标签： Jamaica

The tranquil tourism destination of Treasure Beach in St Elizabeth has been plunged into profound mourning following the fatal shooting of Kenyan artist Mazola WA Mwashighadi during an armed robbery in the early hours of Friday. The incident, which occurred approximately at 12:20 am in Billy’s Bay, represents a violent breach of the community’s longstanding peace and has left residents reeling with disbelief.

According to police reports, Mwashighadi sustained gunshot wounds during the robbery attempt and was transported to a medical facility where he subsequently died from his injuries. An unidentified woman was also injured during the altercation and remains hospitalized under medical supervision.

Local hotelier and community leader Jason Henzell expressed the collective grief overwhelming Treasure Beach, describing it as “a peaceful, loving set of districts” where such violent occurrences are virtually unheard of. “The community is really feeling it… Emotions are high and people are really hurting. These things don’t happen down here,” Henzell told the Jamaica Observer, emphasizing the profound impact on the tight-knit community.

Mwashighadi had chosen Treasure Beach as his home specifically because of its vibrant artistic community and welcoming environment. Henzell revealed that the Kenyan artist had been actively contributing to the local art scene, most recently participating as a featured exhibitor during the Easter art fair where residents had the opportunity to meet and appreciate the creator behind the artworks.

The murder has not only devastated the community emotionally but has also impacted cultural development plans for the area. Mwashighadi had been collaborating with local stakeholders to establish art galleries and expand exhibition spaces throughout Treasure Beach. His artistic vision and community engagement made him a beloved figure among both residents and visitors.

Henzell confirmed that police authorities are treating the investigation with utmost seriousness, with high command vowing to pursue all available leads to bring the perpetrators to justice. Meanwhile, infrastructure restoration continues with Jamaica Public Service Company establishing a new substation expected to restore electricity to the area over the weekend.

Despite the tragedy, community leaders are moving forward with plans to reopen local businesses, including the anticipated December 18 reopening of Jakes resort. Henzell emphasized the importance of unity and vigilance, stating the community must remain “united around trying to keep ourselves safe and our visitors safe as much as possible.”

In the wake of Hurricane Melissa’s devastation across western Jamaica, renowned gospel artist Kevin Downswell has spearheaded a significant humanitarian initiative, mobilizing a coalition of fellow musicians and corporate partners to aid displaced communities. For three consecutive weeks, this collective effort has delivered both material support and spiritual comfort to storm-ravaged regions.

The relief operation commenced immediately after the storm’s passage, with Downswell coordinating rapid response teams comprising gospel artists including Johnmark Wiggan and Prince Saj. Their initial mission focused on St. Elizabeth parish, specifically targeting areas such as Lacovia and Middle Quarters. The teams distributed essential care packages while providing emotional support through prayer and counseling sessions.

During the second week, the humanitarian campaign expanded to Montego Bay in St. James, addressing critical needs in severely affected communities including Catherine Hall—where floodwaters deposited thick layers of mud across residential areas—and Bogue Heights. The mission subsequently extended to Westmoreland, reaching vulnerable populations in Beeston Springs and Paradise.

The relief model combines practical assistance with psychological support. Each outreach event provides sufficient supplies—including toiletries, non-perishable goods, and prepared meals—to support approximately 250 individuals. Corporate partners including KFC and Ziggy’s restaurant have contributed significantly to the food provision component, recognizing that many survivors lack access to cooking facilities due to damaged infrastructure.

Downswell emphasizes that beyond material aid, the emotional component remains crucial: ‘The best thing is to listen to their story. Even if you don’t pray, just hold their hand and listen—it means everything to them that we listen. That has been a special part of this journey.’

The initiative continues to operate as a self-sustaining collective, with artists like DJ Nicholas and Chevelle Franklyn contributing resources despite being unable to participate physically. Downswell confirms the mission will persist with the philosophy of supporting ‘one community at a time, one family at a time, one prayer at a time.’

LACOVIA, St Elizabeth – Defying a trio of devastating setbacks, Jamaica Zoo is undertaking a vigorous recovery effort with plans to partially reopen its doors by December 19. Operator Paul Fearon confirmed that despite the severe impact of Hurricane Melissa, a Category 5 storm that struck on October 28, all animals are secure and accounted for.

Amidst the sprawling, underutilized lands of St Elizabeth’s agricultural parish, Fearon is leading extensive clean-up operations. The zoo, which features a lion, spider monkeys, parrots, and educational exhibits, suffered structural damage including collapsed roofs and non-functional stalls. Fearon emphasized the unique challenges of managing a zoological facility through crises, stating, ‘Operating a zoo is a perishable item. It is not like a supermarket where you can simply close the door and turn off the lights.’

The zoo’s disaster preparedness protocols proved vital to animal safety. Fearon explained their strategic design: ‘The back of the building has three walls, so debris cannot penetrate. Behind the building is our drainage. Long before the storm, we had an animal security plan implemented.’

However, the path to recovery remains arduous as the institution contends with compounded challenges from Hurricane Beryl (2024) and the lingering effects of COVID-19 shutdowns. Fearon described the consecutive blows as ‘a real struggle’ that has stretched resources thin.

While acknowledging visits from the National Environment and Planning Agency (NEPA), Fearon expressed disappointment with the limited governmental support. ‘After Beryl, Government agencies came and promised help, but those pledges were not honored,’ he revealed, calling for greater priority on environmental and recreational infrastructure.

Beyond entertainment, Fearon highlighted the zoo’s educational mission, noting its annual program that brings thousands of children under 10 free of charge. ‘We have visitors from across Jamaica who come for the educational aspect regarding both animals and plants,’ he stated.

With 20 power saws and four debris-removal trucks operating simultaneously, the restoration is progressing. Fearon commended his dedicated staff who ‘commit themselves despite their personal problems’ and remains cautiously optimistic about the phased reopening schedule that will return Jamaica Zoo to its role as a national educational resource.

Jamaican law enforcement agencies have launched a significant counter-narcotics operation in St Elizabeth, targeting sophisticated drug trafficking networks. The multi-unit task force, spearheaded by the Major Organised Crime and Anti-Corruption Agency (MOCA), executed a coordinated raid on a suspected drug compound with support from specialized divisions including the Jamaica Constabulary Force’s K9 Unit, Area 3 Narcotics team, and local St Elizabeth police authorities.

Early operational reports confirm the apprehension of multiple suspects, among them two Canadian citizens, suggesting possible transnational criminal connections. Authorities have successfully confiscated a substantial quantity of cocaine during the operation, though specific metrics regarding the seizure remain undisclosed pending formal inventory and analysis.

Law enforcement officials have maintained operational secrecy regarding additional details, citing the ongoing nature of the investigation. A spokesperson indicated that comprehensive information regarding charges, suspect identities, and the full scope of the narcotics seizure will be released following further forensic examination and investigative procedures. The operation represents Jamaica’s continued intensified efforts against organized crime syndicates exploiting the Caribbean region for international drug transit.