标签： Jamaica

The Bahamas is confronting a severe prison overcrowding crisis driven by an influx of undocumented immigrants facing criminal charges, compelling authorities to deport 85 inmates through constitutional powers of mercy. National Security Minister Wayne Munroe confirmed to The Tribune that these individuals—comprising Haitian, Jamaican, and American nationals, with Haitians forming the majority—are currently being processed for removal from the country.

The inmates selected for deportation had been serving varying sentences for non-violent and non-sexual offenses, including immigration violations and drug-related crimes. Many were approaching their release dates, with some having merely months remaining on their terms. Minister Munroe explained that this strategic release mechanism serves dual purposes: creating urgently needed space within correctional facilities and mitigating potential legal challenges related to detention conditions.

Central to this initiative is the constitutional ‘prerogative of mercy,’ an executive power exercised by the governor-general (typically upon government advice) that allows for reduction, suspension, or cancellation of criminal sentences post-conviction. Deportation comes with stringent conditions: returnees are barred from re-entering The Bahamas without explicit permission from the immigration director. Violation triggers immediate re-incarceration to complete their original sentence followed by subsequent deportation.

Prison Commissioner Doan Cleare provided alarming statistics highlighting the system’s strain: current occupancy stands at 1,801 inmates—dramatically exceeding the facility’s designed capacity of 1,300. This 38% overcapacity has resulted in significant discomfort as inmates are forced to share cells and dormitories. Commissioner Cleare noted that over 200 undocumented immigrants have entered the prison system between last year and this year, exacerbating the crisis. The financial burden is substantial, costing taxpayers approximately US$17,000 annually per inmate for basic sustenance alone, excluding medical and dental care expenses.

While officials maintain that operational control within the prison remains unaffected, this deportation strategy represents a critical intervention to manage population pressures and allocate resources toward housing more dangerous offenders requiring secure detention.

KINGSTON, Jamaica—In a significant stride toward educational equity, Jamaica’s Universal Service Fund (USF) has awarded tablet computers to ten academically exceptional students from Clarendon North Central through its Connect-A-Child Programme. This initiative represents a critical component of the nation’s broader digital empowerment strategy targeting youth.

The annual program specifically targets Primary Exit Profile (PEP) students demonstrating outstanding academic achievement, requiring scores at or above the 85th percentile for eligibility. This year’s Clarendon North Central recipients, selected based on their exemplary 2025 school reports, received their devices during a formal presentation ceremony held at the Chapelton Public Library.

National implementation of the program will see 630 tablets distributed across all 63 Jamaican constituencies, placing technology directly into the hands of students who have exhibited exceptional dedication and scholarly discipline.

Dana DeCardova-Denton, Marketing and Public Relations Manager at USF, delivered remarks on behalf of CEO Charlton McFarlane, expressing particular pride in supporting Clarendon North Central’s ten outstanding scholars. “You have earned this opportunity through your hard work, commitment and perseverance, and today we celebrate you,” she stated during the ceremony.

DeCardova-Denton emphasized responsible technology use, urging beneficiaries to leverage the devices as tools for “learning, creativity, research and growth.” She further counseled that “Technology is powerful. But how you use it will determine the impact it has on your life,” highlighting the transformative potential of digital tools when applied purposefully.

The USF executive simultaneously revealed ongoing infrastructure enhancements through the ‘Connec2Restoration’ campaign, launched following Hurricane Melissa’s widespread damage to public connectivity systems. This initiative moves beyond simple repairs to comprehensively modernize public Wi-Fi sites with strengthened reliability and resilience.

Advanced technological solutions including solar-powered Wi-Fi systems and Starlink satellite connectivity will ensure maintained community access during power disruptions and extreme weather events. “This work is about resilience, preparedness and ensuring Jamaica’s digital future remains secure,” DeCardova-Denton affirmed.

Hershell Brown, Councillor for the Chapelton Division, commended USF’s two decades of connectivity work in rural parishes while acknowledging the dual nature of technology as both educational tool and potential distraction. He urged parents and teachers to provide guidance ensuring devices serve their intended academic purposes.

KINGSTON, Jamaica—Jamaican authorities are making an urgent appeal to educational institutions to accelerate distribution of thousands of student transit cards that remain undelivered, potentially jeopardizing the effectiveness of the national subsidized transportation initiative.

