The fraud trial involving former Jamaican Education Minister Ruel Reid, ex-Caribbean Maritime University (CMU) President Fritz Pinnock, and three co-accused took a significant turn on Tuesday as detailed testimony regarding invoices worth hundreds of thousands of dollars was presented in court. The invoices, addressed to CMU, bore the name of Devon McQueen, Reid’s former driver, and were marked ‘For the provision of student needs.’ The amounts ranged from $30,000 to $330,000, dated between January and April 2018. The prosecution called two additional witnesses: a representative from the Office of the Registrar General and a chief special agent from the Major Organised Crime and Anti-Corruption Agency (MOCA). The MOCA agent testified about her interactions with McQueen, who has since passed away, and her role in collecting his statement. The defense objected to her testimony, arguing it was based on hearsay and inadmissible evidence. Presiding Judge Sanchia Burrell overruled the objection, allowing the testimony to proceed. The trial, which alleges a $25 million fraud scheme involving government funds from the Ministry of Education and CMU between 2016 and 2019, will resume on Wednesday. Defense attorney Hugh Wildman is expected to present cases supporting his objection, with the prosecution responding before the judge makes a final ruling.
标签： Jamaica
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Courts islandwide close early due to Tropical Storm Melissa
KINGSTON, Jamaica — In anticipation of Tropical Storm Melissa, Jamaican courts shut down early at 3:00 pm on Wednesday, October 22. The Court Administration Division (CAD) announced the decision in a public statement, emphasizing the need for staff to prepare both personally and professionally for the impending weather event. The CAD also confirmed that all court matters scheduled for Thursday, October 23, would be postponed and rescheduled, with parties notified accordingly. Similarly, cases set for Friday, October 24, will be reassigned to new dates, and stakeholders will be informed promptly. The CAD plans to issue an update at 7:00 pm on Wednesday to provide further guidance as the situation develops.
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JN helps participants cultivate good credit habits
KINGSTON, Jamaica — Rose Miller, a financial education consultant with the JN Foundation, has underscored the critical importance of cultivating good credit habits as a pathway to financial freedom. Her remarks were delivered during the recent Smarter Credit Workshop, hosted by the JN Financial Academy at The Jamaica National Group’s Corporate Offices in New Kingston. The event was also live-streamed on the JN Foundation’s YouTube channel, attracting widespread attention.
The workshop, themed “Cultivating Good Credit Habits,” focused on the pivotal role of responsible credit management in achieving long-term financial stability and unlocking superior financial opportunities. Attendees were provided with actionable insights on understanding, building, and maintaining robust credit scores.
Miller highlighted five compelling reasons why Jamaicans should prioritize good credit. These include easier access to loans such as mortgages, credit cards, and lines of credit, as well as securing lower interest rates, which can save individuals significant sums over time. She also noted that employers may review credit scores during hiring processes, making it an essential aspect of personal and professional life.
“Strong credit offers peace of mind,” Miller emphasized. “By managing credit wisely, individuals can avoid late fees, high interest rates, and the stress of debt, which can even impact overall health. Good credit habits instill confidence and control over one’s financial future.”
She further explained that maintaining good credit is a cornerstone of wealth building, though she cautioned that wealth accumulation is a gradual process requiring time, consistency, and discipline. “Beware of anyone promising quick riches,” she warned. “True financial success is built steadily.”
Miller outlined several strategies for improving and maintaining a strong credit score, which she described as the “driver of creditworthiness.” Key factors include payment history, credit utilization, length of credit history, credit mix, and recent credit applications. She advised participants to pay bills on time, keep credit utilization between 30% and 40%, maintain old accounts, diversify credit types, and limit credit inquiries.
“Financial discipline begins with sound planning,” she stressed. “Whether at the household or national level, everything starts with a budget. Managing finances effectively is the foundation of success.”
The workshop drew over 300 attendees, many of whom praised its practical and educational value. Jay Beckford, a student at the University of the West Indies, Mona Campus, described the session as highly informative. “I gained valuable insights into financial literacy and the importance of maintaining a good credit score,” he said. Similarly, Kedifa Campbell-Boothe, a collections agent at the Jamaica Public Service Company, found the workshop engaging and useful. “It was practical, relatable, and educational,” she shared.
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JPS activates emergency operations ahead of Tropical Storm Melissa
KINGSTON, Jamaica — As Tropical Storm Melissa looms over Jamaica, the Jamaica Public Service Company (JPS) has initiated its emergency operations plan to ensure a rapid and coordinated response to potential damage to the island’s power infrastructure. The company is emphasizing the importance of safety and urging residents to take necessary precautions before, during, and after the storm.
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Guyana mulls ankle monitoring to combat domestic violence
The government of Guyana is actively exploring innovative measures, including the use of ankle monitoring systems, to enhance its efforts in combating domestic violence. Home Affairs Minister Oneidge Walrond emphasized the importance of these strategies in ensuring greater safety, accountability, and support for victims. The proposed ankle monitoring bracelets would enable authorities to track offenders’ movements in real time, issuing automated alerts if they approach restricted areas or come near victims. This proactive approach aims to prevent further harm and ensure swift intervention. Walrond highlighted the government’s commitment to creating a secure environment, stating, ‘We have a mandate from the people to deliver a safe and secure country. People want to feel secure and have a standard of living where they can walk down the street with their children without worry.’ The Safe City Initiative, which employs facial recognition, vehicle tracking, and license plate recognition, has already improved response times in investigations and contributed to community safety. Additionally, an alert app functioning as a panic button is being developed to further empower citizens. Despite these advancements, Walrond stressed the need to build trust between the public and the Guyana Police Force (GPF) to ensure transparency and accountability at every stage. ‘People want to feel that there is a police force they can trust, that cares, and that will respond to them,’ she added.
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US says two dead in strike on alleged drug-smuggling boat in Pacific
In a significant escalation of its anti-drug operations, the United States conducted a military strike on an alleged drug-smuggling vessel in the eastern Pacific, resulting in the deaths of two individuals. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth confirmed the operation on Wednesday, marking the first such attack on a boat in the Pacific Ocean. The strike, which was carried out in international waters, brings the total number of similar operations to at least eight, with a death toll of at least 34. Hegseth described the targets as ‘narco-terrorists’ and emphasized that no US forces were harmed during the mission. The Trump administration has framed these actions as part of an ‘armed conflict’ with Latin American drug cartels, which it has designated as terrorist organizations. However, critics argue that the US has not provided concrete evidence to substantiate its claims, and legal experts contend that such summary killings are unlawful. The campaign has heightened tensions with regional allies, particularly Venezuela and Colombia, where US military presence has raised concerns about broader geopolitical motives. Colombia recently recalled its ambassador to the US following a public feud between President Gustavo Petro and Donald Trump over the latter’s aggressive anti-drug strategies. Despite these tensions, both nations have reaffirmed their commitment to combating drug trafficking.
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UN chief calls for ‘fight’ against climate disinformation
In a powerful address at the World Meteorological Organisation (WMO) in Geneva, United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres emphasized the urgent need to combat climate disinformation and defend scientific integrity. His remarks come ahead of the pivotal COP30 summit in Brazil and follow controversial statements by former US President Donald Trump, who dismissed climate change as a ‘hoax’ and criticized renewable energy technologies. Guterres underscored the critical role of ‘clear-eyed’ climate science in understanding the existential threat posed by global warming, urging nations to reject misinformation, online harassment, and greenwashing. He highlighted the surge in renewable energy investments, noting that nearly all new power capacity in 2024 came from renewables, which he described as the ‘cheapest, fastest, and smartest’ solution to climate change. Guterres also stressed the importance of early warning systems for extreme weather events, particularly for vulnerable nations, as the planet faces unprecedented environmental challenges. With COP30 set to take place in Belem, Brazil, from November 10-21, Guterres called for bold national climate action plans aligned with the goal of limiting global temperature rise to 1.5 degrees Celsius.
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Integrity Commission announces new appointments
KINGSTON, Jamaica — The Integrity Commission of Jamaica has taken a significant step forward in its mission to uphold integrity and transparency within the public sector. On Wednesday, a formal swearing-in ceremony at King’s House marked the official appointment of three distinguished directors to the commission’s leadership team. Governor General Sir Patrick Allen presided over the event, endorsing the selection of Craig Beresford as executive director, Roneiph Lawrence as director of corruption prosecution, and Joeth Jones as director of information and complaints. The commission emphasized that these appointments reflect a strategic move to enhance its operational capacity and reinforce its commitment to combating corruption. In a statement released on the same day, the commission highlighted the new directors’ extensive experience and unwavering dedication to their roles. Their leadership is anticipated to bolster the commission’s efforts in safeguarding public interests, addressing unethical practices, and fostering accountability in public life. The commission reiterated its guiding principle: ‘Integrity is the quiet force that compels us to do what is right — even when it is inconvenient, unpopular, or unseen.’ This development underscores Jamaica’s ongoing efforts to strengthen governance and promote ethical standards across its institutions.
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Chas E Ramson Ltd partners with Project STAR to support community transformation
KINGSTON, Jamaica – In a significant move to bolster social cohesion and opportunity in underserved Jamaican communities, Chas E Ramson Limited has announced a two-year, $4 million partnership with Project STAR (Social Transformation and Renewal). This national initiative aims to empower local residents to lead their own transformation, fostering safety and development in marginalized areas.
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#EyeOnMelissa: Fishers advised to head for land
KINGSTON, Jamaica — Authorities in Jamaica have issued urgent warnings to fishers and marine operators to evacuate coastal and offshore waters as Tropical Storm Melissa approaches the island. Dr. Gavin Bellamy, Chief Executive Officer of the National Fisheries Authority (NFA), emphasized that safety remains the top priority as the island braces for severe weather conditions.