A 44-year-old businessman from St Catherine, Jamaica, has been formally charged with fraudulent conversion following allegations of failing to deliver vehicles to customers who had paid deposits. Lloyd Thompson, a resident of Balmetto East Fort, is accused of defrauding two individuals between April and August 2023. According to reports from the Discovery Bay Police, one complainant paid $2.4 million for a Toyota Coaster, while the other handed over $1 million as a deposit for a Toyota Hiace bus. After making the payments, both customers reportedly attempted to contact Thompson to complete the transactions but were met with evasion. Thompson allegedly provided explanations that raised suspicions, prompting the victims to file police reports. Following investigations, Thompson was apprehended in connection with similar complaints within the Kingston police area. An identification parade was conducted, during which both complainants positively identified him. He was formally charged on Friday, and his court date is currently being finalized.
标签： Jamaica
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Woman charged in connection with shooting death of 14-y-o girl
KINGSTON, Jamaica — A 25-year-old woman, Daniela Morrison, has been formally charged as an accessory before and after the fact in the murder of 14-year-old Terona Thomas, known as ‘Tee-Tee.’ The tragic incident occurred on April 17 in Kingston 11, where Thomas, a student from Cinnamon Crescent, was fatally shot alongside two others. Morrison, a contractor from Waltham Park Road, allegedly rented a silver Nissan Note motor cart used in the attack. According to the Olympic Gardens Police, an armed assailant opened fire on a group at Hill Avenue around 1:50 pm, injuring three individuals before fleeing the scene. Thomas succumbed to her injuries at the hospital, while the other victims were admitted for treatment. Morrison is accused of retrieving the vehicle post-incident and returning it. The St. Andrew South Division is actively pursuing additional suspects and has urged the public to provide any information that could aid the investigation. Prime Minister Andrew Holness had previously offered a $2 million reward for information leading to the arrest of Thomas’s killer.
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China and US agree to fresh trade talks
In a significant development aimed at de-escalating trade tensions, China and the United States have agreed to hold another round of negotiations in the coming week. This decision comes as the two global economic powerhouses strive to avert another round of retaliatory tariffs that could further strain their already fraught relationship. The announcement follows a recent phone call between Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng and US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, described by both sides as “candid, in-depth, and constructive.” The talks are expected to take place in person, with both parties emphasizing the urgency of resolving their ongoing trade dispute. The backdrop to these negotiations includes Beijing’s recent imposition of stringent controls on its rare earths industry, a move that prompted US President Donald Trump to threaten 100% tariffs on Chinese imports. Trump had also previously hinted at canceling his planned meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping at the upcoming Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit in South Korea. However, in a recent interview with Fox News, Trump confirmed that the meeting with Xi would proceed, acknowledging that the proposed tariffs were unsustainable. The rare earths issue remains a critical point of contention, as these materials are essential for a wide range of technologies, from smartphones to military equipment. US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer also participated in the call, underscoring the high stakes of the negotiations. Both nations appear to be cautiously optimistic about finding a resolution, though the path forward remains uncertain.
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Protesters turn out for anti-Trump ‘No Kings’ rallies
WASHINGTON, United States — This Saturday, the United States witnessed an unprecedented wave of protests as millions of Americans took to the streets from New York to San Francisco to voice their dissent against President Donald Trump’s controversial policies. Dubbed the ‘No Kings’ rallies, these demonstrations have been criticized by Republicans as ‘Hate America’ events, yet organizers argue they are a patriotic call to action against what they perceive as authoritarian governance.
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OpenAI halts MLK videos as deepfakes of dead celebrities spark outrage
OpenAI has temporarily suspended its Sora 2 artificial intelligence tool from creating videos featuring civil rights icon Martin Luther King Jr. following complaints from his estate about disrespectful depictions. The decision was announced in a joint statement by OpenAI and King’s estate on Thursday, emphasizing the need to strengthen safeguards for historical figures. This move comes amid growing outrage from families of deceased celebrities and leaders over the tool’s ability to generate realistic videos without consent. Reports from The Washington Post revealed that some users had created offensive content, including videos of King making monkey noises during his iconic ‘I Have a Dream’ speech. Since its launch on September 30, Sora 2 has been used to reanimate other deceased figures such as Bob Marley, Malcolm X, Michael Jackson, Elvis Presley, and Amy Winehouse, sparking widespread criticism. OpenAI acknowledged the importance of free speech but stated that public figures and their families should have control over how their likenesses are used. The company has introduced a mechanism allowing authorized representatives or estate owners to request the exclusion of their likenesses from AI-generated videos, referred to as ‘Sora cameos.’ OpenAI expressed gratitude to Bernice King, King’s daughter, businessman John Hope Bryant, and the AI Ethics Council for facilitating constructive dialogue. The tool, which has topped download charts since its release, has faced backlash from Hollywood and the creative industry over its opt-out policy for copyrighted content. Disney, in particular, sent a strongly worded letter to OpenAI asserting its copyright rights. Amid the controversy, OpenAI has pledged to provide more granular control to rights holders. While the tool has reportedly refused requests for videos featuring Disney or Marvel characters, clips from other franchises and Japanese anime series continue to circulate widely.
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Can anyone stop Sir Don in Princess Popstar Trophy?
