标签： Jamaica

The search for 12-year-old Jayden Smith, a student at Manchester High School, has entered its sixth day, with over 100 classmates, teachers, and administrators joining law enforcement in a concerted effort to locate the missing boy. The search focused on the Wesley Road area following reported sightings of Jayden on Wednesday. Despite the use of a drone and hours of meticulous searching, the operation concluded without success. Karcia Beezer, a sixth-form student, expressed her sorrow and determination, emphasizing Jayden’s importance to the school community and his potential for excellence. She urged Jayden to return, assuring him of safety and support. On Wednesday evening, police responded to reports of a child matching Jayden’s description evading passers-by. An eyewitness recounted seeing the boy flee when approached. Manchester High School Principal Jasford Gabriel highlighted the school’s collective effort, with 102 students and 15 staff members participating in the search. He expressed optimism based on recent sightings, indicating that Jayden is alive and the search is nearing a breakthrough. The school community held a prayer meeting, reflecting their shared concern and hope for Jayden’s safe return. The search continues, with the community and authorities determined to bring Jayden home.

The Kingston and St Andrew Municipal Corporation (KSAMC) has emerged as a pivotal force in addressing homelessness in the Corporate Area, with its Poor Relief Department being hailed as a ‘beacon of hope.’ The department manages two key shelters: the Marie Atkins Night Shelter, operational since 1993, and the Desmond McKenzie Transitional Centre for the Homeless, which commenced operations in 2022. These facilities provide a structured and dignified environment, offering essential services such as meals, clothing, shelter, and comprehensive medical and mental health care. Donna-Gaye Brady, Acting Inspector of Poor at KSAMC, emphasized the department’s holistic approach, stating, ‘We not only provide meals but also develop rehabilitation programmes tailored to the needs of individuals in our facilities.’ The rehabilitation initiatives include customized treatment plans and upskilling programmes, facilitated through partnerships with organizations like HEART, which assists in job placements post-training. Additionally, KSAMC’s environmental warden programme employs homeless individuals to clean the streets of Kingston, providing them with a source of income and a sense of purpose. This multifaceted approach underscores KSAMC’s commitment to transforming lives and fostering community integration.

KINGSTON, Jamaica — Petrojam has announced that laboratory technicians who initiated industrial action are required to return to work on Friday, following a directive issued by the Industrial Dispute Tribunal on Thursday evening. The back-to-work order, dated October 2, 2025, was issued in response to the strike action taken earlier that day by a group of the company’s laboratory technicians. The technicians, who are members of the Petroleum Workers Association—an affiliate of the Union of Clerical, Administrative, and Supervisory Employees (UCASE)—are expected to report for their scheduled shifts from 7:00 am to 7:00 pm on Friday and resume their regular duties and all subsequent shifts. The resolution aims to restore normal operations at Petrojam and address the concerns that led to the industrial action.

TRELAWNY, Jamaica – In a commendable display of environmental stewardship, employees of Diamonds International (DI), a prominent jewelry retailer operating at the Falmouth cruise port, dedicated their Friday morning to a large-scale clean-up effort at Burwood Beach. Within a span of two hours, the team successfully gathered 20 large bags of waste, including plastic bottles, condoms, paper, wet wipes, and various other debris from the popular shoreline. This initiative underscores DI’s unwavering commitment to environmental conservation and community engagement. ‘Diamonds International is deeply committed to giving back to the community, and today’s clean-up activity is a testament to our resolve in maintaining a clean and sustainable environment,’ the company stated. Notably, DI also manages jewelry stores at the Ocho Rios cruise port in St. Ann, further extending its influence and community outreach efforts across the region.