标签： Jamaica

KINGSTON, Jamaica — Beryllium, a prominent local security firm, has initiated an internal investigation and is collaborating closely with the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) following a significant cash theft from one of its armored vehicles last Saturday. The incident has prompted heightened scrutiny and swift action from the company. In a statement released on Thursday, Beryllium expressed confidence in the ongoing advanced investigative efforts, anticipating positive outcomes that will lead to the recovery of the stolen assets and the apprehension of the perpetrators. The company reassured its clients that the safety and integrity of its operations remain its utmost priority. Beryllium emphasized that every possible measure is being taken to resolve the matter quickly and effectively, ensuring minimal disruption to its services and maintaining trust with its customers.

In a decisive move to address the growing concerns surrounding the homeless population at Justice Square in downtown Kingston, Local Government Minister Desmond McKenzie, alongside Kingston Mayor Andrew Swaby, announced on Wednesday that individuals loitering in the area will no longer be permitted to remain. The announcement came after a night and early morning visit to the square, which houses the Supreme and Appeal courts, where McKenzie and Swaby engaged with dozens of homeless individuals.

In a somber turn of events, 59-year-old police corporal Bibzie Foster was discovered unresponsive at her residence in Brooks Close, Granville, St James, Jamaica, on Wednesday morning. Foster, who was on the verge of retirement, was rushed to a nearby medical facility, where she was pronounced dead. Preliminary reports have not yet disclosed the cause of her sudden passing. Foster was set to retire in November, marking the end of her dedicated service with the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF). The JCF’s Corporate Communications Network (CCN) has officially confirmed her untimely demise. The incident has left the local community and her colleagues in mourning, as they reflect on her contributions to law enforcement and her impending retirement that will now remain unfulfilled.

KINGSTON, Jamaica — The Island Traffic Authority (ITA) has declared a temporary suspension of driver’s licence and learner’s permit tests at its Swallowfield Service Hub in St Andrew, effective next Tuesday. The suspension is due to scheduled repairs at the facility, which are set to commence on October 21 and are projected to last four to five weeks. During this period, written, yard, and road tests will not be conducted at the Swallowfield location.

To accommodate affected customers, the ITA has advised individuals to utilize alternative service hubs, including the Spanish Town Road Service Hub, the Harbour View Service Hub, and the Spanish Town Service Hub. Those with pre-scheduled appointments for learner’s permits or driver’s licences at Swallowfield will be redirected to the Spanish Town Road Service Hub.

Despite the suspension of testing services, motor vehicle inspections will continue as usual at the Swallowfield facility. Additionally, certificates of fitness will be issued digitally to ensure minimal disruption to customers. The ITA emphasized its commitment to maintaining service efficiency and urged the public to plan accordingly during the repair period.

In downtown Kingston, Jamaica, a meeting between homeless individuals and local government officials on Wednesday revealed deep-seated resistance to plans aimed at relocating them from Justice Square to shelters. The gathering, held at Marie Atkins Night Shelter on Hanover Street, saw only two individuals express willingness to move permanently, while the majority remained silent or voiced grievances about the shelter’s conditions. Complaints ranged from inadequate food and restrictive policies to alleged verbal abuse by staff. One man recounted, ‘When yuh get di food dem tell wi seh wi haffi leave out,’ while a woman claimed shelter staff often turned them away during rainstorms. Local Government Minister Desmond McKenzie acknowledged the issues, promising to address specific complaints, including the removal of a problematic staff member. However, he also urged the homeless to cooperate, emphasizing the dangers of living on the streets, such as past incidents of violence. McKenzie stressed the need for mutual effort to resolve the situation, warning that indiscipline would not be tolerated. Meanwhile, some shelter residents expressed concerns about newcomers disrupting the facility’s cleanliness and order. The relocation initiative follows repeated calls from citizens and the judiciary, particularly after a recent fire at the court building allegedly caused by a homeless individual. Justice Paulette Williams highlighted the urgency of addressing the issue to prevent further incidents. Despite the challenges, McKenzie and Kingston Mayor Andrew Swaby remain committed to finding solutions, though the homeless population’s reluctance underscores the complexity of the problem.