标签： Jamaica

KINGSTON, Jamaica — A 20-year-old construction worker, Romando Simpson, also known as ‘Prince,’ has been charged with multiple offenses, including murder, following the fatal shooting of a 22-year-old kitchen assistant in May. The incident occurred in Cobourn Gardens, Kingston 11, on Sunday, May 25. The victim, Judas Clarke, popularly known as ‘Froggy,’ was employed as a kitchen assistant at Maple View Road in the same community. According to police reports, Clarke was seated outside his residence around 7:00 pm when Simpson allegedly approached him armed with a handgun. Simpson reportedly opened fire, striking Clarke before fleeing the scene on a waiting motorcycle. Emergency services were called, and Clarke was rushed to the hospital, where he was later pronounced dead. Simpson was apprehended and formally charged on Friday after undergoing a question-and-answer session in the presence of his legal counsel. The charges against him include murder, possession of a prohibited weapon and ammunition, and using a firearm to commit a felony.

A 44-year-old businessman from St Catherine, Jamaica, has been formally charged with fraudulent conversion following allegations of failing to deliver vehicles to customers who had paid deposits. Lloyd Thompson, a resident of Balmetto East Fort, is accused of defrauding two individuals between April and August 2023. According to reports from the Discovery Bay Police, one complainant paid $2.4 million for a Toyota Coaster, while the other handed over $1 million as a deposit for a Toyota Hiace bus. After making the payments, both customers reportedly attempted to contact Thompson to complete the transactions but were met with evasion. Thompson allegedly provided explanations that raised suspicions, prompting the victims to file police reports. Following investigations, Thompson was apprehended in connection with similar complaints within the Kingston police area. An identification parade was conducted, during which both complainants positively identified him. He was formally charged on Friday, and his court date is currently being finalized.

KINGSTON, Jamaica — A 25-year-old woman, Daniela Morrison, has been formally charged as an accessory before and after the fact in the murder of 14-year-old Terona Thomas, known as ‘Tee-Tee.’ The tragic incident occurred on April 17 in Kingston 11, where Thomas, a student from Cinnamon Crescent, was fatally shot alongside two others. Morrison, a contractor from Waltham Park Road, allegedly rented a silver Nissan Note motor cart used in the attack. According to the Olympic Gardens Police, an armed assailant opened fire on a group at Hill Avenue around 1:50 pm, injuring three individuals before fleeing the scene. Thomas succumbed to her injuries at the hospital, while the other victims were admitted for treatment. Morrison is accused of retrieving the vehicle post-incident and returning it. The St. Andrew South Division is actively pursuing additional suspects and has urged the public to provide any information that could aid the investigation. Prime Minister Andrew Holness had previously offered a $2 million reward for information leading to the arrest of Thomas’s killer.

CLARENDON, Jamaica — The Jamaica Public Service Company (JPS) has raised alarms over rampant electricity theft in the Rocky Point community, which is severely damaging streetlights and plunging the area into darkness. According to JPS, illegal connections account for more than 70% of the electricity consumed in the community, leading to frequent breakdowns of streetlamps and heightened concerns over public safety and security.

In a historic moment, eight-year-old Anorrah Brown has been crowned the inaugural Mini Miss Kingston and St Andrew Heritage Queen. The competition, designed to foster cultural awareness and self-expression among Jamaica’s youth, showcased Anorrah’s remarkable poise, talent, and intellect. Her victory not only marks a personal achievement but also signifies a significant milestone for the event, which continues to grow in influence across the island, celebrating confidence, heritage, and self-worth.

An elated Anorrah expressed her gratitude, stating, ‘It’s an incredible honour and a dream come true. I am filled with so much excitement and gratitude to be given such an opportunity to represent my parish Kingston and St Andrew and showcase my talent and creativity.’

An aspiring lawyer with a passion for justice, Anorrah has set her sights on practicing family law. Deeply concerned about the impact of crime on society, she envisions addressing the issue by teaching conflict resolution, empathy, and emotional intelligence in schools. Additionally, she plans to organize community programs, support groups, and mentorship initiatives. ‘But most importantly, I would address the root causes, which I believe is poverty, and I would work alongside the relevant agencies to reduce poverty and its related spinoffs, such as corruption, bullying, inequality, and social injustice,’ she added.

Behind Anorrah’s success is her mother, who serves as her unwavering pillar of support. Overjoyed and proud, her mother shared, ‘I feel incredibly proud and overjoyed having my daughter win the Mini Miss Kingston and St Andrew Heritage Queen Competition. It’s a big deal! It’s definitely a dream come true, and I’m grateful for the opportunity given to her to showcase her talent, beauty, intelligence, and heritage on such a prestigious platform.’

The Mini Miss Kingston and St Andrew Heritage Queen Competition is the latest addition to a series of cultural pageants founded by Damion Duckett, entrepreneur and CEO of DDPromotions (Double D Promotions). Originating in St Ann over two decades ago with the Mini Miss St Ann Heritage Queen Competition, the initiative celebrates Jamaica’s rich heritage while empowering young girls to embrace their individuality.

Anorrah’s crowning moment underscores the competition’s mission to inspire confidence and self-respect in the next generation, demonstrating that beauty and purpose can coexist. Organizers emphasized that her victory serves as a powerful reminder that with support and encouragement, young people can overcome challenges and become symbols of hope and pride for their communities.