标签： Jamaica

KINGSTON, Jamaica — A prominent educator and former political figure has been penalized for violations of Jamaica’s integrity legislation. Roogae Kirlew, who serves as Principal of Spanish Town Primary School and is a former councillor for the People’s National Party (PNP), received a total fine of $200,000 in the Kingston and St Andrew Parish Court this Tuesday. The ruling came after Kirlew admitted guilt to multiple counts of failing to submit mandatory statutory declarations to the Integrity Commission (IC) for the years 2019, 2020, and 2022.

Presiding Judge Alwayne Smith oversaw the sentencing hearing where mitigating circumstances were presented by the defendant’s legal representative, Atiba Dyer. The defense counsel highlighted that Kirlew’s health complications during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2019 significantly impacted his ability to meet filing deadlines. Dyer further explained that procedural confusion regarding submission protocols during that period contributed to the oversight.

The court learned that all three outstanding declarations were eventually filed in 2022. Defense attorney Dyer appealed for judicial leniency, emphasizing his client’s contributions to society as a justice of the peace, religious minister, and educational leader. Kirlew’s parental responsibilities toward two dependent sons, aged 17 and 10, were also noted in the plea for consideration.

Dyer assured the court that his client has demonstrated corrective action by voluntarily engaging with the Integrity Commission upon learning about the allegations. Kirlew, who was overseas at the time, returned to Jamaica in October 2025 specifically to address the compliance issues and made himself available for legal proceedings.

The financial penalty was structured as $80,000 for the 2019 violation and $120,000 for the 2020 offense. For the 2022 breach, Kirlew received an admonishment and discharge, avoiding additional fines. The case underscores the ongoing enforcement of Jamaica’s integrity laws for public officials.

KINGSTON, Jamaica — The Kingston and St Andrew Parish Court has imposed a substantial financial penalty on Roogae Kirlew, a former People’s National Party councillor and current principal of Spanish Town Primary School, for violations related to statutory declaration filings. Presiding Judge Alwayne Smith ordered Kirlew to pay $200,000 in fines on Tuesday after the educator pleaded guilty to failing to submit mandatory integrity disclosures for multiple years.

The case centered on Kirlew’s failure to file required statutory declarations with Jamaica’s Integrity Commission for the reporting periods covering 2019, 2020, and 2022. Defense attorney Atiba Dyer presented mitigating circumstances, explaining that his client had experienced illness during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2019, which initially prevented timely compliance. Dyer further cited administrative confusion regarding submission procedures during the relevant period.

Legal representatives emphasized that all outstanding declarations were eventually submitted in 2022, demonstrating eventual compliance. The defense petitioned for judicial leniency, highlighting Kirlew’s contributions to society as a justice of the peace, religious minister, and educational leader who continues to support his two children, including one pursuing overseas education.

The court learned that Kirlew proactively engaged with the Integrity Commission upon learning of the allegations against him, despite being overseas at the time. He returned to Jamaica in October 2025 specifically to address the compliance issues and coordinated with legal counsel to ensure proper handling of the matter.

In its final ruling, the court imposed differentiated penalties: $80,000 for the 2019 declaration failure, $120,000 for the 2020 violation, and an admonishment and discharge for the 2022 oversight. The judgment underscores Jamaica’s ongoing enforcement of accountability standards for public officials and educators.

In the devastating wake of Hurricane Melissa, the Women’s Centre of Jamaica Foundation (WCJF) has demonstrated extraordinary resilience by maintaining its essential services for vulnerable adolescent mothers. Despite severe infrastructure damage across multiple parishes, the foundation received crucial support from both partner organizations and former beneficiaries—embodying the 2024 International Women’s Day theme ‘Give to Gain’ through powerful displays of mutual aid during crisis.

Established to address Jamaica’s persistently high teenage pregnancy rates, the WCJF provides continuing education and support for pregnant girls under 19 who are excluded from the regular school system. The hurricane inflicted substantial damage to facilities in Savanna-la-Mar, Santa Cruz, Montego Bay, St Ann’s Bay, Morant Bay, and Junction. The Savanna-la-Mar centre suffered critical roof displacement, Santa Cruz lost its water storage tanks, Montego Bay’s pre-school roof was partially torn away, and multiple locations experienced structural collapses and security breaches.