Owen Ellington, Managing Director of the Jamaica Urban Transit Company (JUTC), issued the call during a press conference hosted by the Ministry of Energy, Transport and Telecommunications on February 17. He revealed that while over 4,000 student cards have been provided to schools for distribution, fewer than 2,000 have actually reached students’ hands—a concerning shortfall that threatens the program’s financial sustainability.

The National Rural School Bus Programme, which commenced its phased implementation in September last year, provides subsidized transportation to students at a flat rate of J$50 per trip. According to recent data from monitoring contractor El Hydro, approximately 11,164 students have completed registration, with just over 10,000 validated in the system. However, only around 560 students have actually loaded funds onto their cards.

Ellington emphasized the critical importance of card usage for both operational efficiency and revenue generation. “We urge parents to ensure the cards are topped up, and we are appealing to the children to use the cards when they enter and exit the bus,” he stated, explaining that the electronic tap system provides accurate commuter counts essential for program management.

The initial phase of the program has seen significant infrastructure development, with 110 buses acquired, retrofitted, and deployed to JUTC. The service operated without charge from its September inception through January 2026, demonstrating the government’s commitment to educational accessibility.

Ellington reported strong operational performance, with bus availability consistently exceeding 85% and daily deployment rates averaging in the high 70s to mid 80s. With additional buses planned for acquisition in fiscal year 2026/27, JUTC is building internal capacity to accommodate expanded services aligned with the Ministry of Education’s schedule.

The managing director expressed gratitude for the opportunity to administer the program, stating: “We are pleased, delighted, and honoured to be asked to run the service on behalf of the country, and we look forward to continued support from stakeholders in making this a reality.”

DAKAR, Senegal — In a significant legislative development, Senegal’s cabinet has approved a proposal to substantially increase penalties for same-sex relations and child sexual abuse offenses. The bill, which now proceeds to the National Assembly for consideration, follows a series of high-profile arrests that have dominated national media coverage.

The government’s action comes amid heightened law enforcement activity targeting LGBTQ+ individuals. Authorities have detained 17 men this month under existing anti-LGBTQ+ statutes, including prominent local celebrities and an established journalist. These arrests have drawn sharp criticism from human rights organizations who condemn the crackdown.

In a parallel investigation, Senegalese and French authorities collaborated to dismantle an international pedophilia network, resulting in 14 arrests connected to operations spanning between Senegal and France.

Media outlets throughout the West African nation have extensively covered both cases over the past week and a half, frequently blending coverage of the separate incidents despite their distinct legal natures.

The newly adopted legislation seeks to modify the current penal code by providing clearer definitions of prohibited acts and implementing stricter punishment structures. Existing statutes currently prescribe one to five years’ imprisonment for same-sex relations, while child sexual abuse of victims under 13 carries two to five years’ incarceration. Government officials declined to specify the exact extent of the proposed penalty enhancements when queried.

This legislative initiative occurs against a backdrop of ongoing cultural tension regarding LGBTQ+ issues in Senegal, where advocacy for sexual minority rights is frequently characterized as foreign imposition of Western values rather than organic local movement.

LONDON — Thames Valley Police confirmed late Thursday that His Royal Highness The Duke of York, Prince Andrew, has been released from custody while remaining under active investigation. The former trade envoy was detained for several hours for questioning regarding allegations of professional misconduct during his tenure as the United Kingdom’s Special Representative for International Trade and Investment.

Law enforcement officials indicated that coordinated searches at the Duke’s residence within the Sandringham Estate in Norfolk have been completed. The Norfolk property, part of King Charles III’s private estate, was subject to thorough examination by investigators seeking evidence related to the misconduct claims.

Concurrently, search operations continue at the Duke’s former Windsor residence, Royal Lodge, located on the Crown Estate west of London. The ongoing investigation suggests authorities are pursuing multiple lines of inquiry regarding the allegations against the former prince.

The Metropolitan Police Service has not disclosed specific details regarding the nature of the misconduct allegations, though they are believed to stem from Andrew’s official duties between 2001 and 2011 rather than previous personal conduct allegations. The development represents another significant chapter in the ongoing scrutiny of the royal family member, who previously settled a civil sexual assault case in the United States out of court in 2022.

Buckingham Palace has not issued an official statement regarding the arrest, maintaining its position that Andrew’s affairs are now personal matters following his withdrawal from public duties. The investigation continues as authorities examine documents and electronic evidence seized during the property searches.