标签： Jamaica

In a decisive operation on Wednesday, October 15, law enforcement officers in Kingston, Jamaica, successfully confiscated a Glock pistol along with a magazine loaded with seven 9mm rounds. The incident unfolded around 6:00 pm on Lane Gem Road in Kingston 13, where a police team, acting on actionable intelligence, descended upon a specific location. Upon arrival, officers encountered three individuals who immediately attempted to flee upon spotting the authorities. In a swift response, the officers pursued the suspects, managing to apprehend one of them. A subsequent search of the vicinity led to the discovery and seizure of the firearm and ammunition. The detained individual, whose identity remains undisclosed, was promptly taken into custody. This operation underscores the ongoing efforts by local law enforcement to curb illegal firearm possession and enhance public safety in the area.

Spanish authorities have initiated an investigation into the mysterious disappearance of a Pablo Picasso masterpiece, ‘Still Life with Guitar,’ while it was being transported from Madrid to Granada for a scheduled exhibition. The oil-on-canvas artwork, valued at 600,000 euros ($700,000), was part of a showcase organized by the CajaGranada foundation, featuring pieces from private collections. National police sources confirmed the ongoing inquiry but refrained from disclosing further details due to confidentiality protocols. This incident adds to a history of thefts targeting Picasso’s works, which are highly sought after for their immense value. Notably, two of his paintings fetched over $140 million at recent auctions. One of the most infamous thefts occurred in 1976, when more than 100 of Picasso’s works were stolen from the Palais des Papes museum in Avignon, France, though all were eventually recovered. Picasso, born in 1881 in Malaga, Spain, and passing in 1973, remains one of the most influential artists in history, renowned for his groundbreaking experimentation with diverse styles and themes.

Kingston Mayor Andrew Swaby expressed deep frustration during the monthly meeting of the Kingston and St Andrew Municipal Corporation (KSAMC) on Tuesday, addressing the ongoing garbage collection crisis plaguing several communities. Residents have reported domestic waste remaining uncollected for up to two months, creating significant health and environmental hazards. Mayor Swaby criticized the National Solid Waste Management Authority (NSWMA) for its inconsistent service delivery, despite its mandate to handle waste management. He also highlighted the agency’s frequent excuse of rainfall hindering access to dumpsites, which he deemed insufficient to justify such prolonged delays. Furthermore, Swaby raised concerns about irregular street sweeping in downtown areas, including Parade, King Street, and West Queen Street, forcing the KSAMC to hire external contractors to maintain cleanliness. He also alleged that some NSWMA employees may be receiving pay without performing their duties. The mayor urged the NSWMA to take immediate action to resolve these issues and emphasized the importance of collaboration between the agency and the KSAMC. Additionally, Swaby called on residents to improve their waste disposal practices, stressing that maintaining clean streets is a shared responsibility. The KSAMC’s Public Health and Sanitation Committee has outlined several objectives, including quarterly reviews of reporting processes and enhanced oversight of sewer line blockages and road cuts, to improve service efficiency and accountability.

Human rights advocate Carla Gullotta is urging Jamaica’s Ministry of Local Government and Community Development to prioritize the establishment of more transitional facilities for the homeless, arguing that the current reliance on drop-in centres is insufficient to address the root causes of homelessness. Gullotta, who operates the Portland Rehabilitation Management Homeless Shelter in Port Antonio, highlighted the limitations of drop-in centres, which provide temporary shelter but fail to offer long-term solutions or professional support for mental health issues often linked to homelessness. She emphasized that transitional facilities, like her shelter, have proven more effective in helping individuals regain stability and reintegrate into society. Gullotta also underscored the alarming prevalence of mental health challenges in Jamaica, citing Health and Wellness Minister Dr. Christopher Tufton’s revelation that 40% of Jamaicans experience mental health issues at some point in their lives. Meanwhile, Local Government Minister Desmond McKenzie announced plans to conduct a nationwide survey on homelessness and build 14 new shelters across the island, aiming to address the growing crisis more comprehensively.