标签： Jamaica

KINGSTON, Jamaica — Authorities have formally charged 38-year-old Alcon Bartley from the Windsor district of Siloah, St. Elizabeth, with wounding with intent following a violent altercation in his community earlier this year. The incident, which occurred on February 23 around 2:00 pm, involved Bartley and another man engaging in a heated argument. During the confrontation, Bartley allegedly retrieved a firearm from his waistband and discharged multiple shots, striking the other individual. The victim sustained injuries and promptly reported the incident to law enforcement. Bartley was subsequently apprehended and subjected to an identification parade, where the injured party positively identified him as the perpetrator. After a thorough interrogation, investigators proceeded to charge Bartley with the offence. His court appearance is currently being scheduled as the legal process moves forward.

MONTEGO BAY, St James — After decades of dedicated service at Cornwall Regional Hospital (CRH), Richard Lawrence and Sharon McLean are stepping into retirement, leaving behind a legacy of commitment and resilience. The duo, along with 31 other retirees from various regions, were honored at a luncheon hosted by the Western Regional Health Authority (WRHA) on Thursday. Lawrence, who served as a senior security supervisor for 42 years, expressed his bittersweet feelings about retiring before the hospital’s ongoing rehabilitation project is completed. ‘It was my dream to see the hospital open while I was working,’ he shared. ‘But I know when the time comes, they might invite me to see the progress.’ Lawrence, who spent over 25 years as a senior supervisor, reflected on his career with pride, emphasizing how his work enabled him to support his family and nurture his children’s successful careers. ‘All this came through the work at Cornwall Regional Hospital,’ he said. ‘I don’t have any regrets.’ His colleague, Sharon McLean, a chief medical technologist with 40 years of service, also shared her mixed emotions. McLean, who endured health challenges due to the hospital’s mold-infested environment, expressed relief that future staff will not face the same hardships. ‘I was there suffering for a long time,’ she recalled. ‘But I am happy that people will not experience what we had experienced.’ McLean, whose motto is ‘By our skills, we save lives,’ takes pride in her contributions to saving lives through her laboratory work. Both retirees are now looking forward to new chapters in their lives, with Lawrence expressing gratitude for his family’s support and McLean planning to channel her energy into new endeavors. The luncheon concluded with the presentation of plaques and heartfelt appreciation from WRHA Manager Simone Douglas-Cluney, who praised the retirees for their unwavering dedication and service.

A devastating stampede at a political rally in Tamil Nadu, India, on Saturday resulted in the deaths of at least 36 people, including eight children and 16 women, according to the state’s Chief Minister M.K. Stalin. The incident occurred during a campaign event for actor-turned-politician Vijay, who was addressing the crowd when chaos erupted. Vijay expressed his profound grief, stating his ‘heart is shattered’ and offering condolences to the bereaved families. Reports suggest that the tragedy unfolded as a large section of the crowd surged towards the stage barricades in an attempt to get closer to the popular figure. In response, Stalin has ordered an investigation led by a retired judge and announced compensation of one million rupees ($11,000) for each victim’s family. Prime Minister Narendra Modi also conveyed his sorrow, extending his thoughts to the affected families. This incident highlights the recurring issue of deadly crowd surges at Indian mass events, often attributed to inadequate safety measures and poor crowd management. Similar tragedies have occurred recently, including a stampede at the Kumbh Mela religious fair earlier this year and a deadly crush during a Hindu religious gathering in Uttar Pradesh last year.

Authorities in Manchester have escalated their search efforts for 12-year-old Jayden Smith, a resident of the Whales district in Newport, who has been reported missing since Friday, September 26. Jayden, described as having a dark complexion, a slim build, and standing approximately 152 centimetres (5 feet) tall, was last seen at his home around 6:15 am on the day of his disappearance. He was reportedly wearing a khaki uniform and brown shoes at the time. The Alligator Pond Police have issued a high alert and are appealing to the public for any information that could lead to his safe return. Investigators are urging individuals with knowledge of Jayden’s whereabouts to contact the Alligator Pond Police at 876-224-3113, the police emergency number 119, or the nearest police station. The community has been mobilized to assist in the search, with hopes of locating the young boy swiftly and safely.

KINGSTON, Jamaica – In a landmark event marking Senior Citizens Month 2025, 59 senior citizens graduated from the Digital Literacy Programme, a collaborative initiative by the National Council for Senior Citizens (NCSC) and the HEART/NSTA Trust. The programme, designed to empower older Jamaicans with essential digital skills, underscores the government’s commitment to fostering a digitally inclusive society. The graduation ceremony, themed “Respect, Protect, Empower, Connect,” celebrated the participants’ achievements and highlighted their transformative journey into the digital age. Minister of Labour and Social Security Pearnel Charles Jr, addressing the graduates, praised their resilience and adaptability, stating, “This proves that age is no barrier to learning or growth.” He emphasized the practical applications of their newfound skills, from reconnecting with family abroad to accessing online health and banking services. The programme, which trains seniors in using smartphones, tablets, and computers, aims to bridge the digital divide and ensure no senior is left behind in Jamaica’s rapidly evolving technological landscape. Dr. Taneisha Ingleton and her team were commended for their pivotal role in expanding digital inclusion opportunities. Minister Charles Jr reaffirmed the government’s dedication to enhancing digital equity through expanded training programmes, improved internet connectivity, and community support. He encouraged families to assist their senior members in embracing technology, emphasizing, “It’s never too late to start this journey.”