标签： Jamaica

Jamaican law enforcement agencies have launched a coordinated campaign to combat the dangerous tradition of celebratory gunfire during New Year’s Eve celebrations. The Firearm Licensing Authority (FLA) and Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) jointly announced stringent measures targeting individuals who engage in the illegal practice of firing weapons into the air.

In official statements released Wednesday, both organizations emphasized that discharging firearms celebratory constitutes a severe violation of Jamaica’s Firearms Act. The FLA specified that licensed firearm holders participating in such activities will face immediate revocation of their licenses, permanent disqualification from future firearm ownership, and potential criminal prosecution.

The legal consequences for offenders are substantial, with penalties reaching up to three years imprisonment or fines exceeding $3 million Jamaican dollars. Authorities highlighted the grave public safety risks associated with falling bullets, which have historically caused injuries, property damage, and fatalities during holiday celebrations.

Police representatives reinforced their zero-tolerance stance, vowing to prosecute all individuals involved in or facilitating celebratory gun salutes to the fullest extent of the law. The JCF emphasized that ballistic evidence collected from crime scenes will be used to trace weapons back to their owners, regardless of whether injuries occurred.

Both agencies have established multiple reporting channels, urging citizens to immediately contact the 119 emergency number or their nearest police station to report incidents of illegal gunfire. The FLA additionally reminded licensed firearm owners of their continuous legal responsibility for proper weapon storage and usage throughout the holiday period.

Jamaica’s Local Government Minister Desmond McKenzie has issued a firm rebuttal against circulating reports suggesting the government intends to forcibly evict families currently housed at Petersfield High School following Hurricane Melissa. The minister characterized these claims as entirely “false and mischievous,” emphasizing the administration’s commitment to securing proper housing solutions before any shelter closures occur.

The controversy emerged after Westmoreland Central MP Dwayne Vaz expressed concerns regarding the potential displacement of more than 50 families comprising 86 individuals, including 46 children, from the educational facility. These apprehensions arose following earlier indications that the shelter might need to vacate the premises by December’s end to accommodate January school reopenings.

Minister McKenzie clarified the government’s position through an official statement, explaining that while ideal timelines exist for shelter operations, no eviction would occur without ensuring reasonable alternative accommodations. The administration is actively pursuing both temporary and permanent housing solutions through collaborative efforts with organizations like Food For the Poor and via the New Social Housing Programme (NSHP).

Notably, the minister revealed that residents might be relocated within the school compound itself to minimize educational disruptions while maintaining shelter operations. Prime Minister Andrew Holness has personally emphasized that the government’s response prioritizes the best interests of affected families and will be handled with appropriate sensitivity.

McKenzie concluded with strong condemnation of what he described as deliberate misinformation campaigns, urging perpetrators to cease exploiting vulnerable populations for political agendas and labeling such behavior as “vulgar, despicable and quite frankly a very low act.”

The campus community at the College of Agriculture, Science and Education (CASE) in Portland, Jamaica, is experiencing complex emotions following the fatal police shooting of Winston Hume, a 38-year-old man authorities identified as an alleged serial rapist connected to multiple assaults on students.

Law enforcement officials confirmed that Hume, from the Norwich district, was killed during a police operation at his residence early Tuesday morning. According to Superintendent Ainsley McCarthy, Portland’s police chief, officers visited Hume’s home pursuing leads related to what they described as a pattern of predatory behavior. When confronted, Hume allegedly emerged wielding a machete and advanced toward officers in a threatening manner despite commands to disarm himself. Police responded with fatal gunfire, and Hume was pronounced dead upon arrival at Port Antonio Hospital.

The incident comes amid growing security concerns at CASE, where students had previously protested following the December 14 rape of a female student—one of twelve recorded sexual assaults in the parish this year. Hume was already before the court for two previous campus rapes and was a suspect in additional assaults.

Student representative Vashawn Berry expressed that while the development doesn’t bring joy, it provides ‘some sense of closure and comfort’ for traumatized students. However, Berry emphasized that students continue demanding concrete security improvements from both college administration and government authorities.

College President Dr. Derrick Deslandes acknowledged ongoing efforts to enhance campus safety, particularly addressing a vulnerable tunnel system that provides uncontrolled access to the open campus. Security has been increased, and officials are examining measures to secure the tunnel while maintaining its functional use for agricultural operations.

Superintendent McCarthy revealed that previous legal proceedings against Hume faced significant challenges, including the migration of one complainant overseas and psychiatric evaluations ordered by the court in another case, which prolonged proceedings and potentially contributed to case dismissals.

KINGSTON, Jamaica — The Urban Development Corporation (UDC) has launched its annual national New Year’s celebration, transforming multiple public spaces across Jamaica into vibrant hubs of festivity and community spirit. This year’s expanded event incorporates two new locations specifically chosen to support regions recovering from recent hurricane damage.

