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  • Person of interest in Manchester killings surrenders, says ACP Phillips

    Person of interest in Manchester killings surrenders, says ACP Phillips

    MANCHESTER, Jamaica — Law enforcement authorities in Jamaica’s Area Three Command have announced significant developments in the investigation of a violent weekend that claimed four lives in Manchester. Assistant Commissioner of Police Christopher Phillips confirmed Thursday that one individual of interest has voluntarily surrendered to authorities.

    The breakthrough comes after a coordinated series of homicides occurred between Saturday night and Sunday morning across New Hall, Old England, and Ellen Street. The victims have been identified as Dejaune Hamilton, Raheem Ward (also known as Richie Rich, 22), Adrian Reid, and David Brown (33), all fatally shot by unidentified assailants.

    ACP Phillips disclosed that CJ Wilson, one of two primary persons of interest, has turned himself in to police. However, authorities continue seeking Orane Nelson, alternatively known as ‘Blacks’ or ‘Mad Dawg,’ from Marshalls Crescent in May Day, Manchester. Phillips indicated that criminal charges are imminent against the second suspect as investigations proceed.

    The newly appointed Area Three commander personally participated in community walkthroughs following the incidents, acknowledging the profound impact on local residents. ‘The community was shaken by what happened,’ Phillips stated. ‘This is not commonplace for their area, but we are making substantial investigative progress.’

    In a broader security initiative, Phillips identified multiple wanted individuals across Manchester, Clarendon, and St. Elizabeth parishes. Notable among them is Oral Cole (‘Pretty Rass’ or ‘Sparta’), an escapee from Black River police custody since June 2023, currently suspected to be in the Mile Gully area and wanted for murder and shooting charges.

    The list additionally includes Michael Chambers (‘Panky’) wanted for murders in Manchester, Andre Blackwood (‘Squit Squit’) sought for weapon offenses in St. Elizabeth, and Ashaune Wint (‘Not Nice’) identified as a person of interest in a recent Crawford murder case.

    Clarendon parish faces particular scrutiny with three wanted individuals: Shacoy Campbell (‘Tall Wayne’) sought for a December 2024 homicide, Andre Sewell (‘Jaydon’) wanted for a 2022 murder, and Troy Callaghan (‘Ashanti’ or ‘Shaun’) desired for a double homicide in March 2024.

    Phillips issued a direct appeal for peaceful surrender: ‘I encourage these individuals to turn themselves in voluntarily. We prefer peaceful resolutions that allow them their day in court.’ The commander emphasized his determination to combat criminal influence, noting nine homicides across Area Three already this year. ‘We will not permit criminals to dominate our communities. Our commitment to public safety remains unwavering.’

  • Bad Dawg marks 14 years as street-food brand expands vendor network and retail presence

    Bad Dawg marks 14 years as street-food brand expands vendor network and retail presence

    KINGSTON, Jamaica — Celebrating its 14th anniversary, Jamaican street-food phenomenon Bad Dawg is executing a dual expansion strategy that simultaneously grows its mobile vendor network while establishing a formal retail presence across the island nation.

    The brand, originally launched as a job-creation initiative by CB Group, has evolved from its humble sausage cart beginnings into a multifaceted food enterprise. What began as a program to empower small entrepreneurs with low startup costs has matured into a hybrid business model featuring over 18 independent vendors operating islandwide, consistent presence at major public events, and supermarket distribution channels.

    Alicia Bogues, CB Group’s Head of Regional Development, explained the brand’s foundational philosophy: “Bad Dawg was intentionally designed as an entrepreneurial opportunity platform, enabling individuals to become their own bosses with minimal initial investment.” This approach has not only created employment but also cultivated a devoted customer base that associates the brand with Jamaica’s vibrant social gatherings and cultural events.

    The brand’s product innovation has kept pace with its operational expansion. While maintaining its signature sausage offerings, Bad Dawg has introduced streaky bacon to its portfolio, strategically broadening its culinary applications across different meal occasions.

    The vendor success story of Alicia Newman and her husband exemplifies the brand’s impact. Starting with one cart three years ago as supplementary income alongside their full-time jobs, the couple now operates two carts, employs six people, and plans to launch a third unit—demonstrating the scalability of the Bad Dawg model.

