A violent altercation involving students from Barataria North Secondary School has prompted a mother to withdraw her daughter from the institution, citing fears for her safety. The incident, which occurred on November 4 near the school premises, was captured on video and quickly spread across social media platforms. The footage depicted a chaotic scene with numerous students engaged in physical confrontations, including male students assaulting female peers. Witnesses, including a woman wielding a shovel, attempted to intervene, shouting at the students to leave the area. Law enforcement officers present at the scene appeared visibly overwhelmed by the scale of the disturbance. The concerned mother, speaking to Newsday on November 5, expressed her apprehension about potential future attacks on her daughter and has formally requested a school transfer, urging the Education Ministry to expedite the process. Police investigations into the incident are currently underway.
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Suspect in Rio Claro businessman’s murder at large
The investigation into the fatal shooting of 58-year-old businessman Sylvan ‘Lawah’ Boodan in Rio Claro remains ongoing, with the perpetrator still at large. Boodan, owner of Gloria’s Bar located at Jeffers Crossing on Tabaquite Road, was tragically gunned down on the morning of November 3. The incident occurred around 8:30 am on the premises of R. Baldeosingh Services Ltd (RBSL), a construction company in Poole Village, Rio Claro, where Boodan worked as a straightener and painter. Witnesses reported that an unidentified masked man approached Boodan near his car, called him by name, and after a brief exchange, fired a single shot. The assailant fled the scene, leaving Boodan to collapse and die in front of his vehicle. A relative suggested the murder might be connected to a dispute involving unpaid services to a spiritual advisor, or ‘obeah man,’ earlier this year. However, police have yet to confirm the motive. An autopsy is scheduled to be conducted this week at the Forensic Science Centre in St. James. The Homicide Bureau of Investigations, Region Three, is leading the case.
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Prison officer killed, three others injured in brawl outside nightclub
A violent altercation outside a nightclub on Baillou Hill Road has resulted in the death of a prison officer and injuries to three other men, sparking widespread grief and concern in the community. The incident, which occurred in the early hours of Wednesday morning, has left the small community of Lower Bogue, Eleuthera, in mourning. The deceased has been identified as Ashantino Johnson, a correctional officer from the area. According to police reports, the altercation began inside Blu Ice Reloaded, a popular nightclub and restaurant, where a dispute escalated into violence. Three men, aged 21, 23, and 28, were stabbed during the confrontation. As the chaos spilled outside the establishment, a male suspect reportedly engaged in a physical struggle with an off-duty police officer. During the scuffle, the officer’s service weapon was discharged, grazing the suspect in the head. All four men, including the three stabbing victims and the man who was shot, were rushed to the hospital for treatment. Tragically, Johnson, the 23-year-old victim, succumbed to his injuries. Member of Parliament for North Eleuthera, Sylvanus Petty, expressed deep sorrow over the incident, describing it as a tragedy that has profoundly affected the community. Police have confirmed that investigations into the matter are ongoing, as they work to piece together the events that led to this fatal encounter.
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Rifle among two illegal firearms seized in St James
In a significant operation on Tuesday evening, law enforcement officers in St James, Jamaica, successfully confiscated two illegal firearms in the Wales Pond community. Acting on credible intelligence, the police conducted a targeted search in the area, leading to the discovery of the weapons. The seized items included a high-powered M4 Carbine rifle, accompanied by a magazine loaded with 33 rounds of 5.56 cartridges, and a Para 9mm pistol with a magazine containing 20 rounds of 9mm ammunition. The firearms were found concealed in a red and white bag within an abandoned building. Despite the recovery of these dangerous weapons, no arrests were made during the operation, which took place around 9:00 pm. This seizure underscores the ongoing efforts by the St James police to combat illegal arms proliferation and enhance community safety.
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UK government deploys Royal Navy to support disaster relief efforts in Jamaica
In a significant move to bolster disaster relief efforts in Jamaica, the British Offshore Patrol Vessel, HMS Trent, arrived in Falmouth, Trelawny, on November 4, equipped with specialized personnel and resources to assist communities devastated by Hurricane Melissa. The vessel, manned by a 75-member crew including expert engineers, is set to play a pivotal role in infrastructure assessments and emergency repairs, working in close collaboration with Jamaican authorities.
UK Defence Secretary John Healey emphasized the critical role of the British Armed Forces in disaster relief missions, stating, ‘Our Royal Navy and British Army personnel bring invaluable engineering expertise to support local recovery efforts. This deployment reflects Britain’s commitment to standing with those in need during times of crisis.’
Chris Elmore, Minister for the Caribbean, highlighted the UK government’s relentless efforts to deliver relief supplies to the hardest-hit areas. ‘The arrival of HMS Trent marks a crucial step in restoring vital infrastructure and supporting communities most affected by the hurricane,’ he said.
The deployment is part of a broader UK support package for Jamaica, which includes over 3,000 shelter kits, 1,500 solar-powered lanterns, and a Rapid Deployment Team from the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) to provide consular assistance to affected British nationals. Additionally, the UK has pledged £7.5 million in emergency funding to address immediate humanitarian needs in the region.
British High Commissioner to Jamaica, Alicia Herbert, reaffirmed the UK’s commitment to Jamaica’s recovery. ‘The arrival of HMS Trent symbolizes our enduring partnership and dedication to helping Jamaica rebuild stronger and more resilient communities in the wake of Hurricane Melissa,’ she stated. The funding is facilitating the delivery of essential relief items and the deployment of UK humanitarian and technical experts to coordinate aid efforts effectively.