The nationwide festivities commenced at noon on New Year’s Eve and will build toward midnight fireworks displays. Celebrations are occurring simultaneously at five designated sites: the Kingston Waterfront, Ocho Rios Bay Beach, Harmony Beach Park in Montego Bay, with new additions at Long Bay Football Field in Negril and the Black River Courthouse in St. Elizabeth.

UDC Marketing Manager Latoya Chambers explained that this strategic expansion directly addresses communities impacted by Hurricane Melissa. “Under our theme ‘Life, Love and Recovery,’ we recognize the devastation particularly affecting western parishes,” Chambers stated. “This celebration serves as our mechanism for delivering cheer, uplifting spirits, and bolstering recovery efforts in these vulnerable communities.”

The initiative aligns with UDC’s broader mandate to revitalize public spaces while stimulating economic activity and promoting social inclusivity. Chambers emphasized how the event demonstrates practical approaches to activating public areas, highlighting urban vibrancy, and ensuring developmental benefits reach Jamaican citizens directly.

Family-friendly programming includes dedicated kiddies’ villages operating from midday. Children in Black River, Negril, and Montego Bay will receive complimentary access to rides, toys, and treats including snow cones, cotton candy, popcorn, and hot dogs—courtesy of UDC and its collaborative partners. Kingston and Ocho Rios venues will maintain minimal fees for certain attractions.

Entertainment curation emphasizes local talent, with community-based sound systems and DJs providing musical backing at each location. Kingston attendees will experience sets from DJ Wildlife, DJ Sparks, and Game Changers, while Ocho Rios features Hyperactive Sound and DJ Timeless. Black River hosts Big Bad Bass Odyssey and DJ Nova; Negril showcases DJ Bruce Lee, DJ Meds, and True Colours; and Montego Bay welcomes performances by DJ Diamond, Metal, and C-Note International.

Comprehensive safety protocols involve coordinated efforts between the Jamaica Constabulary Force, Jamaica Fire Brigade, Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management, the Ministry of Health and Wellness, and municipal corporations. UDC-operated parking facilities in downtown Kingston will be available without charge, with staff and marshals assisting patrons. All venues provide clearly marked public parking, though shuttle services have been discontinued for this year’s event with alternative traffic management implementations.

Chambers reiterated that all events remain entirely free regardless of location, describing the celebration as both a supportive mechanism for local vendors, creatives, and small businesses, and a safe communal space for Jamaicans to welcome the new year. The UDC encourages early public participation to maximize support for local economies and ensure a secure, festive transition into the new year across the island’s public spaces.

In the wake of Hurricane Melissa’s devastation, a significant debate has emerged in Jamaica regarding the appropriate allocation of government relief funds. The controversy centers on a $75 million allocation announced by Prime Minister Andrew Holness on December 23 specifically designated for rebuilding damaged churches and faith-based institutions.

The funding decision faced immediate criticism from Member of Parliament Everald Warmington, who publicly questioned the rationale behind directing resources toward religious structures rather than addressing the critical housing shortage affecting thousands of displaced Jamaicans. Warmington argued that the amount would be insufficient for meaningful church reconstruction and suggested congregations should share facilities instead.

Religious leaders across denominations have responded with a unified message: their primary mission remains humanitarian aid, not architectural restoration. Bishop Dr. Rowan Edwards, chairman of the 10,000 Men and Families Movement, emphasized that while appreciating the government’s gesture, congregations would prioritize assisting homeless members before considering building repairs.

“The money that they would give to the church, we would use that money to help our people, to get back their roofs,” Edwards told the Jamaica Observer. “We prioritize our people, apart from the building.”

Bishop Dr. Peter Garth of Hope Gospel Assembly offered a nuanced perspective, acknowledging the mathematical reality that $75 million distributed among numerous damaged churches would provide limited reconstruction funds. However, he challenged Warmington’s characterization of churches as financially secure institutions with empty pews, pointing out the logical inconsistency in these claims.

Rather than rejecting government assistance entirely, religious leaders proposed an alternative approach. Garth suggested the funds be converted into building materials that could be distributed directly to families in need, noting that churches have served as first responders since the hurricane struck on October 28.

Father Sean Major-Campbell of the Anglican Diocese provided crucial context, explaining that many congregations face financial struggles despite public perceptions of wealth. He highlighted the ongoing social support work performed by churches in education, healthcare, and welfare—often without state assistance—and advocated for continued cooperation between religious and government entities in national development efforts.

The consensus among religious leaders demonstrates a practical approach to disaster recovery that places human needs above structural concerns, while simultaneously defending the vital community role played by faith-based organizations in Jamaica’s social fabric.