The highly anticipated $1.09-million Princess Popstar Trophy, a Restricted Allowance I race for native-bred and imported two-year-olds, is set to take place tomorrow over 5 ½ furlongs (1,100m). The event has drawn a competitive field of six runners, with the spotlight firmly on the American-bred bay colt, Sir Don, who is making his second appearance on local soil. Sir Don’s dominant debut win, clocking an impressive 46.4 seconds over four furlongs, has established him as the clear favourite. His recent morning gallops indicate he is in peak condition, further solidifying his status as the horse to beat. Among the contenders, Tia Maria has shown promise with consistent finishes, while God’s Plan, a debut winner, is expected to challenge for second place. Infinity Star, Brody’s Unity, and Comuna Trece round out the field, with Comuna Trece likely to secure another runner-up finish given her previous performance against Sir Don. The Jamaica Observer’s Supreme Racing Guide provides an in-depth analysis of the runners and their prospects, highlighting Sir Don’s speed and class as key factors in his favour.
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Bog Walk Gorge impassable
In a recent development, authorities in St Catherine, Jamaica, have issued a critical advisory to motorists regarding the Bog Walk Gorge. The area has been rendered impassable due to a combination of falling boulders from the surrounding hills and rapidly rising water levels. The local police force has strongly urged drivers to seek alternative routes to ensure their safety. The situation is being closely monitored, and further updates will be provided as more information becomes available. This disruption underscores the ongoing challenges posed by natural hazards in the region and highlights the importance of adhering to safety advisories during such events.
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King Charles III to make first visit with Pope Leo
In a landmark event for Anglo-Catholic relations, Britain’s King Charles III and Queen Camilla are set to embark on an historic state visit to the Vatican on October 22-23, 2025. This visit, announced by Buckingham Palace on Friday, will mark the first meeting between the British monarchs and Pope Leo XIV since his election in May 2025. The trip follows a private visit by the royal couple to Pope Francis, Leo’s predecessor, just months before his passing in April 2025. Pope Leo XIV, the first American pope with a background in missionary work in Peru, was elected on May 8, 2025. The visit coincides with the special jubilee year, celebrated every 25 years, and will include a service in the Sistine Chapel highlighting the shared environmental commitments of the Pope and the King. Additionally, King Charles will visit a seminary training Commonwealth priests, while Queen Camilla will engage with Catholic sisters involved in girls’ education programs addressing issues like sexual violence and human trafficking. This visit is seen as a pivotal moment in the evolving relationship between the Catholic Church and the Church of England, emphasizing themes of unity and hope. The Church of England, established in the 16th century by Henry VIII after his split from the Catholic Church, has historically had strained relations with Rome. However, modern times have seen a more amicable relationship between the two faiths. King Charles, who has previously visited the Vatican five times as Prince of Wales, last met Pope Francis in April 2025, despite the pontiff’s declining health. The King, currently undergoing cancer treatment, has long been an advocate for environmental protection, a cause he shares with both Pope Francis and Pope Leo XIV.
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Citi introduces generative AI tools across departments
KINGSTON, Jamaica — Citigroup Inc. has introduced four cutting-edge generative artificial intelligence (AI) tools aimed at transforming its compliance, risk management, human resources, and finance operations, the global banking giant revealed on Tuesday. The newly launched tools—Citi Stylus, Citi Stylus Workspaces, Citi Assist, and Citi Squad—are engineered to analyze documents in various formats, generate concise summaries, and provide comparative insights. Currently, these AI solutions are accessible to approximately 150,000 Citigroup employees across 51 jurisdictions, with plans for a comprehensive rollout extending through the end of 2025. Eva Lewis, Citi Country Officer for Jamaica, emphasized that the adoption of generative AI transcends technological advancement, stating, ‘At Citi Jamaica, embracing generative AI is about more than technology—it’s about empowering our team to deliver smarter, faster, and safer banking services to our clients.’ Unlike conventional AI systems that operate within predefined rules, generative AI utilizes advanced language models and neural networks to produce original content based on learned data patterns. Citigroup highlighted that this innovative technology will significantly enhance response times, bolster fraud detection capabilities, and enable more personalized client interactions. With a presence in nearly 160 countries, Citigroup offers a diverse array of financial services to corporations, governments, and institutions worldwide.
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Trump refiles $15 bn defamation lawsuit against New York Times
Former U.S. President Donald Trump has reignited his legal battle against The New York Times by refiling a $15 billion defamation lawsuit, according to recent court filings. This move comes just weeks after a federal judge dismissed the initial complaint in September. The lawsuit, now streamlined to 40 pages from its original 85, targets The Times, three of its reporters, and publisher Penguin Random House, accusing them of publishing “false, defamatory, and malicious” content. The legal action specifically highlights a book and two articles that Trump claims were designed to tarnish his professional reputation. The lawsuit seeks compensatory damages of at least $15 billion, along with punitive damages to be determined at trial. This renewed legal challenge is part of Trump’s broader campaign against media outlets he perceives as biased against him. Since his return to the White House, Trump has escalated his criticism of the press, restricting access to journalists and filing multiple lawsuits demanding substantial compensation. In July, he sued media mogul Rupert Murdoch and The Wall Street Journal for $10 billion over reports about a book and a letter allegedly sent to Jeffrey Epstein. Additionally, Paramount settled a $16 million lawsuit with Trump regarding election coverage on CBS News’ “60 Minutes,” which he claimed was unfairly edited to favor his 2024 election rival, Kamala Harris.