标签： Jamaica

MANCHESTER, Jamaica — Law enforcement authorities in Manchester parish have implemented a comprehensive security strategy involving multiple government agencies to address escalating violence in several troubled communities. The initiative comes in response to a series of serious crimes that prompted extended curfews in Cedar Grove, Green Street, Albion, May Day, and adjacent neighborhoods identified as high-risk zones.

The security measures were intensified following a December 23 shooting incident that resulted in the death of 31-year-old shopkeeper Jomo Trowers and left two other men wounded. This violent episode triggered an immediate lockdown that significantly disrupted local commerce, particularly affecting bars and small businesses operating within the curfew-bound areas.

Superintendent Carey Duncan, head of the Manchester Police Division, revealed during a community walk-through that criminal elements abroad are orchestrating local violence. “Intelligence indicates overseas actors are masterminding these disturbances,” Duncan stated. “They exploit young residents through financial incentives and material rewards to maintain loyalty while remaining comfortably abroad.”

Law enforcement has made progress with the arrest and remand of 21-year-old laborer Jwell Channer, who faces charges connected to the December shooting. Channer remains in custody pending his next court appearance scheduled for February 25.

Despite acknowledging the economic hardship caused by curfews, Superintendent Duncan emphasized the priority of preserving lives. “While livelihood concerns are significant, public safety remains paramount,” he explained, noting that crime analysis reveals predictable patterns of violence occurring primarily around bars and shops during specific time frames.

The police strategy incorporates social interventions including planned football competitions and the establishment of police youth clubs. These initiatives aim to foster community engagement and provide positive alternatives for local youth. During a recent visit, Superintendent Duncan personally participated in a football match with young residents, symbolizing the department’s commitment to community bonding.

Multiple organizations have joined the effort, including the Social Development Commission, Heart/NSTA Trust, the Manchester Chamber of Commerce, the Manchester Parish Development Committee, the Jamaica Fire Brigade, and local councilor Karl Smith. This coalition reflects a consensus that community-police partnership is essential for sustainable crime reduction throughout Manchester parish.

A comprehensive audit of Jamaica’s local government entities has uncovered systemic financial reporting failures across all 14 municipal corporations, with nearly 100 financial statements remaining undelivered for the current fiscal year. The Auditor General’s Department (AGD), in its recently tabled 2025 Annual Report, documents severe non-compliance with the Local Government (Financing and Financial Management) Act, revealing financial disarray that extends far beyond hurricane-affected regions.

While Hurricane Melissa impacted seven western parishes—St Elizabeth, Westmoreland, Hanover, St James, Trelawny, Manchester, and St Ann—the financial reporting deficiencies proved universal. The audit identified 95 missing financial statements across municipal corporations and a Parochial Revenue Fund, with some documentation gaps tracing back over a decade.

The St Ann Municipal Corporation emerged as the most delinquent entity with 15 outstanding financial statements dating to the 2010/2011 period. Westmoreland followed with 11 missing reports since 2014/2015, while St Thomas lacked 10 statements from 2015/2016. Clarendon and Kingston and St Andrew municipalities each showed nine missing reports, with St Mary documenting eight gaps since 2017/2018.

More alarmingly, the audit uncovered complete absences of accounting records in multiple municipalities. St Thomas Municipal Corporation could not provide documentation to verify $66 million in receivables, $54 million in liabilities, $287 million in expenditures, and $98 million in equity for 2012/2013. Similar discrepancies emerged in St Mary, where $73 million in cash equivalents, $32 million in receivables, and $98 million in liabilities lacked supporting documentation for 2015/2016.

Hanover Municipal Corporation attributed its missing 2017-2019 records to both time lapse and a December 2022 IT system failure, while Portmore Municipality cited a September security breach that damaged accounting servers and backup systems.

The Ministry of Local Government and Community Development, through its permanent secretary, is now implementing scheduled completion plans with targeted oversight in information technology and financial management. Auditor General Pamela Monroe Ellis emphasized the critical need for strengthened controls, particularly regarding cash management, receivables, liabilities, and revenue expenditure verification across all municipal entities.

