标签： Jamaica

In a tragic incident near the Manchester/Clarendon border in Jamaica, 26-year-old Lavar Malcolm, a resident of Kintyre district in St Andrew, was fatally shot by an armed assailant on Sunday. Malcolm, who was also known as ‘Jamie Warlock’ on TikTok, was among a group of patrons at a section of the St Toolies River when the attack occurred. According to police reports, the gunman demanded Malcolm’s belongings, but Malcolm resisted, leading to multiple gunshots to his upper body. Law enforcement officials discovered five Blaze Luger 9mm spent casings at the scene. A senior police source suggested that the killing might be connected to an ongoing feud in the Papine area. The incident has sparked widespread attention on social media, where Malcolm was recognized as a popular influencer.

Residents of McNeil Land in Westmoreland, Jamaica, are grappling with severe and recurrent flooding exacerbated by heavy rainfall, prompting urgent calls for intervention from local authorities. The community, situated in a flood-prone area, has been inundated for months, with water levels reaching waist height in some instances. This has disrupted daily life, hindered transportation, and threatened livelihoods, including livestock farming. One resident lamented the inability to access their property to feed their pigs due to the overwhelming water levels. Despite repeated appeals to local councillor Ian Miles, residents claim their concerns have gone unaddressed. Member of Parliament for Western Westmoreland, Ian Hayles, has pledged to escalate the issue to central government agencies, including the National Works Agency and the Ministry of Local Government, to implement a permanent solution. Hayles acknowledged the community’s frustration and inconvenience, emphasizing the need for immediate action to alleviate the crisis.

KINGSTON, Jamaica — In a significant move to adapt to evolving educational and employment trends, the Students’ Loan Bureau (SLB) of Jamaica has unveiled plans to diversify its loan offerings. The initiative aims to cater to Jamaicans seeking flexible learning opportunities beyond traditional degree programs, including professional certifications and emerging skill areas crucial for national development.

In a significant step toward enhancing domestic violence intervention, members of the Jamaica Constabulary Force’s (JCF) Domestic Violence Intervention Unit recently completed a comprehensive training program. Conducted in collaboration with the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), the three-day initiative took place at the Sea Garden Hotel in Montego Bay, St James, from September 24 to September 26. The program targeted centre managers and liaison officers, equipping them with advanced skills and knowledge to address domestic violence more effectively. Key focus areas included the Domestic Violence Policy, standard operating procedures, the impact of social media on domestic violence, and the critical role of mental health in intervention efforts. Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) Jacqueline Dillon, head of the JCF’s Domestic Violence Intervention Programme, emphasized the dual purpose of the training as both a refresher and a wellness initiative. She highlighted the importance of ensuring officers are mentally prepared to handle the complexities of domestic violence cases. Detective Sergeant Damion Hammond, sub-officer in charge of the unit, underscored the timeliness of the training, noting the increasing prevalence of domestic violence in Jamaica. He expressed confidence that the program would enhance the quality of service provided to citizens. Participants, including Sergeant Desiree McLeod from the St Elizabeth Domestic Violence Intervention Centre, praised the training for its relevance and depth, particularly the mental health awareness segment. Sergeant Moesha Allen, liaison officer for the St Andrew South Division, pointed to a rise in domestic violence reports as evidence of growing community trust in the police. Sergeant Kester Fennel of the St Catherine North Division urged victims to seek help, assuring them of professional and empathetic support. The training also benefited from contributions by the Ministry of Health and Wellness, the Court Administration Division, and the Bureau of Gender Affairs. Established to address global population and reproductive health challenges, the UNFPA remains committed to combating gender inequality and gender-based violence worldwide.