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KINGSTOWN, St Vincent (CMC) — Authorities in St Vincent are currently investigating the fatal shooting of Shem Walker, a young man in his early 20s, whose body was discovered on Wednesday near a crashed vehicle in Akers. The incident marks the 34th homicide recorded in St Vincent and the Grenadines this year, highlighting a concerning trend of escalating violence in the region.

In the aftermath of Hurricane Melissa, over 250 volunteers from St John’s Ambulance Jamaica and the JN Foundation sprang into action, delivering essential medical aid and first aid to nearly 800 residents in St Elizabeth and Westmoreland. Supported by the Jamaica Automobile Association (JAA), which facilitated transportation and provided free Wi-Fi via Starlink, the relief effort targeted communities still grappling with power outages and damaged infrastructure. Certified first aid responders, trainers, and healthcare assistants treated elderly residents who had lost medications and others injured during the storm but unable to access medical care due to impassable roads. Among those rescued was Vincent Wilson, an elderly diabetic from Barton Wharf, Lacovia, who was trapped in a collapsed home. Neighbours Morgan and his family cut through their fence to save him. Despite injuries, many residents, including Ramorio Solomon and Romeo Wright, continued to rebuild homes and assist neighbours. St John Ambulance CEO Duane Ellis highlighted the collaboration with organisations like Kiwanis International and universities, emphasizing the collection of critical data to guide follow-up interventions with the Ministry of Health and Wellness. Chairman Earl Jarret praised the volunteers’ compassion and professionalism, urging them to uphold the dignity of survivors. The initiative underscored the resilience of affected communities and the importance of coordinated disaster response.

A damning independent review has exposed the entrenched systemic racism within London’s Metropolitan Police, highlighting that discrimination is deeply embedded in its systems, leadership, and culture. The report, released on Friday, echoes findings from a similar investigation conducted 26 years ago, underscoring the force’s persistent failure to address these issues. Commissioned following a 2023 study that labeled the Met as “institutionally racist, sexist, and homophobic,” the 126-page analysis by Shereen Daniels, a renowned expert on systemic racism, delves into the structural causes of racial harm within the organization. Daniels’ report, titled “30 Patterns of Harm,” emphasizes that racial discrimination is not isolated to individual incidents but is a recurring pattern perpetuated by systemic flaws. The review also highlights how racism intertwines with other forms of discrimination, affecting both internal operations and public-facing policing. Recent scandals, including the 2021 murder of Sarah Everard by serving officer Wayne Couzens and the 2023 conviction of David Carrick for multiple rapes, have further eroded public trust in the Met. The report calls for measurable reforms, urging the force to prioritize the lived experiences of Black Londoners, officers, and staff. Met Commissioner Mark Rowley acknowledged the report’s findings, admitting the need for further systemic and cultural changes while asserting that ongoing initiatives are making progress. However, he conceded that significant work remains to be done.

In a remarkable display of community spirit, two Kingston-based entrepreneurs ventured into the flood-ravaged Reading District in St. Elizabeth last week to deliver essential supplies to residents stranded by Hurricane Melissa. Andrew Brown, Managing Director of Screenshot Interactive, and Chris Boxe, Managing Partner of Chilitos Jamexican, left their office routines behind to trek through impassable roads and reach the isolated community. The duo also visited the Lacovia shelter, determined to provide relief where floodwaters had severed access. The initiative was sparked by news that Reading District, the hometown of DJ Anash, had been entirely cut off, leaving residents without food or assistance. Unable to use vehicles, Brown and Boxe hiked nearly two miles each way, making multiple trips on foot to ensure supplies reached those in need. Reflecting on the experience, Brown noted, ‘It’s one thing to hear that a community is cut off, but being there and walking through it is something else. Seeing how much people are enduring, and still staying positive, really puts things in perspective.’ Boxe described the journey as both challenging and humbling, emphasizing that even small efforts can make a significant impact. Meanwhile, DJ Anash has launched a community relief drive to support ongoing recovery efforts in Reading and surrounding areas. She is appealing for donations of non-perishable food, bottled water, flashlights, feminine products, medical supplies, and building materials. Collection points have been established at several locations in Kingston. ‘Every mickle mek a muckle,’ she shared, highlighting the importance of collective contributions. While recovery has begun in Black River, smaller communities like Reading remain flooded and inaccessible by road. Relief teams are working tirelessly to clear debris and reopen vital routes as recovery efforts intensify across the parish.

KINGSTON, Jamaica — In the aftermath of the catastrophic Category Five Hurricane Melissa, which wreaked havoc across western Jamaica last week, Police Commissioner Kevin Blake has been at the forefront of relief and recovery operations. Leading a team of Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) volunteers, Commissioner Blake has been instrumental in restoring normalcy to the devastated region. On Wednesday, the team focused their efforts on repairing the Barnett Street Police Station in St James. Collaborating with the Jamaica Fire Brigade, they conducted essential repairs, cleaned the compound and surrounding areas, and provided critical support to both police personnel and local residents. Amidst widespread hardship, with thousands left homeless and struggling to access basic necessities like food and water, the JCF has also been tasked with maintaining public order. Officers have employed persuasive tactics to deter looting and property damage, ensuring stability in the face of adversity. Prime Minister Andrew Holness, addressing Parliament on Wednesday, lauded the JCF for their dual role in maintaining security and delivering humanitarian aid. He particularly commended Commissioner Blake for his hands-on leadership, highlighting his active involvement in clearing debris and assisting with medical issues. ‘The JCF has proven to be multi-functional in this disaster, stepping up as social workers, firefighters, and medical aides,’ Holness remarked. The hurricane, the most powerful to hit Jamaica in recent history, has caused billions in damages to critical infrastructure, including businesses, schools, roadways, and hospitals, making the recovery efforts all the more crucial.