标签： Jamaica

COPENHAGEN, Denmark — In a bold move to protect the mental and social well-being of its youth, Denmark has announced plans to implement a social media ban for children under the age of 15. Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen unveiled the initiative during her parliamentary address at the opening of the autumn session, though specifics regarding the platforms affected and enforcement mechanisms remain unclear. The proposed legislation would grant parents the authority to permit their children to use social media starting at age 13. Frederiksen emphasized the detrimental impact of digital platforms, stating, ‘The cell phone and social media are robbing our children of their childhood,’ and cited a concerning statistic: 60% of Danish boys aged 11 to 19 prefer staying home over socializing with friends. This move aligns Denmark with global efforts to mitigate online harm to young people. Australia, for instance, has already enacted a ban on social media for users under 16, effective late 2024, though enforcement details are still pending. Similarly, Greece recently proposed establishing an ‘age of digital adulthood’ across the European Union, requiring parental consent for minors to access social media. Denmark’s initiative underscores a growing international recognition of the need to regulate children’s digital engagement to foster healthier developmental environments.

In a tragic turn of events, the quiet community of Commodore, St. Catherine, was shattered by a brutal mass shooting on Sunday night. Among the victims was four-year-old Shannon Gordon, whose life was tragically cut short. The senseless violence claimed the lives of five individuals and left four others injured, including an 11-year-old girl. The incident has left the community reeling in grief and seeking justice.

Rosemarie Murray, Shannon’s grandmother, expressed her profound sorrow and anger in a heartfelt prayer, pleading for divine retribution against the perpetrators. ‘Father God, make the killers be put to justice. When people kill the innocent, they must die,’ she cried out in anguish. Murray recounted the harrowing moments when the gunmen, disguised as police officers, stormed the yard and opened fire indiscriminately. ‘They were in police clothes, so everybody thought it was the police. One of them pointed the gun at me, but I said, ‘The blood of Jesus is against you,’ and he took the gun off me and started shooting,’ she shared.

The other victims included 39-year-old Iysha Washington, 42-year-old Mario Sullivan, 19-year-old Jushane Edwards, and a 22-year-old security guard known only as Famous Amos. Jushane’s sister, Simmoneke Walters, expressed her grief and anger, wishing the same fate upon the killers. ‘My little brother was just 19 years old. He was jovial, feisty, but not a bad person. You just came and took his life,’ she lamented.

In response to the tragedy, Prime Minister Dr. Andrew Holness, National Security Minister Dr. Horace Chang, and Police Commissioner Dr. Kevin Blake visited the community to offer their condolences and announce a $2-million reward for information leading to the arrests of the killers. Assistant Commissioner of Police Christopher Phillips described the incident as gang-related and vowed to bring the perpetrators to justice. ‘It is a very, very awful scene. For somebody to turn an M16 on a four-year-old, it speaks to the kind of evil mindset we have to encounter,’ he stated.

The community remains in shock, with residents describing the incident as ‘wicked’ and ‘traumatizing.’ The Jamaica Constabulary Force has mobilized all available resources to investigate the case, with the Major Investigations Division leading the charge. As the community mourns, they seek solace in the hope that justice will prevail.

Over 400 women from diverse backgrounds gathered at the Moon Palace All Inclusive Resort in St Ann, Jamaica, from September 26 for the Church of God of Prophecy Jamaica’s (COGOP) Daughters Unlocked (DU) Women’s Empowerment Conference. This transformative three-day event, themed ‘Beyond the Beyond,’ aimed to inspire women and girls aged 13-65 to transcend limitations and embrace their divine purpose. The conference featured a stellar lineup of speakers, including Apostle Isi Igenegba from Nigeria, Dr Terri-Karelle Johnson, Pastor Lecia Williams, and host Minister Nickeisha Smith, COGOP’s national women’s ministry director. Attendees explored topics ranging from faith and identity to economic empowerment and personal development. A highlight of the event was the ‘Women in Business – The Village’ experience, which provided a platform for female leaders to showcase their businesses and products. The conference also introduced ‘Girls Unlocked,’ a mentorship program for young women aged 13-17, offering guidance on communication, financial literacy, and personal growth. The event was enriched by powerful worship sessions led by Psalmists Minister Marsha Jarrett, Ja-Donne Grey, and Ayana Bonner, accompanied by the Rhoda Isabella Ministries (RIM) Band. Supported by sponsors such as Signature Products and Awards, Jamaica Public Service, and Cari-Med Group, the conference has grown significantly since its inception in 2019, impacting countless lives through spiritual growth, healing, and empowerment. The ministry also partnered with the End Period Poverty Campaign, providing resources and support for vulnerable women and girls. Conference planning committee chairperson, Minister Sheriann Ward, emphasized that Daughters Unlocked is more than an event—it is a community fostering faith, miracles, and spiritual awakening.

In Trelawny, Jamaica, the sudden disappearance of 77-year-old Dennis Mahoney, a dedicated worker at the Hampden Estate distillery, has left his family and community in distress. Mahoney was last seen leaving his Vanzie Land, Falmouth home for work on Monday, September 22. Despite extensive search efforts involving over 50 people, including members of the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF), Jamaica Defence Force (JDF), and local residents, there has been no trace of him. Canine units, drones, and military equipment were deployed during the search, which covered dense areas of Tilston, Wakefield, and nearby communities. Deputy Superintendent of Police Peter Salkey confirmed that the operation, which lasted from 9:00 am to 2:00 pm, yielded no results. Mahoney’s wife, Roselyn, remains hopeful, stating, ‘We don’t know what happened, but we still keep the faith.’ The family is urging anyone with information to contact the Falmouth Police Station or the nearest police station. Mahoney is described as having a brown complexion, medium build, and standing approximately 185 centimetres (6 feet 1 inch) tall.

A 20-year-old Canadian resident from Brampton, Ontario, was detained at Norman Manley International Airport in Kingston, Jamaica, on Sunday evening. Authorities reportedly discovered approximately two pounds of a plant-based substance resembling ganja (marijuana) in his luggage during a routine inspection. The incident has prompted an ongoing investigation by local law enforcement. This arrest comes just months after a high-profile narcotics bust at the same airport in March, where a British couple was apprehended for allegedly smuggling cocaine valued at $92.7 million. The recent case underscores the continued vigilance of Jamaican authorities in combating drug trafficking and illegal substance transportation through its airports.

In a remarkable display of philanthropy, the Miami-based Paquee Golf Club has successfully raised J$10.5 million (approximately $68,000 USD) through its inaugural charity golf tournament. The funds will benefit Mustard Seed Communities, a non-profit organization dedicated to caring for disabled and abandoned children and adults in Jamaica and beyond. This significant contribution underscores the club’s commitment to social causes and its alignment with values of community and compassion.