread technology outage. The incident forced the delayed opening of all branches until 10:00 am, with extended operating hours until 4:00 pm to accommodate affected customers. The outage impacted critical services, including online banking, ABM access, and point-of-sale transactions, rendering them temporarily unavailable. The bank assured members that updates on service restoration would be provided by 10:00 am. Customers visiting branches were advised to anticipate longer wait times due to the disruption. VM Building Society issued an apology for the inconvenience, expressing gratitude for members’ patience and continued support as their technical team worked diligently to resolve the issue.