标签： Jamaica

The search for 12-year-old Jayden Smith, a student at Manchester High School, has entered its sixth day, with over 100 classmates, teachers, and administrators joining law enforcement in a concerted effort to locate the missing boy. The search focused on the Wesley Road area following reported sightings of Jayden on Wednesday. Despite the use of a drone and hours of meticulous searching, the operation concluded without success. Karcia Beezer, a sixth-form student, expressed her sorrow and determination, emphasizing Jayden’s importance to the school community and his potential for excellence. She urged Jayden to return, assuring him of safety and support. On Wednesday evening, police responded to reports of a child matching Jayden’s description evading passers-by. An eyewitness recounted seeing the boy flee when approached. Manchester High School Principal Jasford Gabriel highlighted the school’s collective effort, with 102 students and 15 staff members participating in the search. He expressed optimism based on recent sightings, indicating that Jayden is alive and the search is nearing a breakthrough. The school community held a prayer meeting, reflecting their shared concern and hope for Jayden’s safe return. The search continues, with the community and authorities determined to bring Jayden home.

The Kingston and St Andrew Municipal Corporation (KSAMC) has emerged as a pivotal force in addressing homelessness in the Corporate Area, with its Poor Relief Department being hailed as a ‘beacon of hope.’ The department manages two key shelters: the Marie Atkins Night Shelter, operational since 1993, and the Desmond McKenzie Transitional Centre for the Homeless, which commenced operations in 2022. These facilities provide a structured and dignified environment, offering essential services such as meals, clothing, shelter, and comprehensive medical and mental health care. Donna-Gaye Brady, Acting Inspector of Poor at KSAMC, emphasized the department’s holistic approach, stating, ‘We not only provide meals but also develop rehabilitation programmes tailored to the needs of individuals in our facilities.’ The rehabilitation initiatives include customized treatment plans and upskilling programmes, facilitated through partnerships with organizations like HEART, which assists in job placements post-training. Additionally, KSAMC’s environmental warden programme employs homeless individuals to clean the streets of Kingston, providing them with a source of income and a sense of purpose. This multifaceted approach underscores KSAMC’s commitment to transforming lives and fostering community integration.

KINGSTON, Jamaica — Petrojam has announced that laboratory technicians who initiated industrial action are required to return to work on Friday, following a directive issued by the Industrial Dispute Tribunal on Thursday evening. The back-to-work order, dated October 2, 2025, was issued in response to the strike action taken earlier that day by a group of the company’s laboratory technicians. The technicians, who are members of the Petroleum Workers Association—an affiliate of the Union of Clerical, Administrative, and Supervisory Employees (UCASE)—are expected to report for their scheduled shifts from 7:00 am to 7:00 pm on Friday and resume their regular duties and all subsequent shifts. The resolution aims to restore normal operations at Petrojam and address the concerns that led to the industrial action.

TRELAWNY, Jamaica – In a commendable display of environmental stewardship, employees of Diamonds International (DI), a prominent jewelry retailer operating at the Falmouth cruise port, dedicated their Friday morning to a large-scale clean-up effort at Burwood Beach. Within a span of two hours, the team successfully gathered 20 large bags of waste, including plastic bottles, condoms, paper, wet wipes, and various other debris from the popular shoreline. This initiative underscores DI’s unwavering commitment to environmental conservation and community engagement. ‘Diamonds International is deeply committed to giving back to the community, and today’s clean-up activity is a testament to our resolve in maintaining a clean and sustainable environment,’ the company stated. Notably, DI also manages jewelry stores at the Ocho Rios cruise port in St. Ann, further extending its influence and community outreach efforts across the region.

The family of a 19-year-old US college student has filed a wrongful death lawsuit against Tesla, alleging that a flawed door design in the Cybertruck prevented her from escaping a fatal crash in California last year. Krysta Tsukahara, a passenger in the vehicle, initially sustained minor injuries in the November 2023 accident but later succumbed to burns and smoke inhalation due to her inability to exit the burning truck, according to her parents. The lawsuit, reported by the New York Times, claims the Cybertruck lacked a functional, accessible, and conspicuous manual door release mechanism, which could have facilitated emergency egress. The vehicle’s battery-operated door system, which can malfunction during crashes, and the manual release’s obscure placement under a rubber mat in the door storage pocket were cited as critical flaws. Tesla has yet to respond to requests for comment. This incident adds to the challenges faced by the American EV maker, which has struggled with tepid demand for the Cybertruck and a series of recalls since its 2023 launch. In a related development, the US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has initiated an investigation into Tesla’s Model Y following complaints, including one where a parent was unable to retrieve a child from the back seats. This lawsuit follows another high-profile case in August 2023, where Tesla was ordered to pay substantial damages over a fatal crash linked to its Autopilot technology.

In a significant move to combat organized crime, the St James Police Division has unveiled Operation Endgame, a targeted initiative aimed at dismantling a female-led robbery syndicate plaguing the region. The syndicate, reportedly headed by a woman known as ‘Toots,’ has been operating across multiple parishes, causing widespread disruption and fear, particularly among the Chinese business community. Senior Superintendent Eron Samuels, head of the division, emphasized the urgency of the operation, especially as the Yuletide season approaches, to ensure public safety and peace. ‘Our efforts will be relentless in ensuring that this robbery syndicate is fully demolished,’ Samuels declared during a press conference in Montego Bay. Deputy Superintendent Michael Moore, the St James crime chief, revealed that over a dozen suspects linked to the syndicate have already been arrested, with firearms seized during recent operations. Moore noted that these arrests have brought significant relief to the Chinese business community, which has been a primary target of the syndicate. Superintendent Lynroy Edwards, operations officer for St James, outlined the broader objectives of Operation Endgame, which will extend into the new year. The initiative builds on the successes of previous operations, Storm One and Storm Two, launched last year. Edwards highlighted the inclusion of praedial larceny—the theft of animals and agricultural produce—as a key focus area, with partnerships established with the Agricultural Protection Branch to address food security concerns. Police statistics indicate a notable decline in violent crimes in St James, with murders dropping by 57.8% and shootings by 52.8% compared to the same period last year. Samuels reaffirmed the police’s commitment to maintaining this downward trend, aiming to keep murders below 100 for the year. The St James Police have urged continued cooperation from the public to ensure the success of Operation Endgame and to foster a safer, more secure community.