    Moiya Chin-Lyn, Channel Manager for Retail Experience at CB Foods, highlighted the strategic thinking behind the retail expansion: “Our move into formal retail channels allows consumers to enjoy our distinctive flavors at home while preserving the authentic street culture that established our brand identity.”

    This fourteen-year journey reflects the ongoing commercialization of Jamaica’s informal food sector, with Bad Dawg successfully bridging the gap between traditional street vending and modern retail distribution without compromising its original community-oriented values.

  • Counting every vote

    Counting every vote

    Jamaica’s parliamentary Human Resource and Social Development Committee has initiated a significant examination of the nation’s electoral framework, scheduling a pivotal session with the Electoral Office of Jamaica (EOJ) on April 2nd. This procedural review responds to growing concerns about potentially disenfranchising voting regulations that may affect election outcomes.

    Committee Chairman Duane Smith revealed that the probe was triggered by a private member’s motion from St Catherine South Western MP Everald Warmington, addressing fundamental aspects of electoral integrity. The motion proposes substantial modifications to the Representation of the People Act, including reconsidering ballot marking requirements beyond the traditional ‘X’, adjusting polling hours, and addressing procedural inconsistencies that contribute to rejected ballots.

    Smith shared compelling evidence from the previous general election, noting “over 600 rejected ballots” in his constituency alone—an unprecedented number that reflects systemic issues. He described instances where technically valid ballots were invalidated for minor procedural errors, such as improper tearing along perforated lines, effectively disenfranchising legitimate voters.

    The proposed reforms include extending polling closure from 5:00 pm to 6:00 pm and permitting diverse marking instruments beyond standard pencils. However, St Thomas Eastern MP Yvonne Rose-Marie Shaw expressed reservations about abandoning established pencil protocols and extending voting hours, citing potential security concerns in remote communities.

    Additional concerns emerged regarding operational efficiency during elections. St Ann North Western MP Krystal Lee reported that voting duration had “increased by double the amount of time,” creating extensive queues and voter frustration. Manchester Central MP Rhoda Moy Crawford highlighted workplace voting access issues, noting widespread non-compliance with laws requiring employers to grant voting leave.

    Senior Legislative Counsel Tiffany Stewart provided critical legal context, warning that seemingly minor amendments could have extensive legislative implications. She noted the Act’s numerous recent revisions (2016, 2020, 2024) and recommended involving the Attorney General’s Chambers and Legal Reform Department in subsequent consultations.

    Chairman Smith outlined a phased approach: initial consultation with the EOJ, followed by engagement with legal and policy entities. The committee will also conduct comparative research on international voting standards and solicit public submissions, recognizing the profound implications electoral reforms hold for democratic participation and election legitimacy.

  • Liberty Caribbean: ‘Translate connectivity into prosperity’

    Liberty Caribbean: ‘Translate connectivity into prosperity’

    At the CANTO Connect 2026 conference, Liberty Caribbean CEO Inge Smidts delivered a powerful address challenging Caribbean leaders to harness the region’s digital infrastructure for measurable economic advancement. Speaking as head of the telecommunications giant operating Flow, Liberty Business and BTC services, Smidts presented a strategic framework for converting connectivity into concrete opportunities.

    With the conference theme ‘Elevate the Caribbean — From Connectivity to Global Competitiveness’ as backdrop, Smidts outlined three critical priorities: embedding technology within Caribbean cultural identity, constructing people-centered intelligent networks, and accelerating telecom companies’ evolution into technology platforms that generate local opportunities.

    “Our foundation of connectivity is established,” Smidts declared. “The pressing question now is what we will build upon it. Combining Caribbean creativity with reliable connectivity and intelligent policy unlocks jobs, services, and businesses capable of competing internationally.”

    The CEO emphasized Liberty Caribbean’s commitment to leading this transformation through investments in human capital, strategic partnerships, and technological platforms. She called for enhanced public-private collaboration models extending beyond financing to include co-regulation, regulatory sandboxes, and shared governance structures.

    “Public-private partnership serves as the engine for progress acceleration,” Smidts explained. “Governments provide vision and legitimacy, industry contributes scale and technical capability, while universities and civil society offer scrutiny and social purpose. Aligned incentives produce tangible impact.”

