KINGSTON, Jamaica — The Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) has escalated its efforts to capture Courtney Ashley, alias ‘Bloodstain,’ the alleged leader of the Bottom Marverly Gang. Ashley, 40, is wanted for his involvement in multiple violent crimes, including murder and assault. His last known residence is Abby Close, Leas Flat, Red Hills in St Andrew.
标签： Jamaica
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EU and Caribbean Export launch BRIDGE to accelerate MSME growth
The Caribbean Export Development Agency (Caribbean Export), in collaboration with the European Union’s Global Gateway initiative, has unveiled a groundbreaking facility to empower micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) across the Caribbean. Named the Building Resilient Innovation for Digital & Green Enterprises (BRIDGE) facility, the program provides co-financing of up to EUR 100,000 to help MSMEs adopt sustainable and digitally advanced business models. The initiative is strategically designed to address two critical priorities for the private sector: green transition and digital transformation. Through two distinct funding streams, MSMEs can secure financial support to accelerate their growth and competitiveness. The Green Transition stream offers co-financing of up to EUR 100,000 (covering 60% of project costs) for initiatives in renewable energy, sustainable agriculture, circular economy, blue economy, and green technologies. Meanwhile, the Digital Transformation stream provides up to EUR 50,000 (60% of project costs) for projects in e-commerce, business process automation, cybersecurity, digital products, and supply chain digitization. Beneficiaries are required to contribute at least 40% of project costs, ensuring a shared commitment to success and sustainability. Dr. Damie Sinanan, Executive Director of Caribbean Export, highlighted the transformative potential of BRIDGE, stating, ‘This initiative is about co-investing in the future of our businesses. By supporting green and digital transitions, we are enabling businesses to reduce costs, innovate, and access new export markets, ultimately fostering a more competitive and resilient Caribbean economy.’ Fiona Ramsey, the EU Ambassador to Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean States, echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the EU’s commitment to supporting Caribbean businesses in achieving sustainability and digitalization. Applications for the BRIDGE facility are now open and will close on November 9, 2025. Eligible firms can access detailed guidelines, application forms, and budget templates on the Caribbean Export website.
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Spotify moves to tackle AI abuse with transparency measures
KINGSTON, Jamaica — A 35-year-old taxi operator, Andre Catnott from Longwall, Stony Hill, has been formally charged with the trafficking of a 16-year-old girl. The case has drawn significant attention to the issue of human exploitation in the region. According to police reports, Catnott, who was working as a driver for a ride-share company in November 2024, encountered the teenager during one of his trips. Upon learning that she had run away from home, he allegedly offered her a modeling job at his massage company. This offer, however, turned out to be a ruse for exploitation. After exchanging contact information, the girl was reportedly coerced into performing sexual acts for money with various clients in the corporate area, with Catnott allegedly collecting the proceeds. The situation came to light in February 2025 when a family member located the teenager and reported the matter to the police, initiating an investigation. On September 17, officers from the Jamaica Constabulary Force’s Counter-Terrorism and Organised Crime Investigation Branch (C-TOC) conducted a raid at Catnott’s residence, leading to his arrest. Acting Senior Superintendent of Police Victor Barrett emphasized the JCF’s commitment to safeguarding vulnerable individuals. ‘The Jamaica Constabulary Force is working tirelessly to locate and arrest individuals who exploit children and prey on the most vulnerable in our country,’ Barrett stated. ‘Public support and information on these individuals are crucial to our investigations; they must be brought to justice.’ The police have indicated that investigations into Catnott’s operations are ongoing, with efforts to identify and apprehend other individuals involved. Catnott was formally charged on Monday, September 22, and is scheduled to appear before the Kingston and St Andrew Parish Court on Friday, September 26, 2025. Authorities are urging members of the public with information about human trafficking or other organized crimes to contact C-TOC at 876-967-1389, the National Intelligence Bureau at 811, Crime Stop at 311, or their nearest police station.
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Konshens reflects on devastating loss of his brother Delus
KINGSTON, Jamaica—Renowned dancehall artist Konshens has opened up about the profound impact of his brother Delus’s tragic death in 2016, revealing that his life was effectively on pause for nearly a decade. During a heartfelt interview on Sims Soul Sessions, Konshens shared his journey of grief, self-reflection, and eventual acceptance. ‘You can’t spend the rest of your life wishing for what’s already gone. You have to move forward. You’ll never forget, but life must go on,’ he emphasized, urging others to cherish their loved ones and embrace the present.
