标签： Jamaica

Jamaican law enforcement authorities have apprehended a high-profile criminal suspect during a targeted operation in St. Catherine on Monday. Courtney Ashley, widely known by his alias “Bloodstain,” was taken into custody by the St. Catherine South police division in the gated community of Phoenix Park, Portmore.

Ashley, identified as the alleged leader of the Bottom Marverly Gang, had been the subject of an extensive manhunt for multiple violent crimes. The suspect also maintains reported affiliations with the Yacca Avenue and 440 Drive criminal networks, according to police intelligence.

The capture concludes a prolonged search for Ashley, who had been prominently featured in the Jamaica Constabulary Force’s “Wanted Wednesdays” public awareness campaign. Law enforcement officials had sought Ashley in connection with the 2017 homicide of Andrew Foster and the non-fatal shooting of another individual on Fenbrook Avenue in St. Andrew.

Police authorities have additionally named Ashley as a person of interest in several ongoing investigations, including a recent double homicide case within the St. Andrew South Division. The operation represents a significant achievement for Jamaican law enforcement in their ongoing efforts to combat organized crime and gang-related violence in the region.

Jamaican emergency officials are intensifying public education efforts on earthquake safety protocols as the nation observes Earthquake Awareness Week. Superintendent Emeleo Ebanks, Education Officer at the Jamaica Fire Brigade (JFB), emphasized the critical importance of maintaining composure and implementing preventive measures during seismic events during a recent Jamaica Information Service (JIS) ‘Think Tank’ session.

Ebanks stressed that prior preparation serves as the most effective antidote to panic during disasters. ‘Don’t panic. I know that’s the easiest thing to say and the most difficult thing to do, but prior preparation will ensure that, as much as possible, you don’t panic,’ the senior fire officer stated.

The JFB official provided specific guidance for various scenarios, warning against the instinctual reaction to flee buildings during shaking. Instead, he recommended the ‘drop, cover, and hold’ technique until vibrations cease, followed by orderly evacuation. Motorists on bridges should safely exit the structure before stopping, while pedestrians in urban areas with tall buildings should quickly move to spaces where collapsing structures cannot reach them.

Home preparedness measures include removing heavy or hanging objects from walls, particularly in bedrooms, where falling items could cause severe injury or death. Ebanks highlighted that these objects often become dangerous projectiles during seismic activity.

Post-earthquake procedures include immediate head counts to ensure family safety and designated individuals contacting emergency services only when absolutely necessary to avoid overwhelming communication systems. The JFB, in collaboration with other government agencies including the Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management (ODPEM), continues to promote public education as fundamental to national disaster readiness under the theme ‘Resilient Jamaica: We Weather the Storm and Brace for the Shake.’

ST ANN, Jamaica — A transformative family recreation venture has emerged in Drax Hall with the inaugural launch of TruFun Play, establishing a pioneering indoor play facility that addresses longstanding developmental needs for children in the Ocho Rios region. This strategically designed center represents a significant advancement in community infrastructure, providing structured recreational programming previously unavailable in St Ann’s family service landscape.

Spearheaded by Kimona Myrie, an entrepreneurial mother who relocated from Lucea four years ago, the facility embodies a dual commitment to family welfare and business innovation. Myrie’s personal journey inspired the venture, which originated from her frustration with inadequate play spaces for her daughter and other children throughout parish communities.

TruFun Play’s operational framework serves children aged 1-14 through a meticulously curated environment prioritizing safety, supervision, and developmental enrichment. The facility accommodates up to 80 children hourly across multiple activity zones featuring ball pits, trampolines, slides, and obstacle courses. Beyond recreational offerings, the center provides nutritional services, birthday celebration hosting, and educational programs including Saturday enrichment classes in self-defense, karate, and cultural arts.

The business model integrates comprehensive after-school care alongside recreational services, creating a holistic approach to child development. Myrie’s substantial personal investment encompassed equipment procurement, safety system implementation, and staff training, supplemented by support from family networks, church communities, and early vision advocates.

This enterprise transcends conventional business parameters by embedding community partnership and local entrepreneurship within its operational DNA. By positioning children and families at the core of community development, TruFun Play establishes a paradigm for socially conscious business investment in Jamaica’s parish infrastructure, demonstrating how recreational facilities can catalyze broader regional development while meeting critical childhood needs.

Sheldon Millington’s journey from the economically challenged streets of Kingston’s Whitfield Town to his current role as a philanthropic corporate executive demonstrates how early experiences can shape a lifetime of service. His childhood exposure to poverty instilled in him a profound commitment to helping others, a value he continues to exemplify through numerous charitable initiatives.