    Liberty Caribbean demonstrated its commitment through concrete offers to connect investors with developers, align government programs with cloud infrastructure, and expand apprenticeship pipelines to empower Caribbean entrepreneurs and technologists.

    Smidts highlighted the company’s practical initiatives including the JUMP inclusion program, which provides subsidized access, devices, training, and entrepreneurial support to households and microentrepreneurs. She stressed that intelligent connectivity must address authentic local needs while engineered for resilience in a disaster-prone region.

    “In hurricane zones, active fault lines, and volcanic regions, connectivity becomes lifesaving rather than optional,” Smidts noted. “Our emergency response work proves that industry collaboration with satellite providers and governments can restore critical communications within hours instead of days.”

    The address specifically acknowledged Trinidad and Tobago’s progress driven by policy initiatives including the Blueprint Revitalisation Plan, successful investor engagement, and a $1 billion bond roadshow. National digital projects such as the ANANSI digital assistant, UNESCO/UNDP AI assessment collaboration, OpenAI partnerships for education transformation, and the Developers’ Hub for SME-government co-creation received particular emphasis as examples of the nation’s ambitious digital transformation.

  • Passengers turn nine-hour British Airways flight into church service

    Passengers turn nine-hour British Airways flight into church service

    An extraordinary event unfolded aboard a British Airways transatlantic flight from London to Jamaica when passengers spontaneously initiated a large-scale worship session at cruising altitude. Captured in viral footage, the incident shows travelers enthusiastically engaging in collective prayer, hymn singing, and evangelical preaching approximately one hour into the nine-hour journey.

    The unconventional mid-air gathering, which extended for approximately two and a half hours, has generated significant controversy across social media platforms. While some viewers celebrated the display of faith, others criticized the participants for perceived inconsiderate behavior toward fellow passengers.

    Maxine Munroe, a 56-year-old passenger aboard the 2020 flight, recently shared footage of the occurrence on TikTok, prompting widespread discussion. Munroe expressed mixed feelings about the experience, noting that while she identifies as spiritual, the intensity and duration of the worship session created an environment unconducive to rest during the long-haul flight.

    The video clips showcase passengers clapping, singing gospel music, and offering spontaneous testimonials, effectively transforming the aircraft cabin into an impromptu place of worship. This incident has sparked broader conversations about appropriate conduct during air travel, particularly regarding the balance between religious expression and consideration for others in confined spaces.

    Social media reactions remain sharply divided, with comments ranging from supportive affirmations of faith to criticisms labeling the behavior as disruptive and inconsiderate to non-participating travelers seeking quiet during their journey.

  • Washington Post announces ‘painful’ job cuts

    Washington Post announces ‘painful’ job cuts

    The Washington Post, the renowned American newspaper owned by Amazon billionaire Jeff Bezos, has initiated substantial workforce reductions as part of a comprehensive organizational restructuring. Executive Editor Matt Murray characterized the move as a “painful but necessary” response to fundamental shifts in the news media economy.

    The historic publication, which achieved legendary status through its Watergate scandal coverage that led to President Nixon’s resignation, now faces significant operational challenges. While the exact number of layoffs remains undisclosed, industry reports indicate approximately 300 positions were eliminated from the 800-strong journalism staff.

    The cuts have particularly impacted international coverage, with the entire Middle East bureau and the Kyiv-based Ukraine correspondent among those dismissed. Domestic operations also faced severe reductions, with sports, graphics, and local news departments sharply scaled back. The newspaper’s daily podcast, ‘Post Reports,’ has been suspended indefinitely.

    Murray outlined a new strategic focus concentrating on politics, national security, technology, investigations, and business coverage. Paradoxically, despite this renewed emphasis on business reporting, the journalist covering Amazon—Bezos’s $2.6 trillion corporation—was among those laid off.

    The restructuring occurs amidst a complex political landscape. President Donald Trump has maintained consistent pressure on traditional media outlets, frequently denigrating journalists as “fake news” and initiating multiple lawsuits over presidential coverage. Bezos, despite previous tensions with Trump, has recently developed closer ties with the administration during its second term.

