标签： Jamaica

One month into its operation, Jamaica’s Rural School Bus Programme has exceeded ridership expectations, Transport Minister Daryl Vaz announced on Friday. The initiative, which aims to provide safe and affordable transportation for students across rural areas, has seen an average of 16,600 students daily, surpassing the ministry’s initial target of 15,000 for the first 60 buses. However, the programme has faced several challenges, including logistical adjustments, minor accidents, and reports of students falling ill during transit.

During a press conference, Vaz acknowledged these issues but emphasized that no major incidents resulting in injuries or fatalities have occurred. He highlighted instances of disorderly behavior among students and medical emergencies, such as nosebleeds and fainting, which were promptly addressed with the help of drivers, the Jamaica Urban Transit Company (JUTC), and local authorities. To mitigate these challenges, the ministry has opted to deploy law enforcement monitors on buses instead of assigning wardens, following consultations with the education and finance ministries.

JUTC Managing Director Owen Ellington reported 21 incidents during the programme’s first month, including minor accidents involving third-party vehicles on narrow rural roads. To enhance safety, the JUTC has implemented strict disciplinary measures and onboard monitoring technology to track driver behavior in real time.

Infrastructure issues, particularly the poor condition of rural roads, have also posed significant challenges. Vaz noted that the transport ministry is collaborating with the National Works Agency and municipal corporations to prioritize road repairs in affected areas. Additionally, departure times for some routes have been adjusted by 30 to 45 minutes to better align with students’ schedules and reduce early “dead runs.”

Despite these setbacks, the programme’s popularity has led to concerns about overcrowding, with demand for seats exceeding supply in several parishes. Vaz assured that the government is addressing this by expanding the fleet and improving scheduling efficiency. He also hinted at further adjustments to routes and pickup locations to ensure punctuality and prevent overcrowding.

The Rural School Bus Programme, launched on September 8, currently operates 60 buses across 12 dispatch points, serving 250 schools islandwide. The remaining 44 buses from the government’s initial 110-bus commitment are expected to be rolled out by the end of the current school term. Once fully implemented, the initiative aims to provide safe transportation for students across all 14 parishes, with plans to procure additional buses for future phases of expansion.

Mexico is grappling with a catastrophic flood crisis as torrential rains have claimed at least 37 lives and caused widespread destruction across the nation. The federal government reported on Saturday that intense rainfall has affected 31 out of 32 states, leading to overflowing rivers, submerged villages, landslides, and collapsed infrastructure. The central state of Hidalgo has borne the brunt of the disaster, with 22 fatalities, 1,000 damaged homes, and 90 communities cut off from rescue operations. Neighboring Puebla state has recorded nine deaths, while Veracruz and Queretaro have reported five and one fatality, respectively. Over 80,000 individuals in Puebla alone have been impacted by the extreme weather. President Claudia Sheinbaum announced on X that thousands of troops, alongside boats, planes, and helicopters, have been mobilized to assist in rescue and recovery efforts. More than 5,400 military personnel have been deployed to distribute aid and restore essential services. Shelters have been established to accommodate those displaced by the floods. The Sierra Madre Oriental mountain range, home to numerous small communities, has emerged as the epicenter of the disaster, with many areas rendered inaccessible due to landslides. Meteorologist Isidro Cano attributed the heavy rainfall to a seasonal shift and cloud formation driven by warm, humid air from the Gulf of Mexico, compounded by a cold front from the north. Authorities are also monitoring Tropical Storm Raymond and the remnants of Hurricane Priscilla, which have caused additional damage in western states. Raymond is expected to weaken to a tropical depression by Sunday as it approaches southern Baja California.

MANCHESTER, Jamaica — The search for Jayden Smith, a Manchester schoolboy who vanished two weeks ago, has intensified as law enforcement agencies expand their efforts to locate him. Jayden’s guardians, Ann-Marie Thompson and Omar Thompson, have expressed their willingness to cooperate with authorities, welcoming a thorough search of the vicinity surrounding their home in Wales, Newport, Manchester. The Thompsons have been deeply affected by persistent rumors and speculations regarding Jayden’s disappearance, which have escalated to threats against them. The Jamaica Constabulary Force has deployed multiple specialized units, including the Specialized Operations team, the canine unit, and the missing persons desk, alongside local Newport police, to meticulously comb the area. Despite the extensive search operations, Jayden’s whereabouts remain unknown, leaving the community anxious and hopeful for his safe return. The Thompsons have vehemently denied allegations of ill-treatment, dismissing them as baseless and harmful. As the investigation continues, authorities urge the public to provide any information that could aid in locating the missing child.

A 61-year-old man, Jose Luis Rodriguez, has been charged with the brutal murders of his lover, her husband, and their one-year-old son in Berks County, Pennsylvania. The victims, identified as 31-year-old Geraldina Peguero-Mancebo, her 33-year-old husband Junior Cabrera-Colon, and their infant son Jeydon, were killed in a series of violent acts that authorities have described as “heinous and calculated.”

According to prosecutors, Rodriguez’s actions were driven by anger after Peguero-Mancebo refused to leave her marriage but continued to accept financial support from him. The tragedy unfolded when Rodriguez allegedly picked up Peguero-Mancebo while she was holding her baby, shot her in the back of the head, and then threw the child into a nearby pond, where he drowned. Later, Rodriguez reportedly met Cabrera-Colon and executed him in a similar manner, leaving his body in a separate location.

The victims’ bodies were discovered days apart in Ontelaunee Township, just outside Reading. Rodriguez eventually confessed to parts of the crime, admitting to investigators that he was enraged by Peguero-Mancebo’s decision to remain with her husband. The couple, who shared three other children aged eight to 13, were described as victims of a deeply disturbing act of violence.

Berks County District Attorney’s Office officials emphasized the severity of the crime, noting Rodriguez’s violent criminal history and stating that this incident was “by far the most disturbing act” they have encountered, particularly due to the murder of the innocent child. Rodriguez remains in custody and faces charges for one homicide, according to reports.