标签： Jamaica

KINGSTON, Jamaica — The Jamaican media community is grieving the loss of Alma Mock-Yen, a pioneering broadcast journalist whose distinguished career profoundly shaped the nation’s media landscape for generations. She passed away peacefully at her residence on Wednesday morning after a period of illness, aged 97.

The Press Association of Jamaica (PAJ) issued an official statement honoring Mock-Yen’s extraordinary contributions, describing her as a respected trailblazer known for her calm authority, penetrating interview technique, and steadfast dedication to journalistic ethics. Her career established unprecedented benchmarks for broadcast excellence and inspired countless journalists, especially women pursuing media careers.

Mock-Yen’s distinctive approach to journalism was characterized by exceptional clarity, balanced reporting, and profound respect for her audience. Whether covering pivotal national events or hosting substantive dialogues, she consistently brought intellectual rigor and authoritative presence to broadcasting, thereby earning widespread trust and admiration throughout Jamaica.

The PAJ emphasized that Mock-Yen’s legacy extends beyond her professional accomplishments, noting her role as a transformative figure whose influence will continue to guide Jamaican media practices indefinitely. Her passing marks not merely a professional loss but a national moment of reflection on the standards she embodied.

The association concluded its tribute by extending profound condolences to Mock-Yen’s family and friends, acknowledging the deep personal loss accompanying her departure from the nation’s cultural and journalistic heritage.

KINGSTON, Jamaica — Jamaican law enforcement officials have issued a stringent parking prohibition along the critical Palisadoes thoroughfare in Kingston during New Year’s Eve celebrations. The comprehensive ban, specifically targeting Wednesday, December 31st, expressly forbids all vehicular parking for fireworks viewing purposes along this strategic roadway.

Police authorities have clarified that absolutely no vehicles will receive authorization to park on the main roadway under any circumstances. The regulatory measures extend further to prohibit parking on the right-hand side of the road leading toward Norman Manley International Airport during a designated timeframe from 5:00 PM on Wednesday through 12:30 AM on Thursday.

Motorists who disregard these officially mandated restrictions will face immediate legal consequences, including criminal prosecution and compulsory vehicle towing. The Jamaica Constabulary Force emphasizes that these measures constitute essential public safety protocols rather than mere traffic suggestions, designed to ensure uninterrupted emergency access and prevent potentially dangerous congestion during high-density holiday celebrations.

KINGSTON, Jamaica — In a decisive move addressing logistical challenges during the holiday season, Jamaica’s Ministry of Finance and Public Service has granted a two-week extension for hurricane relief import duty exemptions. The new deadline of January 15, 2026, represents a firm cutoff for tax concessions on essential goods imported following Hurricane Melissa.

Government authorities acknowledged that Christmas season operations significantly hampered shipping capabilities, affecting freight forwarders, brokers, and port authorities alike. Many charitable donations from international donors failed to meet the original December 31, 2025 deadline due to these systemic constraints.

The ministry’s official statement emphasized the substantial financial impact of these tax relief measures, revealing a striking $12 billion reduction in customs revenue since the hurricane struck. This financial reality necessitates a carefully balanced approach to disaster recovery philanthropy.

As Jamaica progresses from emergency relief to reconstruction phases, officials are encouraging overseas supporters to utilize standard shipping channels for sending items to family and friends. The government reaffirmed its appreciation for international solidarity while establishing clear parameters for the nation’s fiscal recovery strategy.

A member of the Jamaica Defence Force (JDF) is facing serious criminal charges following an incident involving the unauthorized discharge of a firearm in a public area on Christmas morning. Private Rushane Brown, a 30-year-old soldier from Comfort Hall, Manchester, was apprehended after allegedly firing shots into the air approximately at 5:15 am in St. Elizabeth.

The incident came to light when an off-duty police officer witnessed the alleged firearm discharge and confronted the soldier. Following an investigation, Brown has been formally charged with multiple offenses including possession of a prohibited weapon, unauthorized possession of ammunition, and unlawful discharge of a firearm in a public space.

In an official statement released Wednesday, the Jamaica Defence Force expressed strong disapproval of the alleged actions, emphasizing that such behavior contradicts the organization’s core values and professional standards expected of all personnel. The military institution explicitly stated that it does not tolerate unlawful, reckless, or irresponsible conduct by any members, regardless of whether they are on or off duty.

The JDF has committed to full cooperation with the Jamaica Constabulary Force to ensure a thorough and transparent investigation process. Military officials reaffirmed their dedication to maintaining the highest standards of discipline and accountability, while assuring the public that incidents of this nature receive the most serious attention and appropriate disciplinary measures.

Nigerian authorities confirmed Wednesday evening that former world heavyweight boxing titleholder Anthony Joshua has been released from medical care following a devastating road accident that claimed the lives of two close companions. The incident occurred along the heavily traveled Lagos-Ibadan expressway in southwestern Nigeria, where the sports icon’s sports utility vehicle collided with a stationary truck under circumstances now under official investigation. Preliminary findings from the Ogun State Traffic Compliance and Enforcement Agency (TRACE) indicate a tire rupture may have precipitated the catastrophic impact. Joint statements from Lagos state spokesman Gbenga Omotoso and Ogun state representative Kayode Akinmade clarified that while Joshua remains emotionally devastated by the loss of his friends, medical professionals determined his physical condition permitted recovery outside clinical supervision. Both state governments coordinated the athlete’s treatment following Monday’s tragedy. Before returning home, Joshua paid respects at the mortuary where deceased companions Sina Ghami and Latif Ayodele were being prepared for transportation to their final resting places.