Millington’s philanthropic philosophy took root during his school years when he received an unexpected scholarship recognizing not academic achievement but his consistent compassion in assisting ill classmates. This early validation of his caring nature solidified his dedication to service. Throughout high school, he established a committee to support students who couldn’t afford meals, demonstrating organizational skills that would later enhance his humanitarian efforts.

The corporate executive has since channeled his resources into substantial community projects. Through the House of SDM Educational Grant, Millington has provided comprehensive educational support to over 300 young children by covering their entire booklist expenses. His community involvement extends to Labor Day projects, including the renovation of the Gilmore Early Childhood Basic School, technology donations for students, and creating employment opportunities across various organizations.

Millington’s humanitarian response following Hurricane Melissa’s devastation in Westmoreland showcased his deep commitment to practical assistance. Personally leading relief efforts, he distributed 310 care packages, 100 children’s snack bags, and clothing for affected families. The emotional impact of witnessing the hurricane’s destruction motivated what he described as an unavoidable moral imperative to help fellow Jamaicans in crisis.

His ongoing community engagement includes seasonal initiatives such as Christmas events for senior citizens in his childhood neighborhood and New Year’s celebrations for children in Rae Town. Millington attributes his sustained philanthropic drive to what he describes as an inherent nature ‘characterized by love, compassion and a willingness to extend assistance beyond immediate circles.’ His life’s work embodies a philosophy where community service transcends charity to become a fundamental aspect of corporate leadership and personal identity.

KINGSTON, Jamaica — In a significant development in Jamaica’s fight against arms trafficking, a serving soldier from the Jamaica Defence Force (JDF) has been formally charged in connection with one of the largest illegal weapons seizures in the nation’s history. The case centers on Odeen Lawrence, a 36-year-old JDF member from St. Andrew, who faces serious charges following a major December operation at the Kingston Logistics Centre.

The investigation, spearheaded by the Firearms and Narcotics Investigation Division (FNID), culminated on December 19 with the interception of 28 illegal firearms and an astonishing 6,142 rounds of ammunition. The seizure represents a major blow to weapons trafficking networks operating within Jamaica.

Lawrence’s involvement came to light when he evaded police during an operation on January 5, only to surrender to authorities the following day. Subsequent forensic examination of his vehicle on January 7, conducted with his cooperation, yielded additional evidence—a 9mm round discovered in the glove compartment.

The accused soldier now faces two serious charges: conspiracy to traffic prohibited weapons and unauthorized possession of ammunition. These charges stem from comprehensive evidence gathered during the ongoing investigation.

Superintendent of Police Patrae Rowe, Director of FNID, emphasized the significance of this case, stating: ‘This investigation remains active as we work to dismantle the channels that facilitate the flow of illegal weapons into our communities. Our mission is to uphold the law without fear or favour, regardless of the status or profession of those involved.’

Authorities have indicated that additional charges are anticipated as the investigation into the broader weapons trafficking network continues. The case underscores the Jamaican Constabulary Force’s commitment to combating organized crime and protecting national security. Lawrence’s court appearance date is currently being finalized as judicial proceedings prepare to move forward.

A high-profile trial involving 25 alleged members of the Klansman Gang faction faces significant delays as Jamaica’s Supreme Court grapples with critical evidence disclosure issues. The prosecution, led by Acting Deputy Director of Public Prosecutions Janek Forbes, acknowledged substantial evidentiary gaps during Friday’s proceedings before Justice Dale Palmer in downtown Kingston.

Prosecution representatives revealed multiple outstanding documents including DNA reports for several defendants, chain-of-custody documentation, expert statements, and crime scene reports. Particularly concerning is the forensic laboratory’s indication that DNA analysis alone would require six to eight weeks, followed by additional time for peer review and report completion.

Defense attorney John Clarke, representing alleged faction leader Tesha Miller, raised constitutional concerns about the prosecution’s proposed ‘ongoing disclosure’ during trial proceedings. Clarke argued this approach could violate defendants’ rights to adequate trial preparation and a fair hearing, stating that receiving crucial evidence mid-trial would effectively abrogate these fundamental rights.

The complexity deepened with additional defense challenges, including attorney Denise Hinson’s objection to obtaining a DNA sample from client Nashaune Guest five years after evidence collection. Hinson characterized the belated request as fundamentally unfair given the extended timeframe without prior forensic analysis.

Justice Palmer, who had previously indicated reluctance to grant the prosecution’s requested adjournment to June, delayed his ruling until Monday following these substantial submissions. The court extended bail for one defendant while remanding others who attended virtually via Zoom, underscoring the case’s complex logistical dimensions.

The proceedings highlight persistent challenges in Jamaica’s judicial system when handling complex organized crime cases, particularly regarding forensic evidence processing and the balance between trial efficiency and defendants’ constitutional rights.