标签： Jamaica

BRUSSELS, Belgium — Prince Laurent of Belgium has publicly confirmed having two private meetings with the late financier and convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. The royal’s admission came following the release of U.S. Department of Justice documents that referenced his name among other prominent figures connected to Epstein.

The 62-year-old brother of King Philippe provided detailed clarification to the Belga news agency, specifying that these encounters occurred upon Epstein’s initiative during two distinct periods: the early 1990s and approximately a decade later. Prince Laurent emphasized these were exclusively one-on-one meetings, asserting he never participated in any group gatherings or public events with Epstein or his associates.

The prince detailed the circumstances surrounding their initial contact, explaining that Epstein first approached him while he was serving as a UN intern and later during his tenure at a New York banking institution. Epstein reportedly sought an introduction to Belgium’s royal family through the prince, a request that Laurent states he consistently refused.

Approximately ten years after their initial contact, Epstein extended another invitation, this time to a dinner gathering in Paris that allegedly included a head of state and several influential businessmen. Prince Laurent maintains he declined this invitation as well.

Notably, the prince faces no allegations of misconduct related to Epstein’s criminal activities. Epstein died by suicide in 2019 while awaiting trial on federal charges for sex trafficking minors, after having previously pleaded guilty in 2008 to soliciting prostitution from a minor.

The disclosure comes months after Prince Laurent revealed another personal matter—that he fathered a child with a Flemish model and singer prior to his 2003 marriage.

KINGSTON, Jamaica — Jamaican officials have declared wetland conservation a fundamental component of the nation’s long-term development framework. Matthew Samuda, Minister of Water, Environment and Climate Change, emphasized that protecting these vital ecosystems is indispensable for realizing Jamaica’s Vision 2030 objectives.

During a recent JIS Think Tank session, Minister Samuda articulated the multifaceted role wetlands play in advancing national priorities. He directly linked their preservation to achieving critical outcomes in climate resilience, sustainable economic livelihoods, water security, and biodiversity conservation. “Vision 2030 envisions a healthy environment for all Jamaicans. Our wetlands are a critical part of that environment, supporting livelihoods, protecting communities, and ensuring development occurs in harmony with nature,” Samuda stated.

The minister detailed how wetlands are intrinsically tied to Outcome 13 of the national development plan, which focuses on the sustainable management of environmental and natural resources. He further highlighted their significance in climate change adaptation and disaster risk reduction strategies. Samuda characterized ecosystem-based adaptation, such as leveraging natural wetlands for flood control, as a highly cost-effective alternative to expensive engineered infrastructure projects.

“Every community that benefits from fisheries, tourism, or agriculture near a wetland is part of our development framework. Protecting these ecosystems means safeguarding jobs, food security, and resilience—core pillars of Vision 2030,” he explained, reframing environmental protection as a strategic development investment.

Emphasizing the necessity of public engagement, Samuda asserted that achieving Vision 2030 is contingent on community participation. He advocated for enhanced environmental education initiatives targeting local communities, schools, and service clubs to foster a culture of collective responsibility and environmental stewardship.

Adding technical perspective, Monique Curtis, Manager of the Ecosystems Management Branch at the National Environment and Planning Agency (NEPA), confirmed the alignment between Jamaica’s international commitments under the Ramsar Convention and its domestic Vision 2030 targets. She cited specific wetland systems, including the Black River Lower Morass and the Portland Bight Wetlands and Cays, as prime examples of ‘development assets’ that sustain key industries like fisheries, agriculture, and ecotourism while performing essential services like water filtration and carbon sequestration.

“These sites are not just environmental assets; they are development assets. Wisely restoring and managing them strengthens our natural capital, which is central to Jamaica’s sustainable growth pathway,” Curtis informed.

As Jamaica joins the global observance of World Wetlands Day 2026 under the theme ‘Wetlands and Traditional Knowledge: Celebrating Cultural Heritage,’ the overarching message is clear: wetland conservation is a imperative not merely for environmental preservation but for securing a prosperous and sustainable future for all citizens.

ROME, Italy — In a significant move to address chronic overcrowding and generate preservation funds, Rome’s iconic Trevi Fountain inaugurated a new ticketing system on Monday. The Baroque landmark now requires a €2 (approximately $1.68) fee for close-access viewing adjacent to the basin, creating a more manageable visitor experience while establishing a new revenue stream.

The initiative transforms the visitor dynamic at one of Italy’s most celebrated monuments, famed as the backdrop for Anita Ekberg’s immortal scene in Federico Fellini’s ‘La Dolce Vita.’ Previously, the public square faced such intense crowding that visitors struggled to properly appreciate the architectural masterpiece. Now, ticketed guests enjoy largely unobstructed views and photo opportunities within a regulated zone.

Tourist reactions have been predominantly supportive. Agata Harezlak, a 41-year-old visitor from Poland, exclaimed to AFP, ‘Tell me it’s not worth two euros! It’s worth thousands if not millions, it’s beautiful!’ British tourist Phillip Willis expressed satisfaction with obtaining quality photographs without competing with massive crowds, while also appreciating that his contribution would aid the fountain’s preservation for future generations.

According to Rome’s council member for tourism, Alessandro Onorato, the city anticipates approximately €6 million in annual revenue from the access fees. These funds will partially cover the costs of 25 stewards staffing the facility and will additionally support free museum access for Rome’s residents across the capital. A portion of earnings will continue the tradition of donating thousands of euros collected weekly from the fountain’s coin-tossing ritual to the Caritas charity.

The system isn’t without its critics. Some international visitors questioned the equity of charging Italians, while others argued the site should remain free for all. Nonetheless, city officials remain confident in the approach, with Onorato remarking that comparable global attractions would likely impose substantially higher fees.

Law enforcement agencies in St Elizabeth, Jamaica, have launched a significant public appeal for assistance in locating multiple individuals connected to ongoing criminal investigations. The Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) has published an extensive list containing both formally wanted suspects and persons of interest believed to possess crucial information regarding serious offenses committed within the parish.

The roster of wanted individuals features several dangerous fugitives, including Anward ‘Kirkie’ Hinds, Javaughn Simms, and Oral Cole, all of whom have escaped lawful custody. The list further identifies multiple homicide suspects such as an individual known only as ‘Okeith’ from Leaseland and Jackson ‘Randy Gayle’ Gayle of Santa Cruz, both wanted for murder charges.

Notably, the wanted catalog includes numerous sex crime offenders, with Lincoln Farquharson, Paul Smith, Merrick Parchment, and Rushane ‘Biggie’ Abrahams all sought for rape-related offenses. David Pottinger faces allegations of engaging in sexual intercourse with a minor under 16 years old, while Aldain ‘CK’ Bailey is wanted for buggery charges.

Additionally, law enforcement seeks various persons of interest who frequent specific districts throughout St Elizabeth and neighboring parishes. These individuals, including individuals known as ‘Merryman’, ‘Kimmel’, and Shakera ‘Lizard’ Whyte, are believed to possess valuable information that could advance multiple criminal investigations.

The JCF has urgently requested that any listed individuals immediately present themselves at the Black River Criminal Investigations Branch. Furthermore, authorities have encouraged community members with relevant information to contact police emergency services at 119, Crime Stop at 311, the St Elizabeth PIU at 876-965-2026, or their nearest police station, emphasizing the critical importance of public cooperation in resolving these cases.

Jamaica’s higher education landscape witnessed a historic milestone last Wednesday as 22-year-old Jamaela Record became the Caribbean Maritime University’s inaugural graduate with a Bachelor of Science in Forensic Science. Her journey from childhood fascination with crime investigation television shows to becoming a national pioneer exemplifies dedication and transformative educational ambition.

Introduced in 2021 to bolster Jamaica’s counter-terrorism capabilities and investigative prowess, the forensic science program employs rigorous scientific methodologies including DNA analysis, toxicology, and digital forensics within criminal investigations and legal contexts. Record discovered the program through online channels and immediately enrolled, recognizing the opportunity to convert her lifelong interest into professional practice.

The academic path proved challenging as initial cohort numbers dwindled from approximately six students to just Record persevering through the four-year curriculum. She reframed these obstacles as investigative challenges, approaching each difficulty as evidence leading toward ultimate resolution rather than reasons for abandonment.

Hailing from Clarendon, Record describes her pioneering achievement as blending pressure, pride, and profound purpose. Without upper-level students to provide guidance or existing models to follow, she developed self-reliance and disciplinary rigor while recognizing her responsibility to establish benchmarks for future candidates.

Record acknowledged faculty advisors and lecturers as crucial supporters throughout her academic journey, alongside family encouragement and spiritual strength derived from her favorite biblical passage, Philippians 4:13. Her professional formation was further enhanced through an internship with the Jamaica Constabulary Force, providing hands-on experience with evidence handling and investigative procedures that emphasized the critical importance of integrity and confidentiality.

The graduate emphasized forensic science’s unique position at the intersection of scientific inquiry, justice administration, and societal impact. She characterized the field as fundamentally concerned with uncovering truths through meticulous evidence examination, requiring both technical expertise and unwavering ethical commitment.

Looking forward, Record aims to specialize in cyber forensics while contributing to public safety, national development, and law enforcement effectiveness. She encourages prospective students to embrace the program’s challenges, noting that forensic science transcends laboratory work to represent a deeper commitment to justice, accountability, and societal service through evidentiary storytelling.