标签： Jamaica

KINGSTON, Jamaica—A violent confrontation on the Nelson Mandela Highway in St Catherine on Wednesday culminated in the deaths of three men and the seizure of two firearms by law enforcement. The incident unfolded around 11:45 am when officers from the Counter Terrorism and Organised Crime Investigation Branch (C-TOC) identified a black Honda Fit suspected of involvement in multiple robberies. Upon signaling the vehicle to stop, the occupants allegedly refused to comply, prompting the police to intercept the car. A shootout ensued, during which the suspects opened fire on the officers. When the gunfire ceased, three men were found with fatal gunshot wounds and were rushed to Spanish Town Hospital, where they were pronounced dead. Authorities recovered a Taurus G2C 9mm pistol with a magazine containing five cartridges, as well as a Beretta 9mm pistol equipped with a magazine holding two cartridges. The incident underscores the ongoing challenges faced by Jamaican law enforcement in combating organized crime and gun violence.

KINGSTON, Jamaica — A stepfather has been mandated to undergo counseling following allegations of physically assaulting his 10-year-old stepchild with a broom. The incident led to a court appearance in the Kingston and St Andrew Parish Court on Tuesday, where the defendant faced Judge Paula Blake Powell. The child’s mother, who shares additional children with the accused, was also present in court. The prosecution alleged that the defendant struck the child with the broom, resulting in a bleeding wound. The defense argued that the injury was minor, but Judge Blake Powell emphasized that neither the defense attorney nor herself were qualified to make medical assessments. She instructed the defense to await the official medical report before drawing conclusions. The court referred the defendant to the family court for counseling focused on anger management and conflict resolution.

KINGSTON, Jamaica — Tax Administration Jamaica (TAJ) has issued a statement refuting claims made in a viral social media video purporting to be a public service announcement about services at the Montego Bay Revenue Service Centre (MBRSC). The agency clarified that the video, dated November 17, 2025, is outdated and does not reflect current operations. This comes as TAJ continues its recovery efforts following the devastation caused by Hurricane Melissa. While most offices across the island have reopened, the Montego Bay office and several western satellite locations—including Darliston, Falmouth, Jackson Town, Lucea, and Savanna-la-Mar—remain closed for repairs. Taxpayers in affected areas are encouraged to utilize alternative locations such as the St Ann’s Bay, Moneague, and Brown’s Town tax offices. TAJ also emphasized the availability of online payment options, including its official website, Direct Funds Transfer, Scotia Online, NCB Online Banking, and the TAJ Mobile App. The agency apologized for any inconvenience caused and urged the public to rely solely on verified communication channels for accurate updates. For further assistance, individuals can contact the Customer Care Centre at 888-TAX-HELP, visit the TAJ website, or follow the agency on social media.

In the wake of Hurricane Melissa, Food for the Poor has stepped up to lead both immediate and long-term recovery efforts in Jamaica. The nonprofit organization, which has been active in the country for over four decades, is collaborating with global partners to provide essential aid and rebuild devastated communities.

Ed Raine, CEO of Food for the Poor, described the hurricane as a ‘giant’ and a ‘wake-up call,’ comparing its devastation to previous storms like Hurricane Andrew, Dorian, and Maria. While Kingston and Spanish Town were spared direct hits, the scale of damage across the island remains staggering.

In the immediate aftermath, Food for the Poor has prioritized distributing food, water, and hygiene kits to affected communities. Working alongside organizations such as the World Food Program and World Central Kitchen, the charity has also distributed thousands of tarps to provide emergency shelter.

However, the organization’s focus is shifting toward long-term recovery. With a history of building over 35,000 homes in Jamaica, Food for the Poor is preparing for another major reconstruction effort. Raine emphasized that rebuilding homes is just one aspect of recovery; restoring livelihoods is equally critical. The organization is exploring micro-enterprise programs and providing farmers with tools, seeds, and equipment to help them regain their income sources.

Raine highlighted the importance of sustainable aid, noting that recovery will require years of commitment. Communities in areas like Black River and Crawford have been particularly hard-hit, losing not only homes but also their ability to earn a living. Food for the Poor aims to restore hope and normalcy by addressing both immediate needs and long-term challenges.

The organization is calling for continued public support to fund its recovery initiatives, emphasizing the importance of community empowerment and long-term sustainability. ‘We are here for the long term,’ Raine said. ‘Our mission is to help rebuild homes, restore hope, and get people back on track.’