Executive Director Novlette Howell emphasized that despite these physical damages, the foundation’s primary concern remained its human resources—both the staff and beneficiaries. Through coordinated efforts with the Jamaican Government, WCJF personnel distributed care packages and financial assistance to affected women and girls in the hardest-hit parishes of St Elizabeth, Westmoreland, and St James.

The foundation secured significant overseas donor grants, distributing amounts ranging from $20,000 to $210,000 to 22 staff members for various recovery needs including roof repairs, structural rebuilding, and complete home replacements. Additionally, WCJF centers served as temporary shelter for both staff and beneficiaries displaced by the hurricane.

A particularly inspiring aspect of the recovery effort emerged from the foundation’s alumni network. Former beneficiaries across the globe—now working as police inspectors, teachers, nurses, and business owners—mobilized support through material donations and mentorship. Howell noted that barrels of supplies from past students were delivered to the Savannah-la-Mar centre, demonstrating the powerful cycle of empowerment that defines the organization’s mission.

The WCJF maintains long-term commitment to its beneficiaries, providing ongoing counseling through university and professional integration via mentorship programs. This sustained support system exemplifies how investing in women creates ripple effects that strengthen entire communities, transforming personal achievement into collective advancement—the very essence of ‘Give to Gain’ in practice.

LOS ANGELES — A dramatic security incident unfolded at the Los Angeles residence of global music icon Rihanna on Sunday, culminating in the arrest of a suspect on an attempted murder charge. Ivanna Lisette Ortiz, the alleged assailant, is being held on a substantial bail of $10.225 million following the daytime shooting.

According to the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD), the episode occurred when a suspect operating a white Tesla model vehicle halted across the street from the superstar’s luxury mansion. From this position, multiple rounds were discharged toward the property using an AR-15-style rifle. The incident took place while Rihanna, her partner rapper A$AP Rocky, and their three young children were present inside the home.

Law enforcement officials reported that Ortiz was apprehended without incident approximately 30 minutes after the shooting at a nearby shopping complex. Captain Mike Bland, addressing the media, confirmed the specific type of firearm utilized in the attack. Subsequent aerial news footage revealed visible bullet damage to a gate at the high-security estate, underscoring the severity of the event.

The motivation behind the targeted attack remains under active investigation by the LAPD. As of the latest reports, Rihanna, whose full name is Robyn Rihanna Fenty, has not issued any public statement regarding the traumatic event. The case continues to develop as authorities work to establish a clear timeline and motive.

Jamaica’s government has substantially escalated its financial commitment to educational infrastructure resilience with an unprecedented $18 billion allocation for disaster preparedness, mitigation, and response in schools. This monumental funding, incorporated into the 2026/27 Estimates of Expenditure, marks a dramatic increase from previous budgetary cycles and reflects heightened concerns about climate vulnerability.

Education Minister Senator Dana Morris Dixon confirmed the allocation during Friday’s Standing Finance Committee meeting at the House of Representatives. “I believe at the start of the Standing Finance process, there would have been an amendment done, where $18 billion was allocated to the Ministry of Education for that line,” stated Minister Dixon, emphasizing the government’s strategic prioritization of educational infrastructure security.

The funding represents a seismic shift in disaster response budgeting. During the 2024/25 cycle, provisional expenditure totaled $2.5 billion, entirely dedicated to Hurricane Beryl relief and recovery operations. The subsequent 2025/26 revised Estimates increased to $2.8 billion, with $500 million addressing Hurricane Beryl impacts and the remaining $2.3 billion allocated for Hurricane Melissa recovery efforts.

The substantial budget increase follows devastating impacts from Hurricane Melissa in October 2025, which battered the island as a Category 5 storm. Official reports indicate more than 600 educational institutions sustained significant damage during the hurricane’s passage, creating urgent need for comprehensive infrastructure rehabilitation.

Governor-General Sir Patrick Allen previously highlighted the government’s restoration commitments during his Throne Speech at the February 12 Ceremonial Opening of Parliament. His Excellency confirmed that educational institutions classified as ‘Priority 1’ damaged during Hurricane Melissa would undergo complete repairs within the current calendar year, signaling coordinated national efforts to fortify educational facilities against future climate events.