标签： Jamaica

NEW YORK — A devastating traffic incident in Queens has cut short the homecoming plans of a retired correctional officer, highlighting ongoing concerns about road safety and unlicensed vehicle operation in New York City.

Trevor Lloyd Samuels, 68, a former Department of Correctional Services officer and father of five, was fatally struck by a moped while crossing at the intersection of 168th Street and 93rd Avenue in Jamaica, Queens on December 5. The Springfield Gardens resident was engaged in final shopping preparations for what would have been his first visit to Jamaica in three years.

According to police reports, the collision involved Yunior Buleje Rodriguez, 26, of Richmond Hill, who was operating the two-wheeled vehicle without proper licensing. Authorities apprehended Rodriguez at the scene and charged him with aggravated, unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle.

The Daily News revealed that Samuels had planned to depart for Jamaica on December 9, carrying gifts for family members and friends affected by Hurricane Melissa. The trip also included intentions to attend a colleague’s funeral service.

Kievette Samuels, the eldest of his children, described her father as possessing extraordinary recall abilities, capable of vividly recounting events from half a century past. The retired correctional officer had previously served in the medical section of Kingston’s General Penitentiary.

Samuels’ personal story reflects transnational family connections—four of his children remain in Jamaica, while his nonagenarian mother resides in Florida. He is survived by five grandchildren in addition to his immediate family.

While expressing acknowledgment that the arrest cannot reverse her loss, Kievette Samuels noted her satisfaction that investigative measures had been implemented following the tragic incident.

KINGSTON, Jamaica — A Kingston courtroom became the stage for a legal debate over the distinction between occupational tools and prohibited weapons this Tuesday. Oneil Thompson, a local tradesman, entered a guilty plea with explanation before Chief Parish Judge Chester Brooks in the Kingston and St Andrew Parish Court. The charge stemmed from his possession of a ratchet knife, which authorities classified as an offensive weapon.

Thompson presented his defense by asserting the implement was essential for his profession, describing it unequivocally as “a working knife” integral to his trade. The judicial proceedings took an intriguing turn when Judge Brooks questioned the defendant about initially telling police officers he carried the blade for self-defense during his arrest.

In a nuanced rebuttal, Thompson revealed that law enforcement personnel themselves had conceded the tool’s inadequacy for personal protection. This admission formed the cornerstone of his argument that the instrument should be recognized as vocational equipment rather than a weapon.

The court ultimately rendered its verdict, imposing a financial penalty of $2,000 Jamaican dollars with an alternative sentence of 15 days imprisonment should the fine remain unpaid. The case highlights ongoing legal interpretations surrounding tool possession and public safety regulations in urban environments.

The community of Bonitto Heights in Mandeville, Manchester, was plunged into profound grief on Tuesday morning following the tragic death of nine-year-old Amoya Moore, a Villa Road Primary School student struck by a garbage truck while walking to school.

The incident occurred approximately at 7:00 AM near the child’s residence, moments after she had exchanged morning greetings with the sanitation crew. According to an eyewitness who was washing his car nearby, the tragedy unfolded as the truck descended from Bonitto Heights. The man described hearing a piercing scream before witnessing one of the truck’s sidemen running in distress. Upon rushing to the scene, he discovered Amoya fatally injured on the ground.

Manchester law enforcement authorities promptly impounded the vehicle for technical examination at the Mandeville depot while initiating a comprehensive investigation through both the Manchester Traffic Department and Area Three Accident Investigation and Reconstruction Unit. The driver remained in police custody for questioning throughout Tuesday afternoon as officers gathered official statements.

Villa Road Primary School Principal Brent James characterized Amoya as an exceptionally bright, respectful, and disciplined student who held special significance to him personally. “She literally fights to come and hug me each day,” James recounted, visibly emotional. “A child that had such great prospects, and for her life to just be taken away just like that is tragic.”

The school immediately implemented crisis response protocols, with grief counselors and psychosocial support teams from the Ministry of Education’s Region Five office joining principals from three area schools to assist students and staff processing the devastating news.

Neighbors remembered Amoya as a remarkably polite child who consistently greeted community members during her daily walks. Dean Williamson, a resident and father of two daughters, expressed the collective devastation: “It is a tragic situation and very devastating to the community. All of us are parents.”

Senior government officials including Local Government Minister Desmond McKenzie, Education State Minister Rhoda Moy Crawford, and the National Solid Waste Management Authority issued separate statements extending official condolences to the family and school community. Crawford, who represents Manchester Central and attended Villa Road Primary herself, announced plans to visit both the school and grieving family, simultaneously urging enhanced road safety awareness among all users.

KINGSTON, Jamaica — Widespread internet outages struck New Kingston and adjacent neighborhoods on Tuesday after telecommunications provider Flow suffered what the company characterizes as extensive and malicious cable vandalism. The deliberate infrastructure damage has created significant connectivity challenges for both residential and commercial users during the peak Christmas period.

Flow Jamaica’s technical crews are currently conducting comprehensive damage assessments while simultaneously initiating repair operations. The company emphasized its commitment to restoring services with both speed and safety as top priorities amid the ongoing crisis.

Danielle Savory, Senior Communications Manager at Flow, expressed grave concern over the intentional nature of the destruction. “This calculated attack on our network infrastructure is particularly alarming given the heightened reliance on stable internet connectivity during the holiday season,” Savory stated. “Businesses depend on these services for commercial operations while families utilize them for communication and entertainment. Additionally, this sabotage compromises vital support systems for communities still recuperating from Hurricane Melissa’s recent impact.”

The company has mobilized its emergency response protocols and is coordinating with local authorities to investigate the incident. Flow encourages anyone possessing relevant information to immediately contact their dedicated helpline at 876-922-HELP (4357) or directly notify law enforcement agencies.

Flow Jamaica has requested patience from affected customers as restoration efforts continue around the clock. The telecommunications provider pledges to provide regular updates through traditional media outlets and its official social media platforms as repair work progresses.