标签： Jamaica

In a tragic incident on Friday evening, a hit-and-run accident in Lyssons, St Thomas, resulted in the death of 60-year-old Sharon Hastings, an employee of the St Thomas Municipal Corporation. According to reports, the incident occurred shortly after 6 pm when Hastings was crossing a roadway and was struck by an unidentified vehicle. The driver fled the scene without stopping, leaving Hastings critically injured. She was immediately transported to a nearby medical facility, where she was pronounced dead. Local authorities have launched a full-scale investigation to identify and apprehend the driver responsible for this fatal collision. The community has expressed deep sorrow over the loss of Hastings, who was a respected member of the municipal workforce. This incident has reignited concerns about road safety and the need for stricter enforcement of traffic laws in the area.

KINGSTON, Jamaica — Desmond McKenzie, Minister of Local Government and Community Development, has been awarded the Order of Jamaica (OJ) in recognition of his over four decades of dedicated service to the nation. The prestigious honor will be formally conferred during the National Investiture Ceremony at King’s House on National Heroes Day, October 20. McKenzie, who has served as the Member of Parliament for Kingston Western since 2016, began his public service journey in 1977 as a councillor. He expressed profound gratitude for the recognition, attributing his success to the support of his constituents, family, and the late former Prime Minister Edward Seaga. McKenzie’s career has been marked by significant contributions to improving the lives of Jamaica’s most vulnerable populations. As mayor of Kingston, he initiated feeding programs for the homeless and later established drop-in centers and night shelters through his ministry. His efforts culminated in the creation of the Desmond McKenzie Transitional Centre, a facility designed to help homeless individuals reintegrate into society by providing access to employment and stable housing. McKenzie also highlighted his pride in modernizing the Indigent Housing Programme, which now includes fully furnished homes with essential amenities. Additionally, he emphasized the transformative impact of the entrepreneurial grants program, which has empowered small business owners across Jamaica. Reflecting on his tenure as minister, McKenzie noted the increased respect for local government and its critical role in daily life. He credited his achievements to the unwavering support of his family and the resources provided by the government. McKenzie remains motivated by the trust placed in him by the Jamaican people and his commitment to addressing pressing issues such as waste management, under his leadership, the country has seen a significant increase in garbage trucks, improving sanitation nationwide.

In response to a security alert issued by the United States Embassy, the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service (TTPS) has intensified protective measures nationwide to ensure the safety of citizens and government officials during the Divali holiday weekend. The US Embassy, in a notice released on Saturday, advised American citizens to avoid its facilities in Trinidad and Tobago, citing a ‘heightened state of alert.’ It also recommended that nationals remain vigilant, stay informed through reliable news sources, and report any suspicious activities to local authorities. Acting Commissioner of Police Junior Benjamin reassured the public that there is no immediate cause for alarm. He emphasized that the TTPS has implemented additional security protocols to safeguard both citizens and foreign nationals, as well as critical infrastructure. Benjamin stated, ‘We are going to support as much as we can in terms of having our officers briefed, but we really do not want to create any scare among the citizenry. We stand in support of ensuring the safety and security of all persons.’ He further revealed that he had convened a briefing with the heads of all TTPS operational units to ensure the protection of government officials. While acknowledging that there had been no specific discussions with the Trinidad and Tobago Defence Force or Coast Guard on this matter, Benjamin expressed confidence in the collaborative efforts of all national security agencies. ‘We always operate as a team, and therefore I am certain we have the support of all agencies under homeland security,’ he added.

A tragic accident occurred on the North South Highway in St Catherine, Jamaica, on Friday night, resulting in the deaths of two drivers. The incident, which took place around 8:30 pm near the Angels exit, involved a head-on collision between two Subaru vehicles. Preliminary investigations suggest that one of the cars was traveling in the wrong direction, leading to the fatal crash. The identities of the deceased have not yet been disclosed. Authorities are continuing their investigation into the circumstances surrounding the accident. Further updates will be provided as more information becomes available.

TRELAWNY, Jamaica — Westwood High School has recently become a part of the Afro Day movement, a growing initiative that celebrates natural hair, cultural identity, and self-expression. Spearheaded by Kimberly Todd, a mathematics teacher and the 2022 Miss St Ann Festival Queen, the event saw female students proudly showcasing their natural curls, coils, and textures.

Todd, who has long advocated for this celebration, expressed her pride in finally seeing her vision come to life. ‘As a cultural ambassador, I’ve always wanted this for the girls since 2022. Although it didn’t happen two years ago, I’m thrilled to have succeeded this year. It’s crucial for the girls to embrace their true selves,’ she remarked. She also emphasized the importance of self-expression, even within the confines of the school’s uniform regulations, which traditionally include wearing hats.

The Afro Day movement, which gained momentum in Jamaican schools in 2023, has seen participation from institutions like St Catherine, Excelsior, Green Island, and Meadowbrook high schools. It aims to foster pride in African heritage and challenge outdated stereotypes surrounding natural hair. With Westwood High School now joining the movement, the event underscores Jamaica’s progress in celebrating black beauty and cultural authenticity.

KINGSTON, Jamaica — A 28-year-old man, Michael Jones of Haining Crescent, Kingston 5, has been formally charged with violating the anti-corruption act following an alleged attempt to bribe police officers during a routine traffic stop on Friday. The incident occurred around 11:40 am during a National Coordinated Roadblock operation, where Jones was observed driving a Toyota Axio without wearing a seat belt. Upon being signaled to stop, Jones failed to produce a valid driver’s license, prompting officers to prepare traffic citations. It is alleged that Jones then retrieved an envelope containing money from his vehicle and offered it to the officers in an attempt to avoid penalties. The police swiftly apprehended Jones, who was later charged after an interview. Authorities have reiterated that attempting to bribe a member of the Jamaica Constabulary Force is a grave criminal offense, emphasizing that such actions will be prosecuted rigorously. This case underscores the ongoing efforts to combat corruption within the law enforcement system and serves as a stark reminder to the public of the severe consequences of such misconduct.