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The Jamaican Bar Association (JAMBAR) has strongly criticized certain media outlets for violating the privacy rights of the late Judge Ruth Lawrence. JAMBAR has called for an investigation into how sensitive details about her death were leaked to the press. Judge Lawrence, 59, passed away on Tuesday evening at Falmouth Public General Hospital after being found unresponsive at her Trelawny home by her partner. A leaked police report, which circulated on social media, provided a detailed account of the events leading to her death, allegedly based on information shared by her spouse with law enforcement. JAMBAR, in a public statement, condemned the breach of dignity and data protection, emphasizing the importance of respecting privacy even after death. The association highlighted the provisions of Jamaica’s Data Protection Act, 2020, which safeguards personal data of both living and deceased individuals for up to 30 years. The Act mandates responsible handling of such information to prevent emotional distress, identity theft, and reputational harm. JAMBAR President Tenneshia Watkins expressed deep concern over the dissemination of intimate details without justification, urging authorities to investigate the matter thoroughly. She also called on media entities and the public to exercise compassion and restraint in handling sensitive matters. Meanwhile, JAMBAR paid tribute to Judge Lawrence, praising her integrity, compassion, and dedication to justice. Her passing has been mourned by various figures, including Chief Justice Bryan Sykes and Justice Minister Delroy Chuck, who acknowledged her significant contributions to the judiciary and the nation.

In a historic move, Sarah Mullally, a 63-year-old former nurse and midwife, has been appointed as the first female Archbishop of Canterbury, marking a significant milestone for the Church of England. Her appointment comes in the wake of a scandal involving the church’s cover-up of abuse cases, which led to the resignation of her predecessor, Justin Welby. Mullally, who previously served as the Bishop of London, acknowledged the immense responsibility of her new role and pledged to address the church’s past failures in safeguarding vulnerable individuals. Speaking at Canterbury Cathedral, she emphasized the need for transparency, accountability, and a culture of safety within the church. Mullally’s nomination was approved by King Charles III, following a rigorous selection process. As the 106th Archbishop of Canterbury, she will officially assume her position in January 2024. Mullally’s career spans over three decades in the National Health Service, where she rose to become England’s chief nursing officer. Ordained as a priest in 2002, she has been a trailblazer for women in the church, becoming the first female Bishop of London in 2018. Her appointment reflects a broader shift within the Anglican community, which has gradually embraced gender equality in leadership roles. Mullally has also been a vocal advocate for LGBTQ+ rights, describing the church’s decision to bless same-sex couples as a ‘moment of hope.’ However, she remains opposed to the legalization of assisted dying, citing concerns over potential abuse. As she steps into her new role, Mullally faces the dual challenge of restoring trust in the church and addressing declining attendance numbers. With over 20 million baptised members but fewer than one million regular attendees, the Church of England is at a crossroads. Mullally’s leadership will be pivotal in shaping its future.

The family of a 19-year-old US college student has filed a wrongful death lawsuit against Tesla, alleging that a flawed door design in the Cybertruck prevented her from escaping a fatal crash in California last year. Krysta Tsukahara, a passenger in the vehicle, initially sustained minor injuries in the November 2023 accident but later succumbed to burns and smoke inhalation due to her inability to exit the burning truck, according to her parents. The lawsuit, reported by the New York Times, claims the Cybertruck lacked a functional, accessible, and conspicuous manual door release mechanism, which could have facilitated emergency egress. The vehicle’s battery-operated door system, which can malfunction during crashes, and the manual release’s obscure placement under a rubber mat in the door storage pocket were cited as critical flaws. Tesla has yet to respond to requests for comment. This incident adds to the challenges faced by the American EV maker, which has struggled with tepid demand for the Cybertruck and a series of recalls since its 2023 launch. In a related development, the US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has initiated an investigation into Tesla’s Model Y following complaints, including one where a parent was unable to retrieve a child from the back seats. This lawsuit follows another high-profile case in August 2023, where Tesla was ordered to pay substantial damages over a fatal crash linked to its Autopilot technology.

KINGSTON, Jamaica — Petrojam has announced that laboratory technicians who initiated industrial action are required to return to work on Friday, following a directive issued by the Industrial Dispute Tribunal on Thursday evening. The back-to-work order, dated October 2, 2025, was issued in response to the strike action taken earlier that day by a group of the company’s laboratory technicians. The technicians, who are members of the Petroleum Workers Association—an affiliate of the Union of Clerical, Administrative, and Supervisory Employees (UCASE)—are expected to report for their scheduled shifts from 7:00 am to 7:00 pm on Friday and resume their regular duties and all subsequent shifts. The resolution aims to restore normal operations at Petrojam and address the concerns that led to the industrial action.