标签： Jamaica

For over a decade, residents of Greenwich Town in south-west St Andrew, Jamaica, have endured the relentless stench and health risks emanating from the local sewage facility. The National Water Commission (NWC) has now reaffirmed its commitment to addressing the issue, though progress remains slow and challenges persist. In a recent interview with the Jamaica Observer, NWC’s Acting Corporate Public Relations Manager, Delano Williams, outlined ongoing efforts to mitigate the problem, including reconfiguring truck offloading areas to reduce odour and improve efficiency. Williams explained that a more enclosed receptacle for waste dumping is being designed to prevent odour from escaping into the air, with the project currently in the procurement phase. Additionally, the Central Wastewater Treatment Company (CWTC) will conduct a comprehensive air quality analysis, including testing near schools, to establish benchmarks and measure improvements. Recent upgrades have reportedly reduced sewage overflow risks and persistent malodours, while fence repairs and dust mitigation work are underway. However, unauthorised access to the facility and improper disposal practices by some truck operators continue to exacerbate the issue. Williams called for a coordinated response among stakeholders to address these challenges. The NWC’s assurances come after years of frustration from residents, who have long complained about the facility’s proximity to schools and its impact on daily life. Educators have particularly highlighted the vulnerability of children to the health risks posed by the odour. Williams acknowledged the tension caused by wastewater facilities near residential areas but reiterated the NWC’s commitment to improving conditions. Despite promises made over the years, including a 2015 pledge to enclose the facility and a 2022 commitment to erect boundaries, the odour problem persists. As of 2025, residents remain hopeful but skeptical, waiting for tangible improvements to their quality of life.

In a heart-wrenching turn of events, the Malcolm family of Savanna-la-Mar, Westmoreland, is grappling with the devastating loss of their daughter, Kerrian Malcolm, whose body was discovered in a suitcase on Saturday, October 4. The 29-year-old, described as a quiet and hardworking woman, was found in a gully in the Gully Banks community, leaving her family shattered and struggling to cope with yet another tragedy. This marks the third violent death in the family within months, following the killings of two of Kerrian’s brothers earlier this year. Delroy Malcolm, Kerrian’s father, expressed his anguish, revealing that the family has been plagued by a series of losses, including the deaths of his mother, mother-in-law, and father-in-law. Kerrian, a mother to a young child, had been receiving threats since a burglary at the bar she operated, where a rented poker box was stolen. Despite reporting the incident to the police, the threats persisted, and Kerrian was last seen on Thursday night, October 2, when she left home to collect something from someone. Her disappearance prompted a missing person’s report, and her body was discovered by community members who noticed an odd-looking suitcase. The police were called, and the suitcase was opened to reveal Kerrian’s remains. Delroy Malcolm lamented the senseless violence that has torn his family apart, emphasizing that Kerrian was a peaceful individual who sought to uplift her family and care for her son. The family’s grief is compounded by the lack of answers surrounding her death, as they continue to seek justice for their loved ones.

In a targeted police operation in Banana Ground, Manchester, Jamaica, three individuals, including a 77-year-old woman, were arrested on Monday following the discovery of an illegal firearm. The operation, conducted by a joint police and military team, took place early in the morning at a residence where the primary suspect was attempting to flee. Upon interception, he was escorted back to the house, where his elderly mother opened the door. A search warrant was executed, leading to the discovery of a Browning pistol with a loaded magazine containing nine 9mm rounds of ammunition, concealed in a knapsack under a bed. The three detainees, including the suspect’s spouse, are now in police custody, facing charges related to the possession of prohibited weapons and unauthorized ammunition. Notably, two of the suspects have ties to Canada and Banana Ground.

LOS ANGELES, United States (AFP) – California has taken a decisive step to address a long-standing grievance of television viewers by enacting a new law that prohibits excessively loud commercials. Effective immediately, advertisements aired in the state must not exceed the volume of the programming they interrupt. This legislation marks a significant update to outdated regulations, extending its scope beyond traditional broadcast and cable providers to include streaming services. Governor Gavin Newsom emphasized the public’s demand for this change, stating, ‘We heard Californians loud and clear, and what’s clear is that they don’t want commercials at a volume any louder than the level at which they were previously enjoying a program.’ The law aims to enhance the viewing experience by eliminating the jarring transition from serene programming to blaring advertisements, a common frustration for audiences nationwide.