CLARENDON, Jamaica — In a chilling turn of events, the decomposed body of a missing 13-year-old student, Santina Sergeant, was discovered on Monday evening in a burnt-out refrigerator behind her family home in Baillieston, Clarendon. The grim discovery has sent shockwaves through the community and her school, Christiana High in Manchester. Sergeant, who had recently transferred from Excelsior High, was reported missing by her father on Friday, October 3. A search team from the Christiana Police Station located the body in an advanced state of decomposition, hidden in bushes under a zinc sheet near the refrigerator. The school has arranged grief counseling for students and staff as they grapple with the loss of a young life. The incident has cast a sombre mood over the community, with authorities continuing their investigation into the circumstances surrounding her death.
标签: Jamaica
牙买加
-

WATCH: Manchester farmer suspected to have committed suicide in Craighead
MANCHESTER, Jamaica — A somber atmosphere envelops the community of Craighead, Manchester, following the tragic death of 39-year-old farmer Orlando Murray, affectionately known as “Dussy.” On Tuesday afternoon, Murray was discovered lifeless, hanging from a pimento tree with a sheet secured around his neck. The grim discovery occurred between 1:30 pm and 2:00 pm, leaving residents in shock. According to a police report, the incident is being treated as a suspected suicide. Barrington Murray, the deceased’s uncle, expressed disbelief, stating that his nephew had shown no signs of depression. Described as a diligent and hardworking farmer, Orlando Murray’s untimely demise has left many questioning the circumstances. His uncle revealed that Murray had been grappling with emotional distress following the end of a romantic relationship, which he referred to as a “broken heart.” The community now mourns the loss of a dedicated individual while grappling with the complexities of mental health and personal struggles.
-

Student in critical condition after being hit by minivan
A tragic incident unfolded in Westmoreland, Jamaica, on Monday, leaving a 15-year-old student from the Llandilo School of Special Education in critical condition. The teenager was struck by a minivan while attempting to cross the Sheffield main road. The accident, captured in a widely circulated social media video, shows the boy moving erratically across the roadway before trying to leap to the opposite side. Unfortunately, he was hit by an oncoming vehicle. A local resident promptly transported the injured boy to the hospital, where he remains in critical condition. Authorities are investigating the circumstances surrounding the incident, which has sparked concerns about road safety in the area.
-

Fraser-Pryce announces retirement after historic 18-year sprinting career
KINGSTON, Jamaica — Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce, the most decorated 100-meter sprinter in history, has officially announced her retirement from competitive track and field, marking the end of an extraordinary 18-year career that has left an indelible mark on the world of athletics. The Jamaican sprint icon, a three-time Olympic gold medalist and ten-time World Champion, made the announcement on Tuesday, reflecting on her journey with profound gratitude and pride.
-

From Porus to Dallas: Dr Cemorne Baugh’s journey of family, faith and fortitude
Dr. Cemorne Baugh, born in the small town of Porus, Manchester, Jamaica, has emerged as a trailblazer in healthcare leadership in Dallas, Texas. Her journey from a reserved student-athlete at Manchester High School to a senior healthcare administrator and PhD holder is a testament to her resilience and determination. Growing up in a large, supportive family of seven brothers and one sister, Dr. Baugh credits her mother, Charmine Townsend Lambert, for instilling values of strength, humility, and service. Despite facing numerous obstacles, including becoming a young mother at 21, she persevered, using every challenge as fuel for her ambition. Today, Dr. Baugh is a senior healthcare administrator overseeing a skilled nursing facility with over 150 employees. She is dedicated to improving healthcare delivery and supporting nurses, who she believes are the heart of patient care. Her dissertation, “Nursing Home Nurses’ Transition to Agency Roles,” contributes to research on nursing workforce challenges. Beyond her professional achievements, Dr. Baugh remains committed to youth development, coaching track and field and imparting lessons of discipline and resilience to young athletes. Her story is a powerful reminder of the transformative power of determination, faith, and perseverance.
-

