标签： Jamaica

In a historic move, Sarah Mullally, a 63-year-old former nurse and midwife, has been appointed as the first female Archbishop of Canterbury, marking a significant milestone for the Church of England. Her appointment comes in the wake of a scandal involving the church’s cover-up of abuse cases, which led to the resignation of her predecessor, Justin Welby. Mullally, who previously served as the Bishop of London, acknowledged the immense responsibility of her new role and pledged to address the church’s past failures in safeguarding vulnerable individuals. Speaking at Canterbury Cathedral, she emphasized the need for transparency, accountability, and a culture of safety within the church. Mullally’s nomination was approved by King Charles III, following a rigorous selection process. As the 106th Archbishop of Canterbury, she will officially assume her position in January 2024. Mullally’s career spans over three decades in the National Health Service, where she rose to become England’s chief nursing officer. Ordained as a priest in 2002, she has been a trailblazer for women in the church, becoming the first female Bishop of London in 2018. Her appointment reflects a broader shift within the Anglican community, which has gradually embraced gender equality in leadership roles. Mullally has also been a vocal advocate for LGBTQ+ rights, describing the church’s decision to bless same-sex couples as a ‘moment of hope.’ However, she remains opposed to the legalization of assisted dying, citing concerns over potential abuse. As she steps into her new role, Mullally faces the dual challenge of restoring trust in the church and addressing declining attendance numbers. With over 20 million baptised members but fewer than one million regular attendees, the Church of England is at a crossroads. Mullally’s leadership will be pivotal in shaping its future.

In a high-stakes sentencing hearing on Friday, federal prosecutors in New York urged Judge Arun Subramanian to impose an 11-year prison term on Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs, the influential hip-hop mogul convicted on two prostitution-related charges. Prosecutor Christy Slavik argued that Combs, 55, has demonstrated a lack of genuine remorse and a dismissive attitude toward the law. ‘His respect for the law is just lip service,’ Slavik stated, emphasizing that Combs had booked speaking engagements in Miami, anticipating a lenient sentence—a move she labeled as ‘the height of hubris.’

Combs’s legal team, however, requested a 14-month sentence, which would equate to time already served. Judge Subramanian noted that federal sentencing guidelines suggest a term of six to seven years but retains discretion to adjust the duration. The judge also highlighted Combs’s persistent denial of factual guilt, describing his remorse as ‘qualified.’

Combs, who submitted a letter to the court pleading for mercy, expressed fear of being separated from his family and vowed never to commit another crime. ‘I lost my way,’ he wrote, attributing his actions to a life consumed by drugs and excess. His mother and six children were present in court, submitting letters in his support.

The case stems from a federal statute prohibiting the transportation of individuals across state lines for prostitution. While jurors acquitted Combs of the more severe charges of sex trafficking and racketeering in July, sparing him a potential life sentence, the conviction on lesser counts remains significant.

Combs’s former girlfriend, Casandra Ventura, known as Cassie, provided harrowing testimony during the trial, detailing years of physical, emotional, and sexual abuse. In a letter to the judge, Ventura urged consideration of the lives Combs has ‘upended with his abuse and control.’ She recounted a 2016 incident captured on video, where Combs was seen beating her as she attempted to flee a ‘freak-off’—a term used to describe coerced sexual marathons. Ventura and her family have since relocated from New York, fearing retribution if Combs is released.

The defense did not deny Combs’s sexual activities or history of violence but argued that these actions did not meet the legal threshold for the charges he faced. Combs, who has been incarcerated in Brooklyn for over a year, described his time in prison as transformative, claiming he has been ‘humbled and broken to my core.’

Humbert Davis, President of the National Association of Domino Bodies (NADB), is spearheading a transformative initiative aimed at enhancing the lives of Jamaica’s senior citizens through the strategic and engaging game of dominoes. The NADB, in collaboration with the National Council for Senior Citizens (NCSC), recently hosted a domino tournament that transcended mere competition, fostering mental agility, social interaction, and joy among participants. The event, held in Morant Bay as part of the St Thomas leg of the competition, brought together seniors who engaged in spirited matches, showcasing both skill and camaraderie. Davis emphasized that dominoes is more than a pastime—it’s a vital tool for cognitive health and social connection, essential for healthy aging. The tournament was marked by a warm yet competitive atmosphere, with Gilbert Whittle and Healey Johnson emerging as champions. Whittle expressed his gratitude, praising the organizers for creating a meaningful and enduring experience for seniors. Davis lauded the participants’ enthusiasm, highlighting the event’s success in promoting mental resilience and community engagement.