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PNP’s Dwayne Vaz accuses former MP George Wright of hijacking hurricane relief supplies
In a heated session of the House of Representatives, Dwayne Vaz, the People’s National Party (PNP) Member of Parliament for Westmoreland Central, accused his predecessor, George Wright of the Jamaica Labour Party (JLP), of hijacking a shipment of hurricane relief supplies intended for the constituency. The supplies were dispatched in response to the devastation caused by Hurricane Melissa, which struck Jamaica as a Category 5 storm on October 28. Vaz described the incident as a blatant case of ‘political victimisation,’ alleging that Wright and his team diverted the aid from its intended recipients. The controversy unfolded on Tuesday, following Prime Minister Andrew Holness’s two-hour address detailing the preliminary damage estimates from the hurricane. Vaz claimed that despite assurances from the government to avoid politicized relief distribution, chaos ensued when Wright allegedly commandeered the supplies. Vaz recounted that Wright’s team arrived with trucks and loaded the relief materials, leaving the intended beneficiaries empty-handed. He emphasized the need for improved coordination and security during future relief operations, suggesting that the current MP should oversee distribution to ensure fairness. Vaz expressed concern over the public’s perception of the incident, noting that it left a ‘bitter taste’ among citizens who questioned the integrity of the relief process. He called for transparency and accountability to prevent such occurrences in the future.
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AHF contributes $80 million to Jamaica’s Hurricane Melissa relief efforts
The AIDS Healthcare Foundation (AHF) has announced a significant $80 million commitment to support Jamaica’s recovery efforts in the aftermath of Hurricane Melissa, a devastating Category 5 storm. The initiative begins with an initial shipment of essential supplies valued at $300,000, aimed at addressing the immediate needs of the hardest-hit communities.
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Montego Bay Metro expands service to St Elizabeth in response to Hurricane Melissa
In a significant move to bolster regional connectivity, Montego Bay Metro Limited has extended its transportation services to include St Elizabeth, Jamaica. This expansion, announced by the Jamaica Urban Transit Company Limited (JUTC) on Wednesday, is designed to ensure seamless mobility for residents, workers, and students in the western and south-western regions as communities recover from recent hurricane disruptions. Effective immediately, passengers can travel daily between Montego Bay and Santa Cruz, with stops at key locations including Lucea, Negril, Savanna-la-Mar, and Whitehouse. The return service follows the same route. Departures from Montego Bay are scheduled at 6:30 am and 1:00 pm, while Santa Cruz departures are at 11:30 am and 4:30 pm. Travel rates are set at $250 per leg for adults and $100 per leg for children. This initiative underscores JUTC’s commitment to supporting regional recovery and fostering accessibility for all.
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Jamaican-born Earle-Sears fails in bid to become Virginia governor
In a historic election that marked a significant political shift in Virginia, Democrat Abigail Spanberger emerged victorious, becoming the state’s first female governor. Her triumph over Republican candidate Winsome Earle-Sears, a staunch ally of former President Donald Trump, has been widely interpreted as voters’ first major verdict on Trump’s potential return to office. Spanberger, a former CIA officer and three-term congresswoman, secured a comfortable win, as polls had consistently shown her leading by seven to 12 points throughout the campaign. Her victory speech emphasized her commitment to lowering costs, enhancing community safety, and strengthening Virginia’s economy. Spanberger also positioned herself as a defender of federal workers, vowing to oppose Trump’s aggressive federal downsizing policies. Earle-Sears, a Marine veteran and the first black Republican woman elected to the Virginia House in 2002, ran a campaign focused on conservative issues such as transgender athletes and abortion. Despite her trailblazing career, she was unable to overcome Spanberger’s momentum. The election results underscore a potential shift in Virginia’s political landscape, with Spanberger’s win signaling a rejection of Trump-aligned candidates.
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South Florida launches campaign to provide hurricane relief for Jamaicans
South Florida, home to one of the largest Jamaican Diaspora communities, has initiated a significant relief campaign to aid thousands affected by Hurricane Melissa, which struck Jamaica on October 28. The effort is spearheaded by Oliver Mair, Jamaica’s Consul General to Miami, with support from regional civic leaders and organizations. Key contributors include the Global Empowerment Mission (GEM), Food For The Poor, American Friends of Jamaica, Miami Foundation, World Central Kitchens, and Samaritan Purse. Mair highlighted the enthusiastic response from the South Florida community, with hundreds of volunteers assisting in packing relief supplies even before the hurricane made landfall. The first shipment arrived in Kingston on October 30. The Consul General’s office collaborated with South Florida Caribbean Strong, an organization active in disaster relief since Hurricane Maria in 2017. Marlon Hill, a senior member of the group, emphasized the swift collection of essential items like water, hygiene products, and non-perishable foods, supported by donations from individuals, corporations, and non-profits, including a $1 million contribution from the Miami Heat and Carnival Cruise Line. In Miramar, City Commissioner Eddy Edwards designated fire stations as drop-off points for donations, while the Grace Jamaican Jerk Festival partnered with SSMC Xpress and Connex to collect non-perishable food. Hurricane Melissa, a Category 5 storm with winds reaching 185 mph, caused 32 fatalities and extensive damage across multiple parishes, including St Elizabeth, Westmoreland, and St James, as well as commercial hubs like Santa Cruz, Black River, Savanna-la-Mar, and Montego Bay.