标签： Jamaica

In a recent court hearing in St James, Jamaica, Iro Thomas, a man arrested during a police raid on October 19, contested charges of cocaine possession. Appearing before Parish Judge Gabrielle Wilks, Thomas argued that neither he nor the arresting officers could confirm whether the substance found in his possession was indeed crack cocaine. Represented by attorney Jermaine Campbell, who acted as amicus in the absence of formal legal representation, Thomas maintained his innocence, claiming he had merely found the substance and was unaware of its nature. The incident unfolded when police, conducting a targeted operation at a local beach, observed Thomas and another individual engaged in conversation. Suspecting foul play due to Thomas’s suspicious behavior, officers approached him and discovered seven pieces of a substance believed to be crack cocaine in a bottle he was holding. During the hearing, Campbell highlighted the absence of a preliminary test to verify the substance’s identity, emphasizing that the prosecution lacked concrete evidence to substantiate the charges. Judge Wilks granted Thomas bail set at $150,000 with reporting conditions and scheduled the next hearing for January 14, 2026.

A devastating grizzly bear attack in the remote Bella Coola area of British Columbia, Canada, left 11 people injured, including children as young as nine, authorities reported on Friday. Among the victims, two are in critical condition, while two others sustained serious injuries. The incident occurred on Thursday afternoon along the Old Trail, according to Corporal Madonna Saunderson, a spokesperson for the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP).

The Nuxalk First Nation, a local Indigenous community, confirmed the attack on their Facebook page, warning residents of an ‘aggressive bear in the area.’ Acwsalcta School, operated by the Nuxalk Nation, announced its closure on Friday due to the incident. Veronica Schooner, a parent, shared with the Canadian Press that her son narrowly escaped injury as the bear targeted others in the group.

The British Columbia Emergency Health Services reported that seven of the injured did not require hospitalization. As of late Thursday, the bear remained at large, prompting the Nuxalk Nation to advise residents to stay indoors. The British Columbia Conservation Officer Service has assumed control of the investigation, though it remains unclear whether the bear has been located. The community continues to grapple with the aftermath of this tragic event.

KINGSTON, Jamaica — In a significant move to aid recovery efforts following Hurricane Melissa, the Unicomer Group has donated 100 twin and double mattresses to Food for the Poor Jamaica, with plans to contribute an additional 200 units and other essential items. This initiative is part of the company’s ongoing commitment to supporting affected families as they rebuild their lives and restore a sense of normalcy. Ann Marie Walters, Managing Director of Unicomer Jamaica, emphasized the company’s dedication to relief efforts, stating, ‘We are committed to helping those impacted by this storm. Our goal is to provide meaningful comfort to families during this challenging time.’ Shortly after the hurricane, Unicomer pledged over $75 million to assist both its employees and the broader public affected by the disaster. Walters also highlighted the company’s partnership with Food for the Poor Jamaica, underscoring its focus on delivering both immediate relief and sustained support to communities recovering from Hurricane Melissa.

The Derek Walcott Library, located at the Sir Arthur Lewis Community College in St. Lucia, has been officially added to the UNESCO Memory of the World Regional Register for Latin America and the Caribbean. This prestigious recognition was announced during the program’s annual regional meeting held in Lima and Cusco, Peru. Among 71 nominations from 15 countries, 29 were approved, with the Derek Walcott Library standing out for its cultural and historical significance. The UNESCO Memory of the World Programme aims to protect documentary heritage at risk of being forgotten, damaged, or lost. The inscription highlights the profound value of Sir Derek Alton Walcott’s personal collection, offering a unique glimpse into the life, influences, and creative genius of the Nobel Laureate. The library houses Walcott’s original bookshelves, including works he authored, gifts from peers, and materials reflecting his engagement with Caribbean literature, art, theatre, history, and global cultures. Donated to the college in 2020 by Sigrid Nama, the collection serves as a preserved record of Walcott’s creative legacy and the broader literary conversations that shaped him. The Saint Lucia National Commission for UNESCO also acknowledged Kathy Birch-McDiarmed, head librarian of the Hunter J Francois Library, for her role as vice president of the Memory of the World Committee for Latin America and the Caribbean. Her efforts continue to support the protection and promotion of documentary heritage across the region. This recognition underscores the importance of preserving the Derek Walcott Library as a vital repository of Caribbean literary memory and cultural heritage.

The Westmoreland Fire Department in Jamaica faced a challenging day on Wednesday as it responded to two separate bushfires in the Beeston Spring and Watercress areas. The first emergency call was received at approximately 5:27 pm for the Watercress area, followed by another at 7:22 pm for Beeston Spring. Assistant Commissioner Rudolph Seaton, overseeing Area Four of the Jamaica Fire Brigade, reported that much of the fire was inaccessible to firefighters. Despite this, the brigade managed to extinguish flames in accessible areas using water. Seaton explained that the inaccessible sections were left to burn out naturally, and as of now, there is no active fire in the vicinity. The cause of the fires remains unknown, but Seaton noted that dry vegetation and debris left by Hurricane Melissa likely exacerbated the situation. He reiterated the fire department’s ongoing public education campaign, emphasizing the illegality of setting unattended fires and advising residents to bury waste instead of burning it, especially given the scarcity of water in pipe tops. Fortunately, there were no reports of loss of life or property.