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A tragic accident occurred on Saturday along the Frenchman main road in St Elizabeth, Jamaica, resulting in the death of a motorcyclist. The victim, identified as Davian “Banga” Roy, a farmer from the Slipe district, succumbed to severe injuries sustained during a collision with a coaster bus. According to police reports, both vehicles were traveling in opposite directions when the incident unfolded. As Roy approached a bend, he reportedly lost control of his motorcycle, causing it to skid and collide with the front of the oncoming bus. Roy suffered multiple head injuries and was immediately transported to Black River Hospital. Despite receiving urgent medical attention, he was pronounced dead during treatment. The community has been left in shock by the sudden loss of the local farmer, whose nickname “Banga” was well-known in the area. Authorities are investigating the circumstances surrounding the crash to determine the exact cause and prevent similar incidents in the future.

In a targeted police operation in Banana Ground, Manchester, Jamaica, three individuals, including a 77-year-old woman, were arrested on Monday following the discovery of an illegal firearm. The operation, conducted by a joint police and military team, took place early in the morning at a residence where the primary suspect was attempting to flee. Upon interception, he was escorted back to the house, where his elderly mother opened the door. A search warrant was executed, leading to the discovery of a Browning pistol with a loaded magazine containing nine 9mm rounds of ammunition, concealed in a knapsack under a bed. The three detainees, including the suspect’s spouse, are now in police custody, facing charges related to the possession of prohibited weapons and unauthorized ammunition. Notably, two of the suspects have ties to Canada and Banana Ground.

ST CATHERINE, Jamaica — The Commodore district of Linstead, St. Catherine, was struck by tragedy following a mass shooting that left five people dead and several others injured. The incident has drawn widespread condemnation, with Opposition Spokesperson on National Security, Fitz Jackson, leading the outcry. In a statement issued on Monday, Jackson expressed profound sorrow for the victims’ families and the community, emphasizing the grim reality of Jamaica’s persistent battle with violent crime. ‘My heartfelt condolences go out to the families and loved ones of those whose lives were so cruelly taken,’ Jackson stated. ‘This senseless violence is a stark reminder that our nation is still far from achieving true safety for its citizens. I pray that the affected families and community find the strength to endure this immense pain.’ Jackson also praised the police for their rapid response to the incident but urged them to intensify their efforts to apprehend the perpetrators. ‘I implore the police to leave no stone unturned in their pursuit of justice. Additionally, I appeal to anyone with information to come forward and assist the authorities,’ he added. Natalie Neita Garvey, Member of Parliament for North Central St. Catherine, echoed these sentiments, expressing deep sorrow and offering her condolences to the grieving families and community members. ‘This is a dark day for the people of Commodore. My deepest sympathies go out to the families and all those traumatized by this horrific act of violence. We must unite and collaborate with the police to eradicate crime and bloodshed from our communities,’ Neita Garvey said. The Opposition has reiterated its call for urgent, effective, and sustained measures to address violent crime and restore a sense of security across Jamaica.

Jamaica is taking significant strides to revolutionize its educational landscape with the launch of a comprehensive national STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) program. This initiative, spearheaded by the UWI-UNICEF Walking in Her Footsteps (WIHFS) project, seeks to empower both university and high school students by providing them with mentorship, real-world experiences, and equitable opportunities in STEM fields. Originally conceived in 2022 by Dr. Marvadeen Singh-Wilmot, a senior lecturer in chemistry, the program has now expanded its reach to include multiple universities and high schools across the nation. Supported by UNICEF, the initiative aims to address the underrepresentation of women in STEM leadership roles and the declining enrollment of males in STEM programs. Dr. Singh-Wilmot emphasized the importance of equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) in STEM, stating, ‘Mentorship is not just about science; it’s about equity, confidence, and opportunity.’ The program also tackles broader challenges, such as declining student performance in mathematics and science, through targeted teacher training and the introduction of Jamaica’s first Special Mathematics Olympiad for students with disabilities. Key components of the expanded program include a national reach to universities like Northern Caribbean University and Caribbean Maritime University, an innovative ‘Pods Model’ for intergenerational mentorship, teacher integration, community engagement, and STEM tours and workshops. These efforts are designed to foster inclusivity, leadership, and entrepreneurship, ultimately building a STEM-ready workforce that aligns with Jamaica’s national development goals.