St Mary escapee back in custody
In a dramatic turn of events, 29-year-old Herbie Ballentine, also known as ‘Junior,’ from Frazerwood, Highgate, St Mary, Jamaica, who had escaped police custody on Friday, October 3, voluntarily surrendered to authorities on Monday. Ballentine had initially been apprehended after a confrontation with the police earlier that day, during which he sustained gunshot injuries. He was subsequently hospitalized under police supervision. However, while being transferred from the Independent Commission of Investigations (INDECOM) to police personnel, Ballentine managed to flee the scene. Accompanied by his attorney, Ballentine presented himself at the Islington police station, where he was promptly arrested and taken into custody. The investigation into the incident remains ongoing, with further details expected to emerge as the case progresses.
-

Pope Leo to make first papal trip to Turkey and Lebanon
VATICAN CITY, Holy See — Pope Leo XIV is set to undertake a significant six-day journey to Turkey and Lebanon, marking his first international trip since ascending to the papacy. The Vatican announced on Tuesday that the 70-year-old American pontiff will commence his visit on November 27, with a three-day stay in Turkey followed by a two-day visit to Lebanon.
-

Energy, pride and legacy shine at TTFF screening of Bam Bam: The Sister Nancy Story
The Trinidad and Tobago Film Festival (TTFF) recently witnessed a momentous occasion with the screening of *Bam Bam: The Sister Nancy Story*, a documentary celebrating the life and groundbreaking contributions of dancehall pioneer Sister Nancy. The event, held at Woodbrook Place in Port of Spain, drew a packed audience, creating an electrifying atmosphere as attendees gathered to honor the iconic artist. The evening was elevated when Sister Nancy herself joined via phone call, expressing gratitude and love, which resonated deeply with the crowd. Jamaican filmmaker Saeed Thomas shared his pride in seeing Sister Nancy’s journey depicted on screen, emphasizing the importance of preserving Jamaica’s musical heritage. Trinidad and Tobago filmmaker Cathy-Mae Sitaram praised the documentary’s creative execution, highlighting the seamless integration of narratives, interviews, and editing. Haitian-Canadian filmmaker Henri Pardo was inspired by Sister Nancy’s enduring strength and independence, while director Alison Duke revealed her personal motivation for the project, citing Sister Nancy’s unapologetic authenticity as a source of inspiration. Mariel Brown, TTFF festival director, reflected on the festival’s triumphant return, noting the overwhelming support from filmmakers and volunteers alike, reaffirming its role in showcasing Caribbean stories.
-

Spain, Inter Miami star Alba retiring at end of season
MIAMI, United States (AFP) – Jordi Alba, the celebrated Spanish international defender and former Barcelona star, revealed on Tuesday his decision to retire from professional football at the conclusion of the current Major League Soccer (MLS) season. Alba, who earned 93 caps for Spain between 2011 and 2023 and played a pivotal role in Barcelona’s dominance during that era, shared the news in an emotional Instagram post.
-

US Supreme Court hears challenge to ‘conversion therapy’ ban for minors
The US Supreme Court is currently deliberating a significant case involving a Christian therapist’s challenge to Colorado’s law prohibiting ‘conversion therapy’ for minors questioning their gender identity or sexual orientation. The plaintiff, Kaley Chiles, a licensed mental health counselor, contends that the 2019 law infringes upon her First Amendment rights to free speech. Her legal team, represented by attorney James Campbell, argued that Colorado’s prohibition restricts counselors from assisting minors in aligning their gender and sexuality with their personal beliefs, labeling it as unconstitutional censorship. Colorado’s law, which bans licensed professionals from attempting to alter the sexual orientation or gender identity of individuals under 18, is supported by extensive evidence linking conversion therapy to heightened risks of depression, anxiety, and suicidal tendencies. The case is being heard by a conservative-majority Supreme Court, with Chiles backed by the Alliance Defending Freedom, a Christian legal advocacy group. This legal battle follows previous rulings by lower courts in favor of Colorado and coincides with broader national debates on gender identity and LGBTQ+ rights. The Supreme Court’s decision could have far-reaching implications for similar laws across the country, as well as for ongoing cultural and legal conflicts surrounding transgender rights and healthcare.