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Man jailed in France three decades after cold-case murder of schoolgirl
In a landmark verdict, a French court has sentenced Pascal Lafolie, 58, to 30 years in prison for the 1994 murder of 17-year-old Nadege Desnoix, marking the resolution of one of France’s longest-standing cold cases. The trial, held in Laon, northern France, concluded on Thursday with Lafolie receiving the maximum sentence. He must serve two-thirds of his term before being eligible for parole. Lafolie, who has a history of rape and sexual assault convictions, was arrested in 2021 after DNA evidence linked him to the crime. Despite his claims of innocence and attempts to shift blame onto his deceased brother, investigators found no evidence to support his defense. The breakthrough came when Lafolie’s DNA, collected in a domestic violence case, matched genetic material found on a hairband worn by Desnoix at the time of her death. The case had remained unsolved for decades, with investigators initially exploring leads involving her boyfriend and notorious serial killer Michel Fourniret. Desnoix’s body was discovered in Chateau-Thierry, near her school, with a nylon cord and a freshly picked rose found beside her. The autopsy revealed no signs of sexual assault. Lafolie’s conviction brings closure to a case that has haunted the Aisne region for over three decades.
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Spotify moves to tackle AI abuse with transparency measures
Spotify has announced a series of initiatives aimed at promoting transparency and responsible use of artificial intelligence (AI) in music production. The Swedish streaming giant is urging artists and publishers to adopt a new metadata standard developed by the Digital Data Exchange (DDEX), a consortium of media companies, music licensing organizations, and technology firms. This standard allows tracks to be labeled as entirely, partially, or not at all created with AI, ensuring clarity for listeners and stakeholders. Sam Duboff, Spotify’s head of music marketing, confirmed that these metadata will be accessible across the platform once integrated. The move comes in response to the growing influence of AI in music, highlighted by the viral success of AI-generated tracks like those from The Velvet Sundown, which garnered millions of streams earlier this year. While the labeling system is voluntary, Spotify emphasizes that it does not intend to penalize artists who use AI responsibly. Over 15 labels and distributors have already committed to the DDEX standard. Additionally, Spotify has updated its policies to explicitly prohibit unauthorized AI use, such as deepfakes or imitations created without consent, and will remove such content. The platform’s stance reflects a nuanced approach to AI, recognizing its diverse applications in the creative process while safeguarding artistic integrity.
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Jamalco partners with HEART/NSTA Trust to launch heavy-duty equipment training programme
KINGSTON, Jamaica — Jamalco, in collaboration with the HEART/NSTA Trust, has introduced a comprehensive heavy-duty equipment training programme at the Wembley Centre of Excellence. This initiative aims to equip residents from surrounding communities with essential skills in this specialized field, fostering both personal and professional growth. The programme’s launch attracted approximately 130 participants from Jamalco’s seven council areas, highlighting the community’s enthusiasm for this opportunity. Scheduled to commence on Monday, September 29, the three-month course will integrate theoretical knowledge with practical training. The latter will be conducted in partnership with Jamalco’s contractors, ensuring trainees gain valuable hands-on experience in real-world scenarios. Certified HEART/NSTA Trust instructors, alongside Jamalco’s Mobile Equipment Instructor, Nigel Braham, will lead the sessions using a blend of classroom instruction, online learning, and simulated environments. This approach is designed to build participants’ confidence and competence before they transition to live operations. During the launch event, Managing Director Marvin Jackson emphasized the transformative potential of the programme, urging participants to fully embrace the opportunity. He stated, ‘We view the communities around our operations not merely as neighbours but as partners in our journey. It is both our responsibility and privilege to invest in initiatives that empower individuals, strengthen families, and build capacity for the future.’ Jackson also stressed the importance of discipline, commitment, and a drive for excellence as key factors for success. Jamalco extended its gratitude to the HEART/NSTA Trust, community leaders, and other stakeholders for their support in bringing this initiative to fruition. The company reiterated its dedication to workforce development and its ongoing efforts to create stronger, more resilient communities through such impactful programmes.
