标签： Jamaica

KINGSTON, Jamaica — The $231 million Troy Bridge project in Trelawny is progressing as planned and is expected to be completed by December 2025, according to Robert Morgan, the Minister responsible for works. During a site visit on Wednesday, Minister Morgan expressed his satisfaction with the ongoing construction, emphasizing the bridge’s critical role in alleviating the challenges faced by residents since its collapse in 2021.

Minister Morgan highlighted the significance of the project, stating, ‘I’m happy that Jamaica can see the work that we’ve done. While there is still some work left, we are confident that the people of this area will be very proud once the project is finished.’ He also announced that road rehabilitation on both sides of the bridge is slated to begin in January 2026, further enhancing accessibility for residents, students, and local businesses.

The collapse of the Troy Bridge in August 2021, during Tropical Storm Grace, had a severe economic impact on the region. Minister Morgan underscored the bridge’s importance as a vital economic hub for Trelawny, Manchester, and St Elizabeth. ‘For the past four years, the absence of this bridge has been devastating. We are committed to rehabilitating the roads to support farmers, students, residents, and businesses, aiming to reinvigorate Troy,’ he added.

The minister also emphasized the government’s dedication to modernizing Jamaica’s infrastructure. ‘This bridge dates back to the 1800s, which illustrates the immense task we face in rebuilding and rehabilitating our infrastructure. However, the government is fully committed to this mission,’ he concluded.

Royanne DeSilva, Managing Director of Dream Aloud Travels and former Miss Jamaica World 2015 first runner-up, has married Luca Campolunghi, an Italian real estate investor, in a wedding that masterfully blended Caribbean vibrancy with Italian sophistication. Their love story began in Qatar, where they first met, and flourished through visits to each other’s homelands, fostering a deep connection rooted in cultural exchange.

KINGSTON, Jamaica — Three individuals have been found guilty in the Corporate Area Parish Court for their involvement in a sophisticated $61-million fraud and money-laundering operation. The scheme, which utilized SIM-swap tactics and money mules, targeted victims’ bank accounts, siphoning substantial funds. The convictions stem from a 2021 report by a local financial institution, which prompted a collaborative investigation led by the Financial Investigations Division (FID) alongside the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF). The probe also involved specialized units such as the Constabulary Financial Unit (CFU) and the Major Organised Crime and Anti-Corruption Agency (MOCA).

The convicted individuals, aged between 25 and 32, include two customer service representatives and a self-employed man. Their roles varied from granting unauthorized access to computer systems to facilitating financial transactions involving illicit funds. Sentencing is scheduled for November 6, 2025. The charges include unauthorized access to computer data, engaging in transactions with criminal property, and providing devices or data for unlawful activities.

Investigators revealed that the operation relied on SIM-swap fraud, where victims lost control of their mobile numbers through social engineering. Perpetrators then hijacked online banking profiles, diverting funds into accounts controlled by money mules who swiftly withdrew the cash to hinder recovery efforts. In total, nine individuals are implicated in the scheme, with six still awaiting trial. The accused span various professions, including an accountant, account associate, and legal filing clerk, highlighting the widespread nature of such cyber-enabled crimes.

Keith Darien, Principal Director of Financial Crimes Investigations at the FID, emphasized the success of Jamaica’s integrated law-enforcement approach. He noted that joint operations, training, and policy improvements have significantly enhanced the detection, interception, and prosecution of offenders. Darien also reiterated the importance of the FID’s ongoing Money Mule public-education campaign, urging individuals to avoid allowing their bank accounts or identities to be used for criminal activities, warning of severe consequences.

Gerry Murray, a celebrated former footballer for Kingston College (KC) and Real Mona, passed away on September 15 at his residence in Red Hills, St Andrew. He was 75 years old. His younger brother, Richie Murray, confirmed the news in an interview with Observer Online, though the cause of death remains undisclosed.

Murray’s football journey began at Jamaica College, where he studied until fifth form before transferring to KC. He played a pivotal role in KC’s 1967 Manning Cup victory, scoring a crucial goal in the 2-0 final triumph over Excelsior High School. His talent earned him a scholarship to Michigan State University, where he pursued mechanical engineering and played alongside notable teammates, including Trevor “Jumpy” Harris, Tony Keyes, and Lennox Robinson.

In the 1970s, Murray transitioned to a defensive role with Real Mona, sharing the field with players like Stewart Stephenson, Peter Moses, and Ian Bond. Stephenson, a childhood friend, remembered Murray as an intense and competitive player who despised losing. Stratton Palmer, Murray’s strike partner from the 1967 KC team, described him as a quiet, soft-spoken individual deeply passionate about football.

Born in Browns Town, St Ann, Murray and his brothers moved to Mona in the early 1960s, settling near Buttercup Park, the community’s football field. Alongside Stephenson, Murray contributed to Real Mona’s victories in the Masters League competitions of 1990 and 1993.

Murray is survived by his wife Carmen, children Omari and Melissa, four grandchildren, and his extended family. A thanksgiving service will be held on October 18 at the Church of The Ascension in Mona, St Andrew, to honor his life and legacy.