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The Court Administration Division (CAD) in Jamaica has announced the temporary closure of the St Elizabeth Parish Court in Black River to undertake essential refurbishment works. During this period, all court matters originally scheduled for Black River will be relocated to the Santa Cruz and Balaclava outstations to ensure continuity of judicial services. While the court itself will be closed, the administrative office will remain operational to handle court-related business and inquiries. The CAD has urged the public to direct any questions to stelizabeth.parishcourt@jamaicajudiciary.gov.jm or contact (876) 435-9829 for assistance. The division has apologized for any inconvenience caused by the closure and expressed appreciation for the ongoing cooperation of stakeholders. This initiative is part of broader efforts to enhance court facilities, ensuring they are safe and accessible for all Jamaicans.

ST CATHERINE, Jamaica – The tranquil community of St Catherine remains engulfed in a wave of anger and sorrow following the brutal rape of a seven-year-old girl, a student at Bermaddy Primary School. The incident, which has shaken the close-knit neighborhood to its core, marks an unprecedented act of violence in the area. Melbourne Thompson, the school’s principal, expressed the collective sentiment, stating, ‘The community is furious; if they could, they might have sought vigilante justice. But there’s also profound sadness, as nothing like this has ever happened here before.’ The attack occurred as the young girl was walking home from school. She was reportedly dragged into a bus by an assailant, sexually assaulted, and left for dead. Fortunately, the victim managed to raise an alarm, leading to the suspect’s apprehension by local residents as he attempted to flee in a taxi. He was promptly handed over to the police, who have since charged him. In response to the tragedy, Bermaddy Primary held a special devotion on Monday to provide solace to students and staff. The event saw the presence of St Catherine North Western Member of Parliament Damion Crawford, Senior Superintendent Hopeton Nicholson of the St Catherine North police, and representatives from the Office of the Children’s Advocate, all offering their support. Crawford proposed the introduction of walking wardens to accompany students on their daily commute home, a suggestion warmly welcomed by Thompson. The principal highlighted the poor road conditions near the school, which deter taxis from operating in the area, making the proposal a practical and much-needed solution. The community, while grappling with its grief, remains united in its demand for justice and measures to ensure the safety of its children.

KINGSTON, Jamaica — In a bold move to revitalize cultural tourism and foster economic growth, Kingston Creative has unveiled the Mobay Creative initiative, a groundbreaking Creative Placemaking Programme set to transform Montego Bay into a vibrant cultural hub. This year-long project, centered in St James, aims to strengthen the synergy between the creative and tourism sectors while generating new income opportunities for local artists and entrepreneurs.

At the heart of the initiative are two large-scale murals designed to enhance Montego Bay’s visual appeal, complemented by a Creative Placemaking Training Programme. This training will empower local creatives and community leaders with the skills to organize cultural events and develop a thriving cultural district. The project will culminate in the Artwalk Festival, a grand celebration of music, food, and local artistry in Sam Sharpe Square.

Montego Bay’s Mayor, Richard Vernon, emphasized the transformative potential of the initiative, stating, ‘This project reflects our cultural pride, community resilience, and the creative power of our people. It is a visible step toward the inclusive, sustainable city we envision under Vision 2030.’ He highlighted the murals as symbols of the city’s stories, struggles, and aspirations, bringing beauty, opportunity, and dignity to overlooked spaces.

The initiative is expected to directly engage 25 creatives, create 20 paid opportunities, and involve 800 members of the public, while fostering partnerships with at least seven key stakeholders. Andrea Dempster Chung, Executive Director of Kingston Creative, noted, ‘This partnership goes beyond murals; it’s about arts for social and economic transformation. We are excited to collaborate with western creatives and encourage corporations in the region to join this movement.’

Supported by Target 8.9, with funding from the TUI Care Foundation’s TUI Colourful Cultures initiative, the project also enjoys backing from the S-Hotel Montego Bay, the Montego Bay Cultural Centre, and the city itself. Implementation is set to begin in October 2025, with $8.75 million already committed. Coral Purvil-Williams, Destination Manager at Target 8.9, remarked, ‘This partnership unlocks Montego Bay’s creative and economic potential, aligning with the goals of the TUI Colourful Cultures programme.’

In a recent development in Kingston, Jamaica, Andrew Beacon and Anthony Spence faced further custody as their case regarding the theft of four goats from Hayes in Clarendon proceeded in the Kingston and St Andrew Parish Court on Tuesday. Beacon is accused of receiving stolen property, while Spence faces charges of unauthorized possession of property. The court highlighted that a crucial statement from the goat owner is still pending, delaying the case’s progress. The incident dates back to August 3, 2025, when police officers in Denham Town noticed a Toyota Fielder speeding suspiciously. Upon pursuit, the vehicle, allegedly driven by Spence, entered Beacon’s premises, where an attempt to close the gate was made. Four goats were discovered inside the car, leading to the arrest of both individuals. In a related decision, Judge Peter Wilson released the Toyota Fielder to its owner under a $100,000 bond, stipulating that the vehicle must remain unaltered and undisposed until the court’s final verdict. Wilson emphasized the necessity of further discussions with the owner regarding the vehicle’s loan details. The accused are scheduled to reappear in court on October 10, 2025.