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Jamaica’s Justice Ministry is spearheading an intensive public education campaign to address critical knowledge gaps surrounding the nation’s Child Diversion Programme, following alarming revelations that numerous judges, law enforcement personnel, and educational institutions remain unfamiliar with the initiative designed to protect minors from criminal prosecution.

Justice Minister Delroy Chuck disclosed during Thursday’s joint select committee review of the Child Diversion Act that fundamental misunderstandings among key stakeholders have severely limited the program’s effectiveness. The minister recounted instances where police officers in parish divisions responded with confusion when questioned about the program, asking ‘What is that, Sir?’

Minister Chuck revealed that even judicial authorities had demonstrated significant misinterpretations of the legislation until recent clarification sessions. ‘Sitting there and listening to the judges, I realized how they misinterpreted and felt that the Act should be done this way,’ Chuck stated, emphasizing the urgent need for professional communications support to educate stakeholders about program intricacies and referral procedures.

Jamaicans For Justice (JFJ) Executive Director Mickel Jackson provided compelling testimony regarding the awareness crisis, noting that despite training approximately 300 police officers over three years, fewer than ten participants in any session demonstrated familiarity with the diversion program. Jackson highlighted particularly concerning misconceptions within law enforcement, where many officers erroneously believe the program applies exclusively to sexual offenses.

Data obtained through Access to Information requests revealed striking disparities in program referrals between March 2020 and January 2024. Police departments made merely 218 referrals, all originating from the Centre for the Investigation of Sexual Offences and Child Abuse (CISOCA), while courts submitted 1,234 referrals during the same period. Further analysis showed sexual offenses accounted for 62% of completed diversion cases, including charges such as sexual intercourse with minors under 16 and indecent assault.

State Minister Marisa Dalrymple-Philibert endorsed the public education initiative, drawing parallels to successful past campaigns like ‘Two is better than too many.’ She emphasized that early intervention through proper program implementation could significantly impact Jamaica’s crime reduction efforts by redirecting youth from the criminal justice system.

The Ministry of Justice is now pursuing dedicated funding for professional public relations support to ensure comprehensive nationwide awareness about the Child Diversion Programme’s mechanisms and benefits.

MONTEGO BAY, St James — Emotional scenes unfolded as Hurricane Melissa survivors received long-awaited reconstruction assistance through Jamaica’s innovative ROOFS initiative. The Restoration of Owner or Occupant Family Shelters program, administered by the Ministry of Labour and Social Security, has now disbursed over half of its $10-billion budget directly to affected households across storm-ravaged communities.

Juliet Howard, a resident of Paradise, Norwood, expressed profound gratitude after receiving her grant. Her home in St James North Western suffered severe damage during last October’s Category 5 hurricane, leaving her and her grandson in vulnerable conditions. “Right now them can jook mi in it from outside,” Howard remarked with bittersweet humor about her compromised dwelling.

The relief program categorizes assistance into three tiers: $75,000 for minor damage, $200,000 for major damage, and $500,000 for severe structural impacts. Howard qualified for the maximum grant amount due to her home’s extensive destruction.

Minister Pearnel Charles Jr revealed that St James residents alone will receive nearly $1 billion of the total allocation, benefiting 1,677 major damage cases, 293 minor damage cases, and 1,128 severe damage cases. The ministry has distributed $521,917,500 to date, surpassing the 50% milestone in disbursements.

For Howard, the assistance represents more than material support—it marks emotional redemption. Eleven years after losing everything in a house fire, the hurricane struck during the same October anniversary period. “This storm took me back right on my anniversary,” she shared, making the government’s intervention particularly meaningful.

The distribution event at the Western Jamaica Conference of Seventh-day Adventists auditorium saw hundreds of residents gathering for updates. Minister Charles announced that successful applicants would receive QR codes with instructions for accessing their grants immediately.

Among other beneficiaries, Tangle River resident Selvin Samuels described living under makeshift zinc and canvas arrangements after complete home destruction. “Now with this, I can build back a little place,” he stated, embodying the resilience echoed throughout the community.

Cambridge resident Joshua Walker expressed surprise and gratitude for the unexpected assistance, summarizing the collective sentiment: “None of us never expect this and it come.” The program represents one of Jamaica’s most significant post-disaster reconstruction efforts, directly addressing housing vulnerability through structured financial empowerment.

The Jamaica Classic Car Club (JCCC) has ushered in a new era of leadership following its annual general meeting and elections held on February 22 at Curphey Place, St Andrew. Shane Angus, a seasoned figure within the organization, has been elected as the club’s new president, succeeding Naresh Potopsingh.

Expressing his enthusiasm about the membership’s support, Angus revealed his strategic vision for the JCCC. “We have assembled a purpose-driven executive team with individuals specifically suited for their roles. This alignment is poised to bring significant positive transformation to the club,” Angus stated in an interview with the Jamaica Observer’s weekly Auto magazine.

The newly constituted executive leadership includes Nigel McFarlane as First Vice-President, Gerald Cameron as Second Vice-President, Dwight Burchell as Treasurer, Paul Gammon as Assistant Treasurer, Marcel Brandon as Secretary, and Rick Chang as Assistant Secretary. The broader executive committee comprises twelve dedicated members: Wade Marsh, Rae Parchment, Neville Marsh, Raymond Shields, Courtney Thompson, Nicholas Chang, Vivian Mitchell, Kyle Jaisingh-Byles, Cressmore White, Douglas Ewbanks, Richard Hylton, and Denesh Baboolal.

Angus, who previously presided over the club from 2013 to 2019, maintained his involvement with the executive committee even during his time overseas. His permanent return to Jamaica in 2025 marks a full reengagement with the JCCC’s mission. He assumes leadership of a club reported to be in robust financial and operational health, as highlighted by outgoing president Potopsingh. The former president’s report noted the club’s current status of being fully updated on all obligations, positioning it ideally for future expansion. Potopsingh also highlighted the club’s strengthened media presence and a notable increase in youth participation at events, thanking members for their support during his tenure.

Key challenges identified for the incoming administration include addressing issues surrounding back licences for long-term vehicle projects, advocating for a flat registration fee for classic cars, and streamlining the re-registration process for vehicles lacking original documentation. Angus has augmented these priorities with his own ambitious goals: securing a permanent physical headquarters for the JCCC and reinvigorating the club’s core identity as a community for classic car enthusiasts. This involves re-engaging former members and assisting them in restoring and returning their vehicles to the road. A clubhouse would provide a vital social and administrative hub for both existing and prospective members.

The meeting also served as an occasion to honor distinguished members. Raymond Shields was awarded the prestigious Clubman of the Year trophy, acknowledging his dedicated participation. Awards for outstanding service were presented to Gerald Cameron, Winston Marshall, and Gregory Webster. Brian Madden was recognized as the outstanding club member, while Shane Angus and Michael McFarlane were bestowed the title of Global Ambassador for their contributions.