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Gyptian says ‘Hold Yuh’ was mega-hit before Nicki Minaj remix
Fifteen years after the release of his chart-topping single ‘Hold Yuh,’ internationally acclaimed artist Gyptian is clarifying the narrative surrounding the song’s global success, particularly the role of the remix featuring Nicki Minaj. In a recent interview circulating on social media, Gyptian emphasized that while Minaj’s involvement introduced the track to a broader audience, the song was already a mainstream hit before her collaboration. He asserted that ‘Hold Yuh’ played a pivotal role in elevating Minaj’s career rather than the other way around. Gyptian stated, ‘The original track was the bigger one. She got bigger from the song. Don’t make the American dream sound like it’s more when it’s really not.’ He further explained that Minaj was an artist on a mixtape at the time, and the song’s success was driven by its inherent quality, not her contribution. Gyptian also highlighted that the revenue generated from the track was not due to Minaj’s part, as her remix was not officially released. The artist, who has largely avoided industry politics, felt it was time to set the record straight after more than a decade. ‘We’re big men now, so it’s time to set it straight,’ he said. ‘In reality, the song did it for her because nobody knew her outside of New York.’ Released in 2010 by VP Records, ‘Hold Yuh’ was a monumental success, peaking at number 77 on the Billboard Hot 100, number 16 on the UK Singles Chart, and number 69 on the Canadian Hot 100. It helped reintroduce Jamaican music to the global mainstream and earned Gyptian accolades, including a Soul Train Award and a MOBO Award. The track was certified gold in the US in 2013 and double platinum in the UK in 2024. Music experts and fans have defended Gyptian’s claims, noting that ‘Hold Yuh’ was a massive hit even before Minaj’s involvement. The song’s official music video has garnered over 181 million views on YouTube, while the track boasts over 280 million plays on Spotify.
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Extreme weather
Last Friday, the Corporate Area of Jamaica was hit by torrential rains described by climate change and extreme rainfall specialist Dr. Christopher Burgess as an ‘extreme’ weather event. Data from privately owned automatic weather stations indicated that the rainfall represented a ’50-to-100-year return period event,’ making it both rare and severe due to its duration. The downpour, which began around 4:30 pm on September 19, caused widespread flooding, immobilizing motorists, inundating homes, and leaving a trail of debris and devastation. The rains subsided after 8:00 pm, but the damage was already significant. Dr. Burgess, a registered professional and civil engineer with expertise in environmental and coastal engineering, identified New Kingston, Cross Roads, and Cherry Gardens as the ‘epicenter of the weather event.’ He emphasized, ‘There is no doubt that the rainfall was extreme.’ The Meteorological Services of Jamaica reported rainfall amounts from various stations, including 39.1 mm in three hours at Kingston College, 68 mm in two hours at Mona Reservoir, and 75.6 mm in two hours at Shortwood Teachers’ College. However, the Mico University station in Cross Roads went offline during the storm. Climate Services Manager Jacqueline Spence-Hemmings noted that the rainfall was significant, with Mona receiving 68 mm in two hours, nearly half of the 30-year mean rainfall for September. She highlighted the intensity of the event, stating, ‘You got almost half of what’s expected in a month in about an hour and a half.’ Dr. Burgess pointed out that privately owned stations recorded higher rainfall levels than the Meteorological Services, suggesting the event was even more extreme. Meanwhile, Professor Carol Archer of the University of Technology warned that such flooding will persist unless Jamaica overhauls its rainwater infrastructure and enforces existing legislation. She stressed the need for updated regulations and enforcement to prevent improper development. The Meteorological Services also forecasted scattered showers and thunderstorms across most parishes in the coming days, underscoring the ongoing risk of extreme weather.
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Police say body cams to be delivered soon, sends condolences to Cherry Tree Lane family
The Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) has announced the completion of its largest-ever procurement of Body Worn Cameras (BWCs), with 1,000 units expected to arrive in the coming weeks. This significant investment, funded by the Government of Jamaica, underscores the JCF’s commitment to accountability and modern policing practices. In a statement released on Thursday, the JCF emphasized its full support for the widespread deployment of BWCs, which are seen as essential tools for enhancing transparency and public trust in law enforcement.
The announcement comes amid growing public pressure following the fatal shooting of 22-year-old Jamar Farquharson during a police operation in Cherry Tree Lane, Clarendon, on September 15. A video shared by Farquharson’s family has sparked calls from advocacy groups and the Independent Commission of Investigations (Indecom) for the mandatory use of BWCs during planned police operations. The JCF has expressed deep regret over the incident, extending condolences to Farquharson’s family while stressing that the facts of the case are under independent investigation.
The JCF also addressed recent comments by Indecom’s Assistant Commissioner, Hamish Campbell, who suggested that public statements by senior police leadership on fatal shootings could help reassure communities. The JCF countered that such an approach contradicts Indecom’s previous guidance, which cautioned against premature commentary on ongoing investigations to preserve their integrity. The JCF reaffirmed its commitment to cooperating fully with Indecom’s investigation while prioritizing the credibility of outcomes and public confidence in both institutions.