标签： Jamaica

KINGSTON, Jamaica — A fire that broke out at Manor Court Apartments on Constant Spring Road has been successfully extinguished by the Jamaica Fire Brigade (JFB). The incident, which caused significant damage to the roof of one apartment unit, was swiftly contained thanks to the rapid response of firefighters from Trench Town and Stony Hill stations. JFB spokesperson Steward Beckford confirmed to Observer Online that no injuries or fatalities were reported, emphasizing that the fire was confined to the roof area. While the exact cause of the blaze and the extent of the financial damage remain under investigation, the quick action of the JFB team prevented further escalation. Firefighters were seen atop the building, diligently working to douse the flames and secure the premises.

KINGSTON, Jamaica — Senator Dana Morris Dixon, Minister of Education, Youth and Information, has called on all Jamaicans to take collective responsibility for the safety and well-being of the nation’s children. Her statement comes as authorities intensify efforts to locate Jayden Smith, a 12-year-old student from Manchester High School, who has been missing since last Friday.

As the search for 12-year-old Jayden Smith enters its fifth day, his aunt and guardian, Ann-Marie Thompson, has vehemently denied allegations of mistreatment being the cause of his disappearance. Thompson, who has cared for Jayden since he was five, emphasized her dedication to his well-being, stating, ‘I got his birth certificate, ensured he was fully immunized, and supported his academic success.’ Jayden, the top student and valedictorian at Bethabara Primary School, went missing last Friday after attending classes at Manchester High School. Thompson addressed rumors linking his disappearance to a minor incident involving her two-year-old grandson, clarifying that the injury was accidental and that she had not been harsh with Jayden. She speculated that Jayden might be grappling with guilt over the incident, given his reserved nature. Thompson also condemned prank calls about Jayden’s whereabouts, which have added to her distress. The search, involving firefighters, police, soldiers, and community members, has yet to yield credible leads. Manchester High School Principal Jasford Gabriel expressed hope for Jayden’s safe return, noting the emotional toll on his classmates. Thompson appealed to the public for information, describing Jayden as a loving, humble, and helpful child. The community remains united in their efforts to bring Jayden home.

KINGSTON, Jamaica—The Financial Investigations Division (FID) has announced a significant expansion of its nationwide public-education initiative aimed at raising awareness about financial crimes and their societal impact. Through a multi-platform approach, the FID is equipping citizens, businesses, and regulated sectors with essential knowledge to identify, prevent, and report illicit financial activities. Key components of the campaign include the radio series “FID in Action,” the audiovisual podcast “Follow The Money,” and a dedicated Money Mule Awareness program. These resources provide practical insights into how financial crimes operate, highlight warning signs, and outline steps for reporting suspicious behavior. Recent efforts have particularly targeted young professionals, the unemployed, and small business owners, cautioning them against allowing their identities, bank accounts, or businesses to be exploited for illegal fund transfers—a practice that could result in criminal charges under the Proceeds of Crime Act (POCA). Dennis Chung, FID’s chief technical director, emphasized the critical role of public education in Jamaica’s fight against financial crime. He stated, “By demystifying complex topics like scams, cyber-enabled fraud, and asset recovery, we empower Jamaicans to safeguard themselves and their enterprises.” The campaign complements the FID’s investigative and inter-agency efforts, aligning with its legal mandate to disseminate typologies and statistics that aid in crime prevention. New episodes of “FID in Action” air biweekly on Nationwide 90FM, while “Follow The Money” is released monthly on the FID’s YouTube channel and major podcast platforms. The “Money Mule” campaign further engages stakeholders through news stories, digital ads, and town hall meetings.

WASHINGTON, United States (AFP) — Jane Goodall, the British primatologist whose groundbreaking work with chimpanzees revolutionized wildlife research and conservation, has died at the age of 91. Her passing was announced by the Jane Goodall Institute on Wednesday via an Instagram statement. Goodall, who was on a speaking tour in the United States, passed away peacefully in her sleep in Los Angeles.

Goodall’s legacy is one of profound transformation in the understanding of chimpanzees and their behavior. Her most notable discovery was the use of tools by chimpanzees, a revelation that redefined the boundaries between humans and animals. Born in London on April 3, 1934, Goodall’s fascination with animals began in childhood, nurtured by her father’s gift of a stuffed toy chimpanzee. Her passion led her to Kenya in 1957, where she worked with renowned palaeoanthropologist Louis Leakey, who later sent her to study chimpanzees in Tanzania.

Her work at Gombe National Park not only advanced scientific knowledge but also positioned Tanzania as a global leader in chimpanzee conservation. Goodall’s findings challenged the notion that chimpanzees were inherently peaceful, revealing their capacity for violence, including infanticide and territorial wars.

In 1977, she founded the Jane Goodall Institute to further her research and conservation efforts. In 1991, she launched Roots & Shoots, a youth-led environmental program now active in over 60 countries. Her activism intensified in the 1980s after learning about the threats chimpanzees faced, including exploitation in medical research, hunting for bushmeat, and habitat destruction.

Goodall’s influence extended beyond science. She authored numerous books, appeared in documentaries, and received prestigious honors, including being named a Dame Commander by Britain and awarded the US Presidential Medal of Freedom. Her message of empowerment resonated globally, emphasizing the role of individuals in making a positive impact on the planet.

Tributes from conservationists, politicians, and entertainers poured in following her passing. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres described her as a ‘Messenger of Peace,’ while Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan highlighted her pioneering contributions to wildlife conservation. Actress Jane Fonda, a fellow environmental activist, urged people to honor Goodall’s legacy by treating the earth and its beings with love and respect.

Goodall’s life was marked by resilience and dedication. She married twice, first to Dutch nobleman and wildlife photographer Baron Hugo van Lawick, with whom she had her only child, Hugo Eric Louis van Lawick. Her second marriage was to Tanzanian lawmaker Derek Bryceson, who later died of cancer.

Her final video, posted before her death, captured her enduring spirit. Clad in her trademark green, she greeted her audience with a chimpanzee call, a testament to her lifelong connection with the species she dedicated her life to understanding and protecting.

In a landmark ruling on Tuesday, the Supreme Court found Andrew “French” Wright, Oneil Hope, and Rudolph Barnes guilty of multiple counts of fraud, including conspiracy to defraud, acquisition and use of criminal property, and larceny as a servant. The charges stem from a $222 million fraud scheme against INSPORTS, a government sports agency, between 2010 and 2017. The case was uncovered following an internal audit and subsequent investigation by the Major Organised Crime and Anti-Corruption Agency. Wright, a former financial controller at INSPORTS and a prominent party promoter, was arrested in 2013 while contesting his dismissal from the agency. He was convicted on 13 counts of fraud by Justice Ann-Marie Lawrence-Grainger in the Home Circuit Court in Kingston. Hope and Barnes were found guilty on eight and 11 counts, respectively. Attorneys for Wright and Hope have announced plans to appeal the verdict, citing multiple grounds for challenging the decision. Wright’s legal team argued that his earnings were from his party promotion business, Chug It, but the court dismissed this claim, stating that INSPORTS funds were “intertwined” with his personal finances. The court also highlighted evidence of fraudulent invoices and unauthorized payments, leading to significant financial losses for INSPORTS. All three defendants have been remanded until their sentencing on November 21. Meanwhile, three former INSPORTS employees were acquitted of any wrongdoing.