标签： Jamaica

In a significant development in St James, Jamaica, law enforcement authorities have formally charged Shamara Forrester, also known as “Toots,” believed to be the mastermind behind a notorious robbery syndicate operating in the parish. Forrester, a resident of Railway Lane in Montego Bay, was apprehended on Sunday and initially charged with illegal possession of ammunition. Senior Superintendent Eron Samuels, head of the St James police, revealed the details during the monthly council meeting of the St James Municipal Corporation.

Downtown Kingston’s Darling Street area is once again grappling with a severe sewage overflow, sparking widespread concern among local vendors and residents. Effluent from multiple manholes has flooded public spaces near the bustling Coronation Market, creating unsanitary conditions and a persistent, foul odor that has become unbearable for those working in the area.

KINGSTON, Jamaica—The Independent Commission of Investigations (Indecom) has identified a significant rise in fatalities during planned police operations (PPOs), attributing the trend to the increased deployment of Area Fugitive Apprehension Teams (AFATs). According to a Special Investigative Report tabled in the House of Representatives, AFATs, which accounted for less than 5% of PPO deployments and fatalities in 2022/23, now represent 50% of deployments and nearly half of all PPO-related deaths as of July 2025. This stark escalation contrasts sharply with 2019, when the disbandment of the Jamaica Constabulary Force’s Mobile Reserve command coincided with the lowest fatality figures in recent history—86 fatal shootings and only 10 PPO-related deaths. Indecom’s data reveals a concerning trajectory: in 2022, AFATs were involved in 5% of PPOs, resulting in 31 deaths; by 2025, their involvement surged to 51% of PPOs, with 97 fatalities recorded in just seven months. The AFATs, a specialized unit targeting violent criminals across divisional boundaries, were established to address the mobility and networking of high-profile offenders. However, Indecom has raised alarms about the lack of modern forensic protocols during operations, noting that recovered firearms are often improperly handled, compromising evidence integrity. The commission also highlighted the disproportionate involvement of senior officers with prior fatal shooting incidents in PPOs, with 11 operations under their command flagged as suspicious. Indecom’s findings underscore the urgent need for improved oversight and forensic practices to mitigate the rising toll of PPO-related fatalities.

In the heart of Westmoreland, Jamaica, the spirit of unity and peace took center stage as the ‘Kicking for Peace’ Six-a-Side Community Football Tournament brought together residents of all ages. Organized by Project STAR in honor of International Day of Peace, the event transformed the Savanna-la-Mar playing field into a vibrant hub of camaraderie and hope. The tournament, held recently, aimed to harness the power of sport to foster community harmony and combat violence. Marlon Moore, Project STAR’s youth and sport coordinator, emphasized the initiative’s goal: to re-engage the community and highlight sports as a medium for peace. While the on-field competition was fierce, the off-field atmosphere was one of reconnection and joy. Neighbors reunited, children cheered, and young people discovered common ground through teamwork and fair play. For Renaldo Alonso Cameron, a participant from New Market Oval, the event was deeply personal. He shared how it promoted non-violence and allowed him to reconnect with old friends while making new ones. Coaches, like Oshane Gordon of the Cooke Street team, underscored the life lessons football imparts—discipline, respect, and cooperation. The tournament also marked the relaunch of Project STAR’s ‘Kicking Forward’ program in October, reaffirming the organization’s commitment to using sport as a tool for resilience and growth.

The Text Lane community in Kingston Central, Jamaica, once celebrated as a haven of peace, was thrust into turmoil on Tuesday night when gunmen targeted a group of predominantly women and children, leaving six injured. Among the victims were two young children and a teenager with special needs. This shocking incident marked the second violent attack in the area within a week, following a mass shooting in Commodore, Linstead, St. Catherine, which claimed five lives, including a four-year-old child. Member of Parliament Donovan Williams, who visited the scene on Wednesday, expressed profound distress over the tragedy, describing it as ‘inexplicable terrorism.’ He emphasized that the community had been enjoying a year of relative calm and a significant reduction in violent crimes. According to police reports, the assailants opened fire from a moving vehicle around 8:45 PM, targeting individuals gathered outside a premises before fleeing the scene. Williams pledged support for the affected families, many of whom are still recovering in hospitals. The father of two injured minors shared his anguish, condemning the attackers for their disregard for innocent lives. Another resident, who witnessed the incident, expressed fear and trauma, lamenting the return of violence to a community that had begun to heal. Williams called for swift justice, urging the police to apprehend the perpetrators and restore a sense of safety to the community.

KINGSTON, Jamaica — Prime Minister Andrew Holness has heralded the construction of the St Catherine North Divisional Headquarters for the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) in Spanish Town as a transformative project for the historic town. The $2.3 billion facility, funded through the Capital Expenditure (CAPEX) Programme, is poised to serve as a catalyst for social, economic, and educational advancements over the next decade. Holness emphasized that this investment is a ‘security guarantee’ that will attract further development and de-risk future projects in the area, marking the beginning of a new era for Spanish Town. The Prime Minister made these remarks during a site visit on Wednesday, accompanied by Deputy Prime Minister Horace Chang and Minister Olivia Grange. The state-of-the-art headquarters, set to be completed by April 2027, will house 300 law enforcement personnel and feature modern amenities, including a jogging trail, sports courts, and advanced infrastructure like a sewer-treatment plant and stormwater drainage. Beyond enhancing operational efficiency, the facility aims to foster stronger community engagement and improve relations between the JCF and local residents. Minister Grange highlighted the project’s potential to boost the local economy, with businesses already showing increased interest in the area. Glendon Lodge, a local food vendor, noted the growing inquiries about land availability, signaling a positive shift in public confidence and economic activity. The project is expected to bring jobs, attract commercial developments, and create a safer, more vibrant community.