    Financial challenges have plagued the publication, with reports indicating approximately $100 million in losses during 2024 as advertising and subscription revenues declined. Publisher Will Lewis revealed in May 2024 that the Post had lost $77 million over the preceding year and half its audience since 2020.

    The newspaper’s labor union condemned the layoffs, stating that “a newsroom cannot be hollowed out without consequences for its credibility, its reach and its future.” Former executive editor Marty Baron, who led the Post until 2021, described the development as “among the darkest days” in the organization’s history.

  • UK supports opening of new Essex Valley agro-processing facility in Jamaica

    UK supports opening of new Essex Valley agro-processing facility in Jamaica

    JAMAICA — A transformative agricultural initiative has been launched in Essex Valley, St Elizabeth, with the United Kingdom providing critical funding of $7.57 billion for a cutting-edge agro-processing complex. This state-of-the-art facility, officially inaugurated on Wednesday, represents a strategic investment in Jamaica’s food security infrastructure and climate adaptation capabilities.

    The project, developed through a tripartite partnership between the UK Government, Caribbean Development Bank (CDB), and Jamaican authorities, has already demonstrated remarkable resilience. Despite Hurricane Melissa’s devastating impact on the region, the newly constructed infrastructure with its reinforced solar panels remained fully operational.

    Andrew Bowden, development representative for Jamaica at the British High Commission, emphasized the critical importance of durable infrastructure: “When storms intensify due to climate change, robust facilities become part of the solution rather than adding to the damage. This infrastructure safeguards lives, sustains livelihoods, and provides communities with renewed hope.”

    The comprehensive program extends beyond physical construction, having trained over 600 farmers including women, youth, and persons with disabilities. This initiative fosters a more inclusive and skilled agricultural workforce while strengthening the UK-Jamaica-CDB collaboration that has delivered measurable benefits to the region.

    Prime Minister Andrew Holness acknowledged the strategic significance of the UK Caribbean Infrastructure Facility (UKCIF), implemented by CDB, which aligns Britain’s international aid priorities with its historical ties to the Caribbean. The Essex Valley project exemplifies this targeted support that has made transformative agricultural investments possible.

    Dr. Martin Baptiste, Division Chief of the Social Sector Division at CDB, highlighted the project’s visionary approach: “This facility embodies one of the most ambitious agricultural investments in recent Jamaican history. At its core is the powerful concept that climate-resilient agriculture can serve as the foundation for rural prosperity.”

    The Essex Valley Agricultural Development Project encompasses 810 hectares of irrigated farmland, 62km of enhanced agricultural roads, and innovative solar power systems that provide renewable energy for irrigation and operations. Thirty dedicated facilities across the valley now ensure improved compliance with international food safety standards.

    This investment enables farmers in St Elizabeth—known as Jamaica’s breadbasket—to store, process, and market produce more efficiently, thereby improving market access and strengthening resilience against increasingly severe climate impacts. The project forms part of the broader $74.68 billion UKCIF program supporting critical infrastructure throughout the Caribbean region.

  • ‘No apologies’

    ‘No apologies’

    Jamaica’s Energy and Telecommunications Minister Daryl Vaz has issued a robust defense of his decision to authorize emergency procurement of Starlink satellite devices during Hurricane Melissa’s devastation in October 2025, directly challenging the Auditor General’s findings of procurement violations. The $12-million acquisition of 200 units has sparked a heated political confrontation regarding emergency protocols versus procedural compliance.

    Minister Vaz asserted that the catastrophic communications breakdown following the hurricane justified immediate action beyond standard bureaucratic channels. ‘I make no apologies for ensuring the Government could secure available devices rapidly for distribution to state agencies and recovery teams,’ Vaz declared, referencing official emergency procurement guidelines that permit extraordinary measures during genuine crises.

    The Auditor General’s compliance audit, however, determined that procurement procedures were circumvented. The report revealed that ministerial instruction rather than the Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management (ODPEM) director general initiated the process, with devices delivered before formal approval documentation was completed. Additionally, the audit found numerous units remained unused months after purchase, with inventory management deficiencies and compatibility issues involving European-style plugs.

    Opposition spokesman Phillip Paulwell has demanded transparency, highlighting contradictions in government statements regarding donated versus purchased units. ‘Jamaicans are entitled to clear and consistent answers,’ Paulwell stated, emphasizing that telecommunications decisions during emergencies ‘must be unimpeachable and fully compliant with the law.’

    Vaz countered by accusing the opposition of political opportunism, noting that opposition members themselves had requested and received Starlink devices during the crisis. ‘The accountability that Paulwell and the Opposition demand may therefore begin with the devices that they received,’ Vaz remarked, characterizing the criticism as disingenuous.

    The minister maintained that the moral imperative of saving lives outweighed procedural concerns during the national emergency. ‘If even one life was saved, or even one family rescued as a result of the decision taken then it would have been worth it,’ Vaz concluded, defending his actions as necessary during Jamaica’s ‘most vulnerable and fragile’ period.

  • School administrators urged to safeguard well-being of students during cold weather

    School administrators urged to safeguard well-being of students during cold weather

    KINGSTON, Jamaica—In response to unusually cold temperatures sweeping across the island, Jamaica’s Ministry of Education, Skills, Youth and Information (MoESYI) has issued comprehensive guidance to school administrators to protect student welfare during this period of adverse weather conditions.

    An unseasonably strong cold front has brought significantly cooler temperatures and persistent gusty winds to Jamaica, creating potential health and comfort challenges within educational environments. The ministry emphasizes that these conditions could negatively impact students’ ability to concentrate and maintain overall well-being during school hours.

    Central to the ministry’s advisory is the immediate relaxation of uniform policies. School leaders are instructed to permit students to wear appropriate jackets and outerwear regardless of whether these items conform to standard uniform specifications. This flexibility ensures all children, including those without access to branded school apparel, can remain adequately protected from the cold.

    The guidance specifically highlights the vulnerability of students with pre-existing health conditions that might be aggravated by the temperature drop. Administrators are directed to maintain heightened awareness and provide necessary accommodations to support these at-risk individuals.

    Beyond clothing adjustments, the ministry recommends nutritional interventions to combat the chill. Schools are encouraged to incorporate warm beverages and soups into meal programs, served at safe temperatures to provide both nourishment and thermal comfort. Additionally, administrators are advised to permit more frequent bathroom breaks in recognition of increased physiological needs during colder weather.

    The ministry frames these measures within the broader context of institutional responsibility, referencing the legal obligations outlined in Jamaica’s Child Care and Protection Act. This weather event is characterized as both a challenge and an opportunity to demonstrate the education system’s commitment to creating nurturing environments where every child receives care comparable to what they would experience in a family setting.

    MoESYI concludes by calling for collaborative efforts among all educational stakeholders to ensure learning spaces remain warm, safe, and conducive to student development despite the challenging meteorological conditions.

  • Minister ends testimony in cops’ murder trial

    Minister ends testimony in cops’ murder trial

    In a significant development at the Home Circuit Court, defense attorneys aggressively challenged the credibility of Agriculture Minister Floyd Green’s eyewitness account regarding a fatal 2013 police shooting. The case involves six law enforcement officers—Sergeant Simroy Mott, Corporal Donovan Fullerton, and Constables Andrew Smith, Sheldon Richards, Orandy Rose, and Richard Lynch—who face murder charges for the deaths of Matthew Lee, Mark Allen, and Ucliffe Dyer on Arcadia Drive in St Andrew.

    During intense cross-examination on Wednesday, defense counsel Anthony Armstrong posited that the traumatic nature of the January 12 incident may have compromised Green’s ability to accurately perceive and recall events. The minister, who observed the shooting from his apartment window, conceded that extreme stress could indeed affect memory retention and detail recollection.

    The legal confrontation took an intriguing turn when Armstrong engaged Green in a philosophical discussion about vantage points, comparing courtroom testimony to premium event seating. Green countered that elevated perspectives sometimes provide superior visibility compared to ground-level observations, defending his aerial viewpoint from the multi-storey building.

    Further challenging Green’s testimony, defense attorney Althea Grant-Coppin established that the witness couldn’t identify specific physical characteristics of the involved officers or confirm details about the vehicle’s tinted windows beyond the front compartment.

    The prosecution’s case continues today with their second witness taking the stand, while prominent defense attorneys Hugh Wildman, Linda Wright-Ashley, and John Jacobs prepare for upcoming proceedings.