Jamaican law enforcement authorities have delivered an unequivocal message to criminal elements seeking refuge behind guarded gates: fortified communities provide no immunity from justice. The warning comes following the successful apprehension of one of the nation’s most sought-after fugitives from within a secured residential complex.

Assistant Commissioner of Police Wayne Josephs, head of the Criminal Investigation Branch, emphasized that criminals harboring illusions of safety within gated environments maintain a “false sense of security.” His statements follow the January 12th capture of 43-year-old Courtney Ashley, alias ‘Bloodstain,’ during a precision operation in Phoenix Park Village II, Portmore, St Catherine. Ashley, alleged leader of the Bottom Maverley Gang, faced multiple charges including a 2017 murder and firearms offenses after years as a prime subject in the Jamaica Constabulary Force’s Wanted Wednesdays campaign.

The operation resulted in two additional arrests, demonstrating police capability to penetrate secured environments. Commissioner Josephs articulated a broader strategy: “We are going to be continuing to do our best to rid the country of criminals wherever they are, whether they are in gated communities or otherwise, to create safe havens everywhere for decent, law-abiding persons.”

While celebrating operational successes, Josephs identified critical security vulnerabilities within gated communities. He highlighted insufficient vetting procedures where security personnel often only record driver information while ignoring multiple vehicle occupants. The commissioner urged residents’ associations to enhance vigilance and report unusual activities, emphasizing that community awareness remains essential nationwide.

Community leadership responses revealed mixed perspectives. The president of Phoenix Park Village II Citizens’ Association declined commentary, while Andre Brown, president of Phoenix Park Village I Citizens’ Association, acknowledged resident concerns but defended community safety. Brown cited comprehensive security protocols including 24-hour surveillance while acknowledging specific challenges: “We have inherited guard issues; guards being too familiar with persons.”

Brown detailed ongoing security enhancements including intercom system upgrades to minimize personal interaction, barrier repairs, and camera network expansion. He highlighted successful community-police collaboration citing a December incident where resident reporting enabled police interception of armed robbers, resulting in one suspect being shot during apprehension.

The developments underscore evolving dynamics between law enforcement, community security, and criminal adaptation in Jamaica’s residential landscapes.

KINGSTON, Jamaica — The Constant Spring Police headquarters hosted an emotionally charged farewell ceremony on Friday as senior officers gathered to honor Assistant Commissioner of Police Christopher Phillips’ distinguished service in Area 5. The event, characterized by both celebration and heartfelt tributes, highlighted Phillips’ profound impact on the division during his tenure.

Colleagues unanimously described Phillips as a transformative figure who revolutionized leadership approaches within the police force. Multiple speakers emphasized his unique ability to cultivate professional excellence while empowering officers to achieve their fullest potential. The reception featured numerous testimonials praising his commitment to both organizational development and personal growth of team members.

During the ceremony, Phillips received several symbolic gifts acknowledging his contributions. Senior officers expressed how his leadership style fostered an environment where excellence became the standard rather than the exception.

In his response address, Phillips expressed profound gratitude for the recognition while specifically acknowledging Senior Superintendent Tomilee Chambers for orchestrating the farewell event. He described himself as ‘truly humbled’ by the demonstrations of support and camaraderie.

Transitioning from appreciation to professional counsel, Phillips issued a compelling call to action for other law enforcement agencies. He identified concerning patterns of complacency and urged intensified efforts toward restoring public order. ‘If we are going to restore full public order we are going to need all the other agencies on board,’ Phillips emphasized, highlighting the necessity of collaborative enforcement strategies.

ACP Phillips now prepares to assume command of Area 3, which encompasses the parishes of St Elizabeth, Manchester, and Clarendon. This transition marks a new chapter in his career while leaving behind a legacy of transformative leadership in Area 5.