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KINGSTON, Jamaica — Prime Minister Andrew Holness has heralded the construction of the St Catherine North Divisional Headquarters for the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) in Spanish Town as a transformative project for the historic town. The $2.3 billion facility, funded through the Capital Expenditure (CAPEX) Programme, is poised to serve as a catalyst for social, economic, and educational advancements over the next decade. Holness emphasized that this investment is a ‘security guarantee’ that will attract further development and de-risk future projects in the area, marking the beginning of a new era for Spanish Town. The Prime Minister made these remarks during a site visit on Wednesday, accompanied by Deputy Prime Minister Horace Chang and Minister Olivia Grange. The state-of-the-art headquarters, set to be completed by April 2027, will house 300 law enforcement personnel and feature modern amenities, including a jogging trail, sports courts, and advanced infrastructure like a sewer-treatment plant and stormwater drainage. Beyond enhancing operational efficiency, the facility aims to foster stronger community engagement and improve relations between the JCF and local residents. Minister Grange highlighted the project’s potential to boost the local economy, with businesses already showing increased interest in the area. Glendon Lodge, a local food vendor, noted the growing inquiries about land availability, signaling a positive shift in public confidence and economic activity. The project is expected to bring jobs, attract commercial developments, and create a safer, more vibrant community.

In the heart of Westmoreland, Jamaica, the spirit of unity and peace took center stage as the ‘Kicking for Peace’ Six-a-Side Community Football Tournament brought together residents of all ages. Organized by Project STAR in honor of International Day of Peace, the event transformed the Savanna-la-Mar playing field into a vibrant hub of camaraderie and hope. The tournament, held recently, aimed to harness the power of sport to foster community harmony and combat violence. Marlon Moore, Project STAR’s youth and sport coordinator, emphasized the initiative’s goal: to re-engage the community and highlight sports as a medium for peace. While the on-field competition was fierce, the off-field atmosphere was one of reconnection and joy. Neighbors reunited, children cheered, and young people discovered common ground through teamwork and fair play. For Renaldo Alonso Cameron, a participant from New Market Oval, the event was deeply personal. He shared how it promoted non-violence and allowed him to reconnect with old friends while making new ones. Coaches, like Oshane Gordon of the Cooke Street team, underscored the life lessons football imparts—discipline, respect, and cooperation. The tournament also marked the relaunch of Project STAR’s ‘Kicking Forward’ program in October, reaffirming the organization’s commitment to using sport as a tool for resilience and growth.

Downtown Kingston’s Darling Street area is once again grappling with a severe sewage overflow, sparking widespread concern among local vendors and residents. Effluent from multiple manholes has flooded public spaces near the bustling Coronation Market, creating unsanitary conditions and a persistent, foul odor that has become unbearable for those working in the area.

KINGSTON, Jamaica—The Independent Commission of Investigations (Indecom) has identified a significant rise in fatalities during planned police operations (PPOs), attributing the trend to the increased deployment of Area Fugitive Apprehension Teams (AFATs). According to a Special Investigative Report tabled in the House of Representatives, AFATs, which accounted for less than 5% of PPO deployments and fatalities in 2022/23, now represent 50% of deployments and nearly half of all PPO-related deaths as of July 2025. This stark escalation contrasts sharply with 2019, when the disbandment of the Jamaica Constabulary Force’s Mobile Reserve command coincided with the lowest fatality figures in recent history—86 fatal shootings and only 10 PPO-related deaths. Indecom’s data reveals a concerning trajectory: in 2022, AFATs were involved in 5% of PPOs, resulting in 31 deaths; by 2025, their involvement surged to 51% of PPOs, with 97 fatalities recorded in just seven months. The AFATs, a specialized unit targeting violent criminals across divisional boundaries, were established to address the mobility and networking of high-profile offenders. However, Indecom has raised alarms about the lack of modern forensic protocols during operations, noting that recovered firearms are often improperly handled, compromising evidence integrity. The commission also highlighted the disproportionate involvement of senior officers with prior fatal shooting incidents in PPOs, with 11 operations under their command flagged as suspicious. Indecom’s findings underscore the urgent need for improved oversight and forensic practices to mitigate the rising toll of PPO-related fatalities.

KINGSTON, Jamaica — A devastating fire at the Gallery Apartments on Oxford Road in New Kingston has resulted in the tragic death of a 70-year-old man, as confirmed by Courtney Thompson, assistant superintendent of the Jamaica Fire Brigade (JFB). The incident occurred early Thursday morning, leaving the community in shock and mourning.