标签： Jamaica

The University of the West Indies Faculty of Law has announced its new student ambassadors following a highly anticipated annual pageant. Keneil Bernard and Janeilia Hemmings emerged victorious, claiming the prestigious titles of Mr. and Miss Law 2026 at an event held last Saturday on the faculty’s rooftop.

Fourteen contenders, comprising seven male and seven female candidates, participated in the intensely competitive showcase. The event attracted substantial attendance from university peers across multiple faculties alongside supportive parents.

In post-victory reflections, Hemmings characterized her pageant involvement as profoundly transformative. “Participating ranks among my most rewarding decisions,” the first-year law student and Wolmer’s Girls High School alumna stated. “While challenging, the collaborative environment with fellow contestants and organizing committee members revealed previously untapped aspects of my personality.” She dedicated her triumph to her mother, Terre-Ann Terrelonge, acknowledging significant sacrifices that enabled her participation.

Bernard, a Spanish Town native and Calabar High School graduate, described the competition as a catalyst for personal development. “This experience cultivated community engagement and forged meaningful connections that strengthened my confidence and Christian faith,” he explained. The title represents a critical milestone in his pursuit of broader success and service objectives.

Both titleholders outlined ambitious plans for their tenure. Hemmings intends to enhance student experiences and faculty spirit, while Bernard prioritizes initiatives addressing spiritual growth, mental health support, and academic balance. His agenda includes launching outreach programs to position the faculty as a societal beacon beyond its academic role.

The competition recognized multiple exceptional performers through sectional awards. Jailon Bailey and Jaleel Smith secured first and second runner-up positions respectively in the Mr. Law category, while Kaylia Powell and Anselena Boothe achieved equivalent honors for Miss Law.

Hemmings demonstrated particular versatility by winning Talent, Most Popular female, and Best in Legal Wear awards. Bernard similarly excelled, claiming male honors in both Talent and Legal Wear categories. Additional fast-track victories included debate triumphs for Anselena Boothe and Victor Stewart, athletic awards for Javier Sellars and Shanna Kay Willis, and fundraising recognition for Victor Stewart and Zhuri Martin.

In the devastating wake of Hurricane Melissa, the Women’s Centre of Jamaica Foundation (WCJF) has demonstrated extraordinary resilience by maintaining its essential services for vulnerable adolescent mothers. Despite severe infrastructure damage across multiple parishes, the foundation received crucial support from both partner organizations and former beneficiaries—embodying the 2024 International Women’s Day theme ‘Give to Gain’ through powerful displays of mutual aid during crisis.

Established to address Jamaica’s persistently high teenage pregnancy rates, the WCJF provides continuing education and support for pregnant girls under 19 who are excluded from the regular school system. The hurricane inflicted substantial damage to facilities in Savanna-la-Mar, Santa Cruz, Montego Bay, St Ann’s Bay, Morant Bay, and Junction. The Savanna-la-Mar centre suffered critical roof displacement, Santa Cruz lost its water storage tanks, Montego Bay’s pre-school roof was partially torn away, and multiple locations experienced structural collapses and security breaches.

Executive Director Novlette Howell emphasized that despite these physical damages, the foundation’s primary concern remained its human resources—both the staff and beneficiaries. Through coordinated efforts with the Jamaican Government, WCJF personnel distributed care packages and financial assistance to affected women and girls in the hardest-hit parishes of St Elizabeth, Westmoreland, and St James.

The foundation secured significant overseas donor grants, distributing amounts ranging from $20,000 to $210,000 to 22 staff members for various recovery needs including roof repairs, structural rebuilding, and complete home replacements. Additionally, WCJF centers served as temporary shelter for both staff and beneficiaries displaced by the hurricane.

A particularly inspiring aspect of the recovery effort emerged from the foundation’s alumni network. Former beneficiaries across the globe—now working as police inspectors, teachers, nurses, and business owners—mobilized support through material donations and mentorship. Howell noted that barrels of supplies from past students were delivered to the Savannah-la-Mar centre, demonstrating the powerful cycle of empowerment that defines the organization’s mission.

The WCJF maintains long-term commitment to its beneficiaries, providing ongoing counseling through university and professional integration via mentorship programs. This sustained support system exemplifies how investing in women creates ripple effects that strengthen entire communities, transforming personal achievement into collective advancement—the very essence of ‘Give to Gain’ in practice.

LOS ANGELES — A dramatic security incident unfolded at the Los Angeles residence of global music icon Rihanna on Sunday, culminating in the arrest of a suspect on an attempted murder charge. Ivanna Lisette Ortiz, the alleged assailant, is being held on a substantial bail of $10.225 million following the daytime shooting.

According to the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD), the episode occurred when a suspect operating a white Tesla model vehicle halted across the street from the superstar’s luxury mansion. From this position, multiple rounds were discharged toward the property using an AR-15-style rifle. The incident took place while Rihanna, her partner rapper A$AP Rocky, and their three young children were present inside the home.

Law enforcement officials reported that Ortiz was apprehended without incident approximately 30 minutes after the shooting at a nearby shopping complex. Captain Mike Bland, addressing the media, confirmed the specific type of firearm utilized in the attack. Subsequent aerial news footage revealed visible bullet damage to a gate at the high-security estate, underscoring the severity of the event.

The motivation behind the targeted attack remains under active investigation by the LAPD. As of the latest reports, Rihanna, whose full name is Robyn Rihanna Fenty, has not issued any public statement regarding the traumatic event. The case continues to develop as authorities work to establish a clear timeline and motive.

Jamaica’s government has substantially escalated its financial commitment to educational infrastructure resilience with an unprecedented $18 billion allocation for disaster preparedness, mitigation, and response in schools. This monumental funding, incorporated into the 2026/27 Estimates of Expenditure, marks a dramatic increase from previous budgetary cycles and reflects heightened concerns about climate vulnerability.

Education Minister Senator Dana Morris Dixon confirmed the allocation during Friday’s Standing Finance Committee meeting at the House of Representatives. “I believe at the start of the Standing Finance process, there would have been an amendment done, where $18 billion was allocated to the Ministry of Education for that line,” stated Minister Dixon, emphasizing the government’s strategic prioritization of educational infrastructure security.

The funding represents a seismic shift in disaster response budgeting. During the 2024/25 cycle, provisional expenditure totaled $2.5 billion, entirely dedicated to Hurricane Beryl relief and recovery operations. The subsequent 2025/26 revised Estimates increased to $2.8 billion, with $500 million addressing Hurricane Beryl impacts and the remaining $2.3 billion allocated for Hurricane Melissa recovery efforts.

The substantial budget increase follows devastating impacts from Hurricane Melissa in October 2025, which battered the island as a Category 5 storm. Official reports indicate more than 600 educational institutions sustained significant damage during the hurricane’s passage, creating urgent need for comprehensive infrastructure rehabilitation.

Governor-General Sir Patrick Allen previously highlighted the government’s restoration commitments during his Throne Speech at the February 12 Ceremonial Opening of Parliament. His Excellency confirmed that educational institutions classified as ‘Priority 1’ damaged during Hurricane Melissa would undergo complete repairs within the current calendar year, signaling coordinated national efforts to fortify educational facilities against future climate events.

The Wakefield Seventh-day Baptist Church community in Trelawny is grappling with profound grief following the tragic death of 70-year-old deacon Oscar Russell, who was struck by a motorcycle while departing church services late Saturday afternoon. The incident occurred directly outside the church premises, witnessed by several congregation members who were present at the entrance at the time of the collision.

According to eyewitness accounts, the violent impact threw Russell between the church wall and a utility pole, requiring emergency responders to extract him from the narrow space. The motorcycle operator also sustained severe injuries, particularly to the head, and was transported to medical facilities in critical condition.

Both individuals were rushed to Falmouth Public General Hospital, where Russell unfortunately succumbed to his injuries. The motorcyclist remains hospitalized under intensive care.

Pastor Ronald Blissett, head of the Wakefield Seventh-day Baptist Church, was ministering at another location when notified of the catastrophic event. He described the congregation as ‘shell-shocked’ by the sudden loss and the traumatic nature of the incident. The church has implemented emergency counseling services and additional support systems to help members process the emotional trauma.

Russell, a resident of Montego Bay, St. James, was characterized as a devout member who regularly traveled to Wakefield for Sabbath worship services. Preliminary investigations suggest he was returning to the church building after crossing the road when the collision occurred.

The tragedy has evoked painful memories for Trelawny residents, recalling a similar incident in April 2019 when 55-year-old Montego Bay Red Cap porter Romeal Wilson was fatally struck by a motorcycle in the adjacent community of Bounty Hall. Wilson had been attending his mother’s wake at the time of that previous accident.

Local authorities are investigating the circumstances surrounding the latest incident while the community mourns the loss of a respected religious leader and supports those affected by the traumatic event.