标签： Jamaica

In a significant cybercrime case, three individuals appeared in the St James Parish Court on Wednesday, facing charges related to the unauthorized theft of over $370,000 from a woman’s bank account. Christopher Howell, Delano Wright, and Shakey Stewart are accused of violating the Cybercrimes Act by allegedly accessing and spending the funds without consent. Stewart was granted bail of $150,000 with up to three sureties and reporting conditions by Judge Natiesha Fairclough-Hylton, while Howell and Wright had their station bail extended until November 19, when the case resumes. The incident came to light in late August when the complainant attempted a withdrawal at an NCB ATM in Montego Bay and discovered insufficient funds. A subsequent bank investigation revealed unauthorized transactions between August 22 and 27, totaling $371,468.98. The complainant, who worked alongside Stewart and Howell at a Montego Bay health center, reported the theft to the police, citing the lack of lockers at the facility as a potential vulnerability. During the court proceedings, Howell acknowledged the charges, Stewart expressed stress, and Wright remained silent. The case awaits further evidence, including a corroboration officer’s statement, bank records, and a Q&A document.

As Tropical Storm Melissa approaches Jamaica, the island’s tourism industry is intensifying its preparations to ensure the safety of staff, guests, and infrastructure. Stakeholders across the sector are implementing robust safety protocols and collaborating closely with local authorities to mitigate potential risks. Lowell Spence, owner of Smokeez Seafood Restaurant in Rose Hall, St James, emphasized the importance of reinforcing staff training and briefing guests on emergency procedures. Similarly, Sanju Chatani, Senior Director of Taj Mahal Plaza in Ocho Rios, highlighted the need for clear and timely communication with both patrons and employees. Marc Melville, CEO of Chukka Caribbean Adventures, stressed the value of readiness and collaboration with government agencies to protect visitors during the storm. Tourism Minister Edmund Bartlett has urged all industry players to prioritize safety, describing preparedness as the cornerstone of recovery. He revealed that the Tourism Emergency Operations Centre has been activated at The Jamaica Pegasus hotel in New Kingston to coordinate a unified response. The centre will facilitate communication between the Ministry of Tourism, emergency agencies, and industry partners, ensuring a cohesive approach as updates from the Meteorological Service are received. Bartlett also underscored Jamaica’s history of rapid crisis response as a testament to the destination’s resilience. He called for calm, vigilance, and unity, reiterating the mantra: ‘Preparation, not panic.’

The shocking events surrounding Kevin Ontoneil Smith, a self-proclaimed prophet and alleged cult leader, have left Jamaica in a state of disbelief. On October 17, 2021, Smith’s Pathways International Kingdom Restoration Ministries in Albion, St James, became the site of a horrifying human sacrifice ritual. Two congregants, Taneka Gardner and Michael Brown, were brutally killed during the ceremony, marking a dark turn in Smith’s spiritual empire. The incident culminated in a deadly police raid, resulting in the death of another congregant, Kevaughn Palmer, and the arrest of 42 church members, including Smith. Just eight days later, on October 25, Smith’s life came to a tragic end when the car transporting him and three police officers crashed on the Linstead Bypass in St Catherine. Smith and Constable Orlando Irons died on impact, while the other officers survived. Autopsies later revealed that Smith had caused the crash, effectively committing suicide. Smith’s rise to prominence began at the age of 17 when he was ordained as a minister. By 2011, he had returned to Jamaica with the title “Dr” and established himself as a spiritual leader. His church, which he referred to as the “ark,” became a hub for his increasingly extreme practices. In March 2021, Smith charged congregants $100,000 each to enter the ark, where they endured harsh living conditions. The October 17 incident was preceded by a cryptic Facebook post from Smith, urging his followers to board the ark for a three-day convention. Instead, they were met with violence and death. Smith’s manipulative tactics and rigid financial rules had long raised red flags among those who knew him. Merlene Lewin, a resident near the church, recalled how Smith fined congregants for late attendance and improper attire. Despite his charm and intelligence, Smith’s actions revealed a darker side. His death and the subsequent charges of murder, wounding with intent, and illegal possession of a firearm have left a lasting impact on Jamaica’s religious community. Reverend Merrick “Al” Miller, who knew Smith in his early years, expressed his devastation at the turn of events, emphasizing the need for vigilance in spiritual leadership. The Jamaica Observer’s documentary, ‘Cult Pastor Kevin Smith: Dead or Alive?’, delves deeper into this chilling saga, with Part 2 set for release on October 26, 2025.

KINGSTON, Jamaica — In response to the imminent threat posed by Tropical Storm Melissa, Jamaica’s Police Commissioner, Dr. Kevin Blake, has announced the full activation of the Jamaica Constabulary Force’s (JCF) hurricane preparedness plan. The JCF has mobilized its resources to safeguard critical infrastructure and ensure public safety as the storm approaches the island’s southeastern coast.

Jamaica is bracing for the impact of Tropical Storm Melissa, which continues its steady advance toward the island. The Government has escalated emergency preparations as meteorologists warn of potential hurricane conditions within the next 48 hours. Rohan Brown, Weather Services Manager at the Meteorological Service of Jamaica, stated during a press conference at Jamaica House that Melissa could intensify into a major hurricane by the weekend, posing significant threats to the region. The storm’s slow but relentless progression has prompted widespread readiness measures. The island’s international airports have activated emergency protocols, public hospitals are on high alert, and utility companies have mobilized resources. The Jamaica Public Service Company has introduced a new incident command structure to ensure faster and safer power restoration. Telecommunications providers Flow and Digicel, along with the National Water Commission, have also declared full preparedness. Residents are urged to stay vigilant as the storm’s trajectory and intensity remain uncertain.

PORTLAND, Jamaica — Authorities in Portland are urging residents planning to seek refuge in shelters to bring sufficient food and supplies to last up to 72 hours as Tropical Storm Melissa approaches. Maxwell Hamilton, Parish Manager for the Portland office of the Ministry of Labour and Social Security, emphasized the importance of preparedness during a meeting of the Parish Disaster Committee on Thursday. The meeting was held at the Portland Municipal Corporation offices.

Hamilton highlighted the potential duration of the storm, stating, ‘This event is setting up to be one that might extend over several days. We want to avoid the need to rush food supplies into shelters because people arrive unprepared. Additionally, we cannot risk the safety of our officers.’ He urged local councillors to assist by encouraging residents in their divisions to bring adequate provisions.

In its latest bulletin on Friday, the Meteorological Service of Jamaica maintained a Tropical Storm Warning and Hurricane Watch for the island. A Tropical Storm Warning indicates that Jamaica could experience sustained wind speeds of 63-118 km/h within 36 hours. Meanwhile, a Hurricane Watch suggests that hurricane conditions, including winds of 119 km/h or higher, may pose a threat within 48 hours. Residents are advised to remain vigilant and follow official updates as the situation develops.

KINGSTON, Jamaica — As Tropical Storm Melissa approaches, Digicel Jamaica is urging the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities or acts of vandalism that could disrupt network services. Stephen Murad, CEO of Digicel Jamaica, emphasized the company’s preparedness while calling for community cooperation to safeguard